Paris: Napoleon Walking Tour with Les Invalides & Tomb Entry

Exploring Napoleon’s Paris: A Practical and Engaging Walking Tour

If you’re fascinated by Napoleon Bonaparte and want to see Paris through his eyes, this Paris: Napoleon Walking Tour with Les Invalides & Tomb Entry offers a well-rounded glimpse into his life, achievements, and legacy. For just $60 per person, you get a guided stroll through iconic sites, skip-the-line access to Napoleon’s final resting place, and plenty of historical insights packed into three hours.

What we really appreciate about this experience is the expert-guided storytelling—your guide shares stories that are both entertaining and educational, making history come alive. One small caveat is that the tour’s focus on Napoleon’s story might feel a bit narrow for those seeking a broader Paris experience. However, if you’re a history buff or a Napoleon enthusiast, this tour is a perfect fit, especially for travelers who enjoy walking and want a more intimate look at the city’s imperial past.

Key Points

• Insightful storytelling from knowledgeable guides who bring Napoleon’s story to life
• Skip-the-line access to Napoleon’s tomb and the Army Museum saves valuable time
• Ideal for history lovers wanting a focused, in-depth look at Napoleon’s influence on Paris
• Includes iconic sites like Champs-Élysées, Place de la Concorde, and the Arc de Triomphe
• Self-guided exploration at the Army Museum allows you to take your time viewing artifacts
• Great value for the price, considering the access and guided storytelling

An In-Depth Look at the Napoleon Walking Tour

This tour is designed to give you a comprehensive yet manageable overview of Napoleon’s impact on Paris. Starting at Place Vendôme outside Boucheron, you’ll be greeted by your guide, who will be holding a flag that reads “One Journey”. This spot is perfect for meeting because it’s central, elegant, and easy to find.

The Start at Pont Alexandre III

Your journey kicks off with a walk over the Pont Alexandre III, an architectural marvel known for its ornate design and views over the Seine. Here, your guide will explain how Napoleon’s ambitions influenced Paris’s landscape, shaping it into a city that reflected his imperial grandeur. We loved the way the guide connected the architecture to Napoleon’s vision, making the city itself a living monument to his reign.

Strolling Along the Champs-Élysées

Next, you’ll amble down the Champs-Élysées, once a battlefield route transformed into the most famous avenue in Paris. Your guide will share stories of Napoleon’s armies marching here, and you’ll get a sense of how this boulevard became a symbol of his military triumphs. Several reviewers, such as Seng from Singapore, mention how “Linda, our guide, was friendly and helpful”, making the experience lively and engaging.

The Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel and Tuileries Garden

Walking past the Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel and through the Tuileries Garden, the tour offers scenic views and historical context. These sites are not just pretty—they are woven into Napoleon’s story, representing both military victories and the transformation of Paris into an imperial capital.

Passing By the Louvre

While the tour doesn’t stop inside the Louvre, you’ll pass by this iconic museum, gaining a quick visual reminder of Paris’s artistic heart and how Napoleon’s era influenced arts and culture.

The Final Destination: Les Invalides and Napoleon’s Tomb

The highlight for many is the skip-the-line visit to Les Invalides, where Napoleon’s tomb is housed beneath a stunning golden dome. The fact that you bypass the long queues makes this a real plus, especially during busy seasons. Once inside, you’ll explore the Musée de l’Armée, where exhibits range from personal artifacts to military weapons. Your guide will clarify their significance, helping you understand Napoleon beyond his battlefield image—covering his reforms, ambitions, and complex personality.

Standing before his tomb, you’ll likely feel the weight of history. Several reviews, including Karrie from the US, mention how “super interesting” the tour was, thanks in part to the guide’s depth of knowledge.

Self-Guided Exploration of the Army Museum

After the guided portion, you’re free to roam the Army Museum at your own pace, exploring Napoleon’s military campaigns, personal items, and the broader history of French armies. The included tickets make this an excellent value, giving you time to focus on what interests you most.

End at the Artillery Courtyard

The tour concludes in the Artillery Courtyard, surrounded by Napoleon’s cannons. It’s a fitting spot to reflect on his military genius and the profound influence he had on Europe. Based on reviews, this final stop helps tie the experience together—an inspiring and somewhat sobering reminder of a man who changed history.

