Les Invalides

Les Invalides is known as Hotel National des Invalides, is a complex of buildings, containing museums and monuments dedicated to the Military history of France. The original purpose of the building was to house war veterans and a hospital. The building houses the military museum of the Army of France, The Musée de l’Armée, the Musée des Plans-Reliefs, The Musée d’Histoire Contemporaine and the Dome des Invalides.

King Louis XIV commissioned The Hôtel des Invalides on November 24th, 1670. In recognition of the sacrifices made by the soldiers who fought in his wars. Within five years, the construction of the care homes was finished by the architect Libéral Bruant. The project was completed in 1676 and the complex had fifteen courtyards, the biggest one was the court of respect which was designed for military parades.

After the completion of the Veterans Chapel, King Louis XIV ordered Mansart to built a separate private royal chapel, known as the Église du Dôme, the chapel was completed in 1708.

In the 19th century, the floor of the Dome Church was removed and the crypt was converted into the tomb of Napolean I. The tomb was designed by architect Louis-Tullius-Joachim Visconti and completed in 1861, 40 years after Napoleon’s death. Within the Dome church are Napoleon’s son Napoleon II and his brothers Joseph and Jerome Bonaparte, as well as several generals and marshals of the French Army.

The Cave of Governors holds the remains of notables, including Claude-Joseph Rouget de Lisle, General Gabriel de Galbert, General Bertrand Ract-Madoux among others.

During the French Revolution, Les Invalides was invaded and the weapons from its collection were used in the famous storming of the Bastille. A historical day for France, today its celebrated as France’s National Holiday. Bastille Day is on the 14th of July.

In 1905 Les Invalides has been home to the Army Museum, which has a large collection of armour, arms, paintings and decorations from different periods of French History. Within the Les Invalides, you can also find The Museum of the order of the Liberation which is dedicated to the French Heroes of World War II.

The Army Museum collection is comprised of 500,000 antiques, including various weapons, regalia and other French military gear. Extending more than 12,000 square meters, the exhibition area is split into seven departments from the ancient past all the way through to the end of World War II.

The Museum of Military Models is a piece of the Army Museum and shows around 100 three-dimensional models of fortified cities, dating from 1668 to 1870. The models were built for military purposes.

The Museum of Contemporary History houses more than one million items spanning from 1870 to the present day. The Museum looks into the social and political issues of France and the World.

Les Invalides is one of the most important complexes in France, not just on account of its incredible artistic riches and the stunning golden dome but since it is an essential piece of History of the French armada and because it is home to the tomb of Napoleon.

Les Invalides Contact Information

Official Website | Youtube | Facebook | Twitter |

Looking for Walk Tours in Paris, France? There are entire books with self-guided walking tours.

Here some of our favourite.

Lonely Planet Pocket Paris (Travel Guide)

Paris Pocket Map and Guide (DK Eyewitness Travel Guide)

The Rough Guide to Paris (Rough Guides)

How To Get There

Travelling By Bus: Bus Line 28 stops at Invalides-La Tour Maubourg stop; Bus Line 82 and 92 stop at Vauban Hôtel des Invalides stop and bus lines 63,83 and 93 stop at Invalides stop.

If Travelling by Car, There is an underground car park accessible via Esplanade des Invalides.

By Paris Metro: Line 13, Saint-Francois-Xavier, Invalides, Varenne stops; Line 8, Latour-Maubourg, Invalides stops.

Opening Hours

Information

• Construction started in 1671.
• Alternative names: Les Invalides, Musée de l’Armée.
• Architectural style: French Baroque architecture.
• Inaugurated in 1678.
• Architectural style Baroque.
• Type: Museum. church, hospital, retirement home and mausoleum.
• Alternative names: Les Invalides, Musée de l’Armée

Things to do Nearby

Best Thing about Paris is the fact that you can go anywhere and within minutes and you will find something to do, museums to visit, monuments to see and places to explore, Rodin Museum is only 2 minutes from Les Invalides, Monument des Droits de l’Homme and Wall Of Peace are less than 5 minutes away and Esplanade des Invalides a large park where you can enjoy a beautiful view and a nice picknick.

Where to stay in Paris

Nearby places to stay as cheap as possible budget under £100:

• Oops! Latin quarter by Hiphophostels: Oops boutique Hostel offers hostel accommodation in the 13th district in Paris, a 5-minute walk from Place d’Italie and its’ shopping centre. Check Price
• Villa Toscane: is located in the 15th district of Paris. The hotel’s restaurant serves traditional dishes and fish specialities for dinner. Volontaires Metro Station (Line 12) is just 100 yards away and gives you direct access to Montmartre and the Champs Elysées. Check Price
• Hotel de L’Union: in the 20th district of Paris. All of the rooms feature parquet floors, minibar and free WiFi access. Maraîchers Metro Station is just a few steps away from the property and will take you directly to Opera Garnier and Avenue des Champs Elysées via the line 9. Check Price

Nearby places to stay at a budget price over £200+:

• Saint James Paris: Located a 20-minute walk from the Champs Elysées, the Saint-James Paris is situated in an elegant 19th-century building set in its own private garden. Spa facilities in partnership with Guerlain are available on site. Maraîchers Metro Station is just a few steps away from the property and will take you directly to Opera Garnier and Avenue des Champs Elysées via the line 9.  Check Price
• Shangri-La Hotel: A former residence of Prince Roland Bonaparte and listed in the French “Monuments Historiques”, Shangri-La Hotel, Paris is a hotel palace located across the Seine and facing the Eiffel Tower. Some rooms and suites at Shangri-La Hotel, Paris offer stunning and unique views of the Eiffel Tower. Three restaurants, overseen by the Michelin starred Chef Christophe Moret, offer both a French and Asian cuisine including the 2 Michelin stars French Restaurant “L’Abeille” and France only Chinese Michelin star restaurant “Le Shang Palace”. Check Price
• The Westin Paris Vendôme:  situated in central Paris, overlooks the Jardin des Tuileries and the Eiffel Tower. It has a fitness centre and a Spa with massage treatments. The elegant air-conditioned rooms have a modern décor and city or garden views. The restaurant offers gourmet cuisine and continental breakfast served in the chic dining area or in the stylish courtyard. Check Price. 

Visiting Paris, France? We have other posts that you may enjoy that will be helpful on your trip.

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Location

Address: Place des Invalides, 75007 Paris, France | Coordinations: 48°51′18″N 2°18′45″E

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