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Hôtel des Invalides: A Monument to French Military History

Explore French military history at this iconic Parisian landmark, home to museums, monuments, and Napoleon's tomb beneath its glistening golden dome.

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The Hôtel des Invalides, commissioned by Louis XIV in 1670, stands as a testament to French military history. Originally a hospital and retirement home for war veterans, it now houses museums, monuments, and the iconic tomb of Napoleon Bonaparte, all within a grand complex featuring a gilded dome that dominates the Parisian skyline.

A brief summary to Hôtel des Invalides

  • Paris, 75007, FR

Local tips

  • Purchase tickets online in advance to avoid long queues, especially during peak season.
  • Consider a combination ticket for access to multiple museums within the complex.
  • Allow ample time to explore the extensive Musée de l'Armée.
  • Visit early in the day or later in the afternoon to avoid crowds.
  • Check the official website for temporary exhibitions and special events.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    The Hôtel des Invalides is easily accessible via the Paris Metro and RER. The closest metro stations are Invalides (Lines 8 and 13), La Tour-Maubourg (Line 8), and Varenne (Line 13). RER C also stops at Invalides station. A single metro/RER ticket costs €2.10.

  • Bus

    Several bus lines serve the area around Les Invalides. Bus lines 28, 69, 82, 87, and 92 have stops near the complex. A single bus ticket also costs €2.10.

  • Walking

    Les Invalides is located near the Seine River and is within walking distance of other major attractions like the Eiffel Tower and Musée Rodin. Walking from the Eiffel Tower takes approximately 10-15 minutes.

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Discover more about Hôtel des Invalides

The Hôtel des Invalides is a sprawling complex in Paris's 7th arrondissement, a monument to French military history and a significant landmark on the city's skyline. Commissioned by Louis XIV in 1670, it was originally intended as a hospital and retirement home for wounded and disabled soldiers. The name 'Invalides' itself is a shortening of 'hôpital des invalides'. The complex, designed by architect Libéral Bruant, opened to veterans in 1674 and included a hospital, barracks, a convent, and a manufacturing workshop. Over time, it evolved into a multifaceted space encompassing museums and monuments dedicated to French military history. Today, Les Invalides houses the Musée de l'Armée (Army Museum), the Musée des Plans-Reliefs (Museum of Relief Maps), and the Musée de l'Ordre de la Libération (Museum of the Order of Liberation). The most iconic feature of Les Invalides is its golden dome, designed by Jules Hardouin-Mansart. This Baroque masterpiece serves as the final resting place of Napoleon Bonaparte. Napoleon's remains were returned to France from Saint Helena in 1840, and his tomb lies in a grand sarcophagus beneath the dome. Besides Napoleon, other notable French military figures are also interred here. Visitors can explore the vast collection of military artifacts at the Musée de l'Armée, spanning from the Middle Ages to the 20th century. Exhibits include armor, weapons, uniforms, and artwork that provide insight into France's military past. The Cour d'Honneur, the main courtyard, is used for military parades and ceremonies.

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