Les Invalides in Paris (Hôtel National des Invalides) is a palace ordered to be built in 1670 by King Louis XIV to house soldiers wounded in war and invalid veterans, as thanks for disposing of their lives at the service of the monarchy.
Inside the building complex is the Paris Army Museum , where you can visit Napoleon’s tomb.
At the end of the 17th century, this building housed 4,000 men , who collaborated with the maintenance of the army, since their retirement, making uniforms and footwear.
The complex also has a hospital where the most seriously injured were sent and is still in operation today, Hôpital des Invalides.
Churches of the Invalides in Paris
Two churches complete this impressive architectural complex: the Church of the Dome, so called for its great golden dome (covered with gold five times) 100 meters high; and the Cathedral of Saint Louis des Invalides, also called the Church of the Soldiers.
Both are communicated and with architectural continuity, in this way the soldiers and royalty could go to mass at the same time but without mixing.
Napoleon’s tomb
Tomb of Napoleon was installed here, under the dome of Les Invalides , whose remains were transferred from the island of Saint Helena, where he had died in exile; His ashes were placed in 1861 under the dome, in a sarcophagus surrounded by a circular gallery decorated with reliefs and statues describing the emperor’s exploits.
Museums in Les Invalides in Paris
In the Invalides there are also several important museums such as the Museum of the Navy or Army Museum of Paris , the Museum of the Order of Liberation (World War II) and the Museum of Plans and Reliefs (military models and models).
Tip: Visiting the Army Museum and Napoleon’s Tomb is FREE with the Paris Pass
Prices
- Ticket for the Army Museum and Les Invalides €14 Buy here
- Free for children under 18 years of age and for European citizens from 18 to 25 years of age
- Free for holders of the Paris Pass.
Schedules
April to September from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm. October to March from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm
Address
Rue de Grenelle, 129
How to get
Metro lines 8 and 13, Invalides station / RER line C, Invalides station / buses: 28, 49, 63, 69, 82, 83, 87 and 92
