Brimming with a wealth of fascinating history and home to several superb museums, Les Invalides is an attraction definitely worthy of a visit whilst staying in the wonderful city of Paris.
Located within easy reach of many of our Paris holiday apartments, the enormous complex is also the residence of Napoleon’s tomb, which is a sight certainly not to be missed. Conveniently situated within the 7th arrondissement of Paris, an area which is adorned with must see sights and attractions including the world famous Eiffel Tower, you will find the superb Les Invalides.
Officially known as L’Hôtel National des Invalides (The National Residence of the Invalids), this huge complex was originally created in the late 1600s to provide accommodation for injured and retiring war veterans under the orders of King Louis XIV. Amongst the buildings are several fascinating museums, together with a hospital, a church and various burial sites, tombs and vaults.
Designed by the architect Libéral Bruant in 1671, Les Invalides features a magnificent front façade which measures a staggering 196 metres long, as well as 15 charming courtyards. The largest of the courtyards was named Cour d’Honneur, meaning Court of Honour, and was used regularly for military parades and events.
The complex took just over 5 years to build and could accommodate up to 4000 veterans of war, providing them with high quality facilities and offering a place for them in its very own, on-site retirement home. Nowadays, Les Invalides has become a popular tourist attraction, welcoming visitors from all over the world. Within the buildings are numerous museums, including the Musée des Plans-Reliefs, which exhibits maps and models of pre 17th century cities and fortresses, and the Musée de l’ordre de la Libération, which is dedicated to General Charles de Gaulle. Another museum, which is definitely worthy of a visit, is the Musée de l’Armée, an educational military museum which is brimming with a fine selection of war uniforms, medals and weapons that have been used throughout the ages.
At the centre of the complex is a gigantic structure named Dôme des Invalides, which was originally built as a chapel for use by the French Royal family. Completed in the early 1700s, the chapel boasts some beautiful examples of French Baroque architecture and features a striking gold coloured dome which proudly stands at over 100 metres high. It is here, within the dome, that the tomb of Napoleon Bonaparte can be found. The tomb is surrounded by numerous figures; each one designed to represent Napoleon’s victories, and is overlooked by a large statue of Napoleon himself. Alongside the Dôme des Invalides is the stunning Church of Saint-Louis, which was built by Jules Hardouin Mansart as an annex to the complex and opened for use in 1679. It was often referred to as the ‘Church of the Soldiers’ as it was here that they would attend daily services.
Les Invalides is a highly recommended place to explore whilst visiting the city of Paris and offers a wealth of history and education. Further information regarding opening times and ticket prices for the main museum (Musée de l’Armée), including a pass into the Dome and several other museums, can be found on the official website – www.musee-armee.fr/en/english-version.html.
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