All Saints’ Day break: the Army Museum at the Invalides, a family-friendly outing in Paris

And what if the autumn break Toussaint holidays were the moment to swing open the doors of the Invalides in a different way? From October 17 to November 1, 2026, the Army Museum, tucked in the 7th arrondissement of Paris, invites families to discover history through its permanent collections, guided tours, children’s workshops, and a cinema screening.

An idea for a family-friendly cultural outing in Paris, with several discounted rates to make the museum visit affordable during the school holidays.

We’re all familiar with the Dôme des Invalides, its golden silhouette towering over the Paris skyline. But how many have taken the time to discover the historical treasures kept behind the façades of this monument? The Army Museum houses one of the world’s most important military history collections. Armor, antique weapons, uniforms, historic objects and mementos of great figures let visitors trace centuries of French history, from the era of knights to the conflicts of the 20th century.

A museum the whole family can enjoy, from the youngest to the teens

The Army Museum at Les Invalides speaks to families with young children just as much as to teenagers, history buffs, and curious visitors eager to understand the past more deeply. Everyone can tailor their visit to their interests: from discovering knightly armor to focusing on Napoleon I, to exploring the history of the two world wars, or simply wandering through the rooms of a landmark Paris monument.

For children, the museum offers activities tailored to different age groups, notably 3- to 6-year-olds and 7- to 12-year-olds. The self-guided tours also let families explore at their own pace. However, some activities are restricted to specific ages and require an accompanying adult. It’s wise to check the requirements for each activity before booking.

Guided tours, workshops and cinema: what to do at the Army Museum during All Saints' Day?

During the school holidays, the museum goes beyond just exploring its collections. Its family program offers a range of ways to approach history, from observation and hands-on activities to creative projects and conversations with cultural mediators.

Among the activities announced for All Saints’ Day 2026, families can in particular look forward to discovering:

• October 18: the workshop “Napoleon and the Animals,” for children aged 3 to 6, focusing on the animals in the collections.
• October 21: the guided tour “The Invalides in 1 Hour, Family Edition,” for ages 7 and up, to discover the monument’s history and its collections.
• October 21: a screening of “Benjamin Gates and the Treasure of the Templars,” at 3:00 PM, as part of the museum’s cinema program.
• October 22 and 25: the visit “In the Footsteps of a World War I Soldier,” for ages 7 and up, with a look at daily life in the trenches.
• October 25: the workshop “The Invalides in Relief,” for ages 3–6, to imagine and craft your own Dome of the Invalides.
• October 27: the visit “In the Footsteps of a Knight,” for ages 7 and up, with handling armor pieces.
• October 28: the workshop “Create Your Shield!,” for ages 3–6, centered on the world of knights.

These sessions offer a hands-on way to explore history, complementing a traditional tour.

Guided activities and workshops have specific participation requirements and ticketing.

The Army Museum at Les Invalides

Family-friendly visit

Free admission and discounted rates: the best tips for visiting the Invalides with your family

Another factor to consider when planning a holiday outing: the Army Museum offers several free admissions and discounted rates, some of which could be especially appealing to families.

• Free admission for EU nationals under 26, subject to the applicable access conditions.
• Reduced rate for holders of the 'Famille Nombreuse' card, French nationals or residents meeting the required conditions.
• Reduced rate for holders of a monthly or annual Navigo pass.
• Special weekend offer: reduced admission for adults accompanying children under 18.

The standard admission ticket is listed at €17 at full price and €12 at the reduced rate. It grants access to the permanent collections, the Dome, and Napoleon I’s tomb, as well as other spaces and exhibitions included with the ticket. Accompanying activities may be priced separately. The necessary documents must be presented to qualify for discounts or free admission.

Les Invalides, a historic landmark that reveals itself beyond its dome

Visiting the Army Museum also means discovering the Hôtel national des Invalides, a monumental complex established under Louis XIV. Its forecourt, its galleries, its museum spaces and its famous Dome recount centuries of history.

The itinerary thus ties together the discovery of architectural heritage with a look at historic collections. A way to encounter objects from the past in a venue steeped in history, in the heart of Paris, near the Esplanade des Invalides.

The museum remains vibrant throughout the year. Beyond its permanent collection, exhibitions, concerts, talks, film screenings, and other cultural events regularly enrich its program. Some events, notably lectures and film screenings, are offered free of charge, subject to the terms of each event.

The museum welcomes visitors daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., at 129 Rue de Grenelle, Paris 7th, with an additional entrance via Place Vauban. It is conveniently served by the Métro and RER C near the Invalides. To plan a family outing during All Saints’ Day, check the workshop schedules, free admission conditions, and current availability on the official hours and rates page and on the cultural activities ticketing.