Dôme des Invalides - Tomb of Napoléon I

From the lawns of the Invalides, admire the perfect symmetry of this chapel, designed by Jules Hardouin-Mansart and built between 1677 and 1707 under Louis XIV. Its façade includes two columned levels tucked under a pediment that points up towards a magnificent golden cupola. With its gilded lantern stretching up to 107 metres, the building possesses without doubt the most beautiful dome in France. In fact, it inspired the Capitol Building in the United States. Now part of the Army Museum, the Invalides Dome is Napoleon Bonaparte’s final resting place.

The Emperor’s Tomb

Above the staircase leading to the crypt you can read the emperor’s wishes: “I want my ashes to lie on the banks of the Seine, in the midst of the French people I have loved so well.” Twenty years after Napoleon’s death in 1821 on the island of Saint Helena, his remains were repatriated to the Invalides on the orders of King Louis-Philippe. The construction of the tomb took nearly another 20 years, so his body was only laid to rest here in 1861. The sarcophagus, sculpted in blocks of red quartzite, is placed on a green granite base. At the back of the crypt stands a statue of Napoleon I dressed in his imperial robes.

The Dome brought to life with Aura

Aura Invalides is a monumental immersive evening experience. For almost 50 minutes, (re)discover the richness of the building guided by light and video mapping. As you explore the building and its chapels, the invisible is gradually revealed.

Discover the Dôme des Invalides - Tomb of Napoléon I through one of the treasure hunts in the Paris Region Adventures application specially designed for families and downloadable free of charge.

Napoleon I left a profound imprint on Paris and the surrounding region. Follow the guide and discover the Napoleonic legend.