Which days is Les Invalides closed?

Three days a year, plus some partial closures. The whole complex closes on 1 January, 1 May and 25 December. The rest of the year it opens every day, Sundays included. Two caveats: some spaces are closed on the first Monday of the month, and military ceremonies occasionally close the great courtyard.

Closed1 January

Closed1 May

Closed25 December

OpenEvery other day, Sundays included

Partial closuresFirst Monday of the month

Great courtyardClosed during ceremonies

The three hard days

They are the same as at most national museums, and there is no exception: if your Paris trip falls on 1 January, 1 May or Christmas Day, move the visit. 14 July, by contrast, is open and free: see the Bastille Day page.

The closures you do not see coming

On the first Monday of the month, some spaces are not accessible. And above all: Les Invalides remains an active military site, where parades and national tributes take place. On those days the great courtyard is closed to the public for several hours, with little notice. The museums stay open. I write about it on this page.

Local tip

Check the evening before rather than a week ahead. Ceremony closures are announced late, and they are the only ones that can spoil a well-planned visit.

Book your entry

The ticket below opens the Dôme, the tomb and the four museums, for the whole day.

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Frequently asked questions

Which days is the Hôtel des Invalides closed?

1 January, 1 May and 25 December.

Is it open on Mondays?

Yes, though some spaces close on the first Monday of the month.

Is it open on Sundays?

Yes, every Sunday of the year outside the annual closures.