Practical Details and How It Adds to Your Experience

Considering the 3-hour duration, this tour strikes a balance between depth and manageability. It’s ideal for travelers who want a dedicated, focused look at Napoleon without spending an entire day. The tour’s price of $60 is reasonable when you factor in skip-the-line entry, the guided storytelling, and museum tickets.

The meeting point at Place Vendôme is central and accessible. The guide’s presence, holding a recognizable flag, makes it easy to find the group. As the tour is in English and involves walking, it’s best suited for those who are comfortable on their feet and don’t mind a bit of outdoor weather.

One review mentions that “your tickets don’t scan”, highlighting the importance of arriving prepared with your smartphone or printed confirmation. Also, this experience doesn’t include transportation beyond the meeting point, so plan your arrival accordingly.

Highlights and Considerations

• The guided tour’s strength is in the storytellers—many guests comment on how “Linda was very knowledgeable” and made history engaging.
• The skip-the-line access to Napoleon’s tomb means you avoid long waits, especially during busy times.
• The self-guided exploration in the Army Museum offers a flexible way to absorb history at your own pace.
• Some reviews indicate that at times, the tour may lack extensive new information, but the expert narration helps compensate.
• The combination of outdoor walking and indoor museum visits provides variety, but be prepared for a fair amount of walking and some standing.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is perfect for history enthusiasts, especially those interested in Napoleon and military history. It’s also a good choice for travelers who enjoy guided walking tours that combine storytelling with sightseeing. If you want to see Napoleon’s final resting place without the hassle of long lines, this tour offers excellent value.

However, if you’re more interested in broader Paris sights or art, you might want to combine this with other tours. It’s less ideal for those seeking a comprehensive city tour or traveling with very young children, given the walking involved.

Final Thoughts

The Napoleon Walking Tour provides a well-balanced mix of storytelling, sightseeing, and exclusive access to key sites. The knowledgeable guides and stunning views make it a memorable way to connect with Paris’s imperial past.

The inclusion of skip-the-line access to Napoleon’s tomb and the Army Museum makes it especially worthwhile for those eager to avoid queues and dive straight into history. While some might find the focus a bit narrow, it’s a deeply informative tour that offers plenty for history lovers to savor.

For travelers interested in military history, imperial ambitions, or simply eager to see Napoleon’s Paris from a different perspective, this tour is a worthwhile addition to your itinerary. It combines practical convenience with engaging storytelling—an authentic and educational experience to remember.

FAQ

Is transportation provided to the tour start point?
No, the tour begins at the designated meeting point outside Boucheron at Place Vendôme. Travelers are responsible for getting there on their own.

How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts approximately 3 hours, including guided walking, museum visit, and free time at the Army Museum.

Is there a dress code or special attire required?
There’s no specific dress code, but since you’ll be walking outdoors, comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing are recommended.

Are children allowed on the tour?
The tour does not specify age restrictions, but it involves walking and museum visits, so it’s best suited for older children and adults. Baby strollers, large bags, and luggage are not permitted.

What sites are covered during the tour?
You’ll visit Place Vendôme, Pont Alexandre III, Champs-Élysées, Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel, Tuileries Garden, and pass by the Louvre before heading to Les Invalides.

Can I skip the museum if I prefer just the walking tour?
The museum visit and Napoleon’s tomb are part of the package, but once inside Les Invalides, you can explore at your own pace after the guided portion.

Is the guide knowledgeable about Napoleon?
Yes, reviews mention guides like Linda being very engaging and well-informed, providing insights beyond just basic facts.

Will I need to buy additional tickets for sites?
No, your ticket includes skip-the-line access to Napoleon’s tomb and admission to the Army Museum.

What should I bring?
Bring your confirmation, comfortable shoes, water, and perhaps a small camera. No large bags or luggage are allowed.

Is this tour suitable for people with mobility issues?
The tour involves walking outdoors and within the museum, so it may not be ideal for those with mobility challenges.

This detailed walk through Napoleon’s Paris is a fantastic way to connect with France’s imperial past without the hassle of planning every detail yourself. Whether you’re a history lover or just curious about Napoleon’s story, this tour offers a thoughtful and engaging experience worth considering.