Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
TOP SIGHT
HÔTEL DES INVALIDES
The Hôtel des Invalides was built in the 1670s by Louis XIV to provide hous-
ing for 4000 invalides (disabled war veterans). On 14 July 1789, a mob forced
its way into the building and, after fierce fighting, seized 32,000 rifles before
heading on to storm the prison at Bastille and starting the French Revolution.
At the southern end of the esplanade, laid out between 1704 and 1720, is the
final resting place of Napoléon.
North of the main courtyard is the
Musée de l'Armée
- the nation's largest collection on
French military history. Sobering wartime footage screens at this army museum, which also
has weaponry, flag and medal displays as well as a multimedia area dedicated to Charles de
Gaulle.
South of the main courtyard is the
Église du Dôme
, which, with its sparkling golden
dome (1677-1735), is one of the finest religious edifices erected under Louis XIV, and was
the inspiration for the United States' Capitol building.
The very extravagant
Tombeau de Napoléon 1er
(Napoléon's Tomb), in the centre of the
Église du Dôme, comprises six coffins fitting into one another like a Russian doll.
Also south of the main courtyard is the
Église St-Louis des Invalides
, once used by sol-
diers.
Within the Hôtel des Invalides itself, the esoteric
Musée des Plans-Reliefs
is full of scale
models of towns, fortresses and châteaux across France.
Hours for some of the Hôtel des Invalides' individual sites can vary - check the website
for updates. Regular classical concerts (some free, others costing up to €9) take place here
year-round.
