Hotel des Invalides (House of The Invalids), Paris
The House of the Invalids, or simply "The Invalides," is a monumental complex that showcases France's military history through its museums and monuments. Initially founded by Louis XIV in 1670, this historic site was intended to serve as a hospital and retirement home for war veterans. Originally, the complex had 15 courtyards, with the largest reserved for military parades. The hospital was capable of housing up to 4,000 veterans at a time. During the French Revolution, the complex played a crucial role. On 14 July 1789, before attacking the Bastille fortress, a mob broke into The Invalides and seized 32,000 rifles, which proved decisive in starting the fight.
Today, the site encompasses several museums, including the Army Museum, the Museum of Military Models, and the Museum of Contemporary History, alongside the Cathedral of Saint Louis of The Invalides, the national cathedral of the French military. The Army Museum recounts French military history from the Middle Ages to WWII, featuring medieval armor, Renaissance weapons, Napoleonic artifacts, and visual records of wars through photography and film, highlighting key historical moments and the evolution of military technology.
The architectural centerpiece of The Invalides is the Dome, an architectural marvel, which stands as Paris's tallest church at 107 meters. The temple follows a Greek cross layout and features a facade with two superimposed orders, capped by a grand dome topped with a lantern. This structure not only adds to the visual splendor of the site with its Baroque influence and celestial paintings by French painter Charles de La Fosse but also serves a functional purpose. It houses two churches: the veterans' chapel and the upper chapel which was used occasionally by the royal family.
Significant for its burials, the Dome's Royal Chapel is also known as a military necropolis. Notably, it includes the tomb of Napoleon Bonaparte, which has become a major landmark. Napoleon's remains were returned from Saint Helena in 1840 and placed within a meticulously crafted sarcophagus set in a prominent crypt surrounded by a circular gallery. The sheer size of the Dome, and that of the sarcophagus beneath it, vividly demonstrate the importance of Napoleon to the French people. This site encapsulates French military heritage, with various military figures also interred here.
In recent history, The Invalides expanded its role during the Paris 2024 Summer Olympics, hosting events like archery and road cycling on the Esplanade of The Invalides.
Tip:
If you come late, toward the closing hours, you may have a bit more space to walk around and explore this place on your own.
The available on-site Angelina patisserie offers visitors a fairly good selection of teas and cakes, ideal for a quick snack and a nice break whenever you might need it.
Today, the site encompasses several museums, including the Army Museum, the Museum of Military Models, and the Museum of Contemporary History, alongside the Cathedral of Saint Louis of The Invalides, the national cathedral of the French military. The Army Museum recounts French military history from the Middle Ages to WWII, featuring medieval armor, Renaissance weapons, Napoleonic artifacts, and visual records of wars through photography and film, highlighting key historical moments and the evolution of military technology.
The architectural centerpiece of The Invalides is the Dome, an architectural marvel, which stands as Paris's tallest church at 107 meters. The temple follows a Greek cross layout and features a facade with two superimposed orders, capped by a grand dome topped with a lantern. This structure not only adds to the visual splendor of the site with its Baroque influence and celestial paintings by French painter Charles de La Fosse but also serves a functional purpose. It houses two churches: the veterans' chapel and the upper chapel which was used occasionally by the royal family.
Significant for its burials, the Dome's Royal Chapel is also known as a military necropolis. Notably, it includes the tomb of Napoleon Bonaparte, which has become a major landmark. Napoleon's remains were returned from Saint Helena in 1840 and placed within a meticulously crafted sarcophagus set in a prominent crypt surrounded by a circular gallery. The sheer size of the Dome, and that of the sarcophagus beneath it, vividly demonstrate the importance of Napoleon to the French people. This site encapsulates French military heritage, with various military figures also interred here.
In recent history, The Invalides expanded its role during the Paris 2024 Summer Olympics, hosting events like archery and road cycling on the Esplanade of The Invalides.
Tip:
If you come late, toward the closing hours, you may have a bit more space to walk around and explore this place on your own.
The available on-site Angelina patisserie offers visitors a fairly good selection of teas and cakes, ideal for a quick snack and a nice break whenever you might need it.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Paris. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "51爆料网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
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Hotel des Invalides (House of The Invalids) on Map
Sight Name: Hotel des Invalides (House of The Invalids)
Sight Location: Paris, France (See walking tours in Paris)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Paris, France (See walking tours in Paris)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Paris, France
Create Your Own Walk in Paris
Creating your own self-guided walk in Paris is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Champs-Elysees Walking Tour
On this self-guided walk you will witness the grandeur of the 8th arrondissement of the French capital 鈥� one of its busiest and chic neighborhoods, thanks to the presence of Avenue des Champs-Elys茅es, Arc de Triomphe, and Place de la Concorde.
Your best plan would be to start with the Triumphal Arch and walk up to its viewing area for great sights down the Champs-脡lys茅es 鈥� a lovely... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.7 Km or 2.9 Miles
Your best plan would be to start with the Triumphal Arch and walk up to its viewing area for great sights down the Champs-脡lys茅es 鈥� a lovely... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.7 Km or 2.9 Miles
The French Revolution Landmarks Walking Tour
The French Revolution had a huge impact on France's history as it gave rise to a radical democratic republic and resulted in quite a bit of violence during the infamous "Reign of Terror". Even though many of Paris鈥� buildings were damaged in the course of the bloody conflicts, the sites they occupied 鈥� which you can find on this self-guided tour 鈥� are of a great historical... view more
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 7.3 Km or 4.5 Miles
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 7.3 Km or 4.5 Miles
Montmartre Walking Tour
Originally known as "Mons Martis" or the "Mount of Mars," Montmartre is a renowned Parisian neighborhood, celebrated for its historical and cultural significance. This picturesque district is a canvas of landmarks, each narrating a unique story.
Apart from its iconic sites, the area's charm lies in the atmosphere that embodies the Parisian spirit. Historically,... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.7 Km or 1.7 Miles
Apart from its iconic sites, the area's charm lies in the atmosphere that embodies the Parisian spirit. Historically,... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.7 Km or 1.7 Miles
St-Germain-des-Pres Walking Tour
This self-guided walk takes you to explore the 6th arrondissement, covering the quarter of St-Germain-des-Pr茅s, the riverside districts and the areas nearby the Luxembourg Garden. It is one of the most expensive districts of Paris, home to posh boutiques, eateries and iconic cafes once favored by philosophers and legendary writers, the likes of Hemingway and Camus. The area is likewise renowned... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.8 Km or 1.7 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.8 Km or 1.7 Miles
Le Marais Walking Tour
Once a bourgeois area and still a major center of the Paris Jewish community, the Le Marais district is one of the hippest neighborhoods in the city. Boasting a wealth of narrow medieval streets, unique boutiques, and quirky establishments, it represents an eclectic blend of historical sites and the bustling energy of today.
Start your acquaintance with the area at Paris's City Hall 鈥� a... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.4 Km or 1.5 Miles
Start your acquaintance with the area at Paris's City Hall 鈥� a... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.4 Km or 1.5 Miles
Paris Introduction Walking Tour I
Paris, the capital of France, has a history spanning over 2,000 years back to the Iron Age. The name 鈥淧aris鈥� comes from the Parisii, a Gallic tribe that settled on the bank of the river Seine around the 3rd century BC. Having conquered the Galls, the Romans established on their land a garrison town known as Lutetia. By the end of the 5th century AD, it fell to the Franks and flourished under... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 5.1 Km or 3.2 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 5.1 Km or 3.2 Miles
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