Paris's Invalides district is home to some of the capital's most iconic monuments. Here's our complete guide to visit Les Invalides and surroundings in one day, tested by the Café Max team.

9:00 AM - Start Your Day at Les Invalides

Begin with a coffee on a terrace in the 7th arrondissement. The morning Parisian atmosphere, before tourist crowds, is magical.

9:30 AM - Dôme des Invalides and Napoleon's Tomb

First stop: the Dôme des Invalides and Napoleon's tomb. Under this spectacular golden dome rests the Emperor. Baroque architecture and French military history unfold in sumptuous surroundings.

Practical info: Book tickets at musee-armee.fr. Open 10am-6pm (avoid 1st Monday). Duration: 1h30.

11:30 AM - Army Museum

In the same complex, the Army Museum houses one of the world's richest collections. Medieval armor, Napoleon's weapons, WWI & WWII memorabilia: plan 1h minimum.

12:30 PM - Bistro Lunch at Café Max ⭐

2 minutes walk from Les Invalides, Café Max welcomes you for a gourmet lunch break. Our historic bistro (7 avenue de la Motte-Picquet) has been the insiders' address since 1941.

Our pick: daily special on the blackboard (market produce) paired with a glass from our 500+ wine selection. Sunny terrace or authentic red banquettes depending on weather.

Budget: €25-35. Book online to secure your table.

2:30 PM - Rodin Museum and Gardens

Cultural digestion at the Rodin Museum (8 min walk). The French gardens are an exceptional green setting. The thinking Thinker, the passionate Kiss, the monumental Gates of Hell: sculptures discovered outdoors.

Tip: Gardens-only access costs €4 (vs €13 full museum). Perfect for a green break!

4:00 PM - Champ de Mars Walk and École Militaire

Head to the Eiffel Tower via Champ de Mars (15 min walk). This immense lawn offers THE iconic perspective of the Iron Lady. Along the way, admire the École Militaire, an 18th-century masterpiece still in operation.

4:30 PM - Eiffel Tower Ascent

Late afternoon = best time to go up the Eiffel Tower. Golden light perfect for photos, then sunset spectacle over Paris from the 2nd floor (or summit at 276m).

Ticketing: Mandatory booking at toureiffel.paris. Often sold out, book 1 week ahead. 2nd floor: €19, Summit: €29.

7:00 PM - Parisian Evening

Option 1 - Dinner at Café Max: Return to bistro (10 min metro line 8) for evening service (7:30pm-9:45pm). More intimate atmosphere, full menu, great wines. Perfect to debrief your day.

Option 2 - Trocadéro then Café Max: Cross Seine to Trocadéro (spectacular view of illuminated Eiffel Tower), then metro La Tour Maubourg for dinner.

Budget and Practical Info

Full day budget:

Walking distance: ~5 km easy (flat area).

Best period: April-October (gardens, terraces). Winter has its charm with Paris in the mist.

Total duration: 9-10h with breaks. Doable in half-day if you skip Eiffel Tower.

Chef's Advice

"The 7th is our neighborhood. Every street has its history, every monument its secret. At Café Max, we welcome visitors and regulars with the same care. After Les Invalides, come share your discovery over a bold dish!"

— Frédéric Vardon, Chef Owner

📍 Café Max Invalides Stopover
7 Avenue de la Motte-Picquet, 75007 Paris
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