Longtime in the countryside and the highest monument in Paris
Louis XIV visiting the Invalides in 1706, painting by Pierre-Denis Martin.
Originally in the countryside, it is now in the heart of Paris, in the 7th arrondissement. Magnificent national invalid hotel. The dome, which can be seen from far away, reaches 107 meters, about thirty meters higher than the towers of Notre Dame, which made it the highest monument of the capital before the Eiffel Tower took its place. Superb dome, with its 12 kg of gold which make it shine of thousand fire as soon as a bit of sun illuminates Paris. The majestic courtyards with their arcades. Baroque, obviously, for the cathedral, it is also very classical this building which is inseparable from the immense esplanade which precedes it.
Born from the will of King Louis XIV
Les invalides au lever du soleil depuis le pont Alexandre III / par Dennis van de Water/Shutterstock.com
It was Louis XIV who decided to build this impressive building to house the invalids, in other words the plethora of former soldiers whose after-effects prevent them from rebuilding their lives. They were found in great numbers begging in the streets of Paris to such an extent that the Parisians complained. Sensitive to this, and concerned about his image as we would say now, Louis XIV decides to take action and we witness one of these fratricidal wars between ministers. Against Louvois, Colbert succeeded in imposing Liberal bruant. Liberal is the first name of the architect! And Bruant, only 36 years old, is doing very well. The first stone is laid on November 30, 1671 and only 3 years later, the biggest part is finished and the three Camus brothers become the first boarders of the invalids. There will be up to 4,000 of them at the same time. They were fed and laundered, but they also worked in the factories. There was no question of resting. In the meantime, Louvois, the other minister, took his revenge and imposed Jules Hardouin Mansard. It is to him that we owe the famous dome. The construction will be definitively completed only in 1706.
Here, Napoleon rests... and many others around him.
Le tombeau de Napoléon aux Invalides / photo par Robert Crum/Shutterstock.com
Turenne, Rouget de l'Isle and, with all due respect because it looks like I'm taking an order from you, there are several dozens of marshals, including Foch and Mac-Mahon and several dozens of generals. At the Invalides there is the enormous red quartzite coffin in which Napoleon lies. He is surrounded by his son, l'Aiglon, and his brothers Jérôme and Joseph.
The place of the national tribute.
La cour d'honneur des Invalides / photo par Ivan Soto Cobos/Shutterstock.com
It is still a place dedicated to the military since the military governor of Paris resides here and the Army Museum is located here. The Republic has continued the original vocation of the invalids. The wounded of war are still treated here. France in mourning also meets at the Invalides, during a national ceremony. The memory of the great women, the great men and our soldiers who fell at the front are celebrated here.
What to see at the Invalides ?
L'Eglise des Invalides / photo par Mistervlad/Shutterstock.com
You can of course discover the great courtyard of honor, admire the facades. This is where you can find the army museum, a museum of the history of France's military (please note that there is a charge for admission). You can continue by visiting the Saint-Louis des Invalides cathedral, a cathedral because it is the seat of the bishop of the diocese of the armies. Its dome can be seen from far away. Under the vaults, several war trophies are hung, especially flags awarded to the enemies of France. It is also the place of the tomb of Napoleon and many great military men. Concerts are sometimes held there. Masses are also held, for example on May 5th in memory of Napoleon or in September to celebrate the anniversary of the foundation of the Cathedral.
Le dôme des invalides vue intérieure / photo par RistoH/Shutterstock.com
What to see around the invalids?
Arc en ciel sur le pont Alexandre III et les Invalides à Paris / photo par RistoH/Shutterstock.com
In the nearby neighborhood, you will surely enjoy discovering the buildings signed Jules Lavirotte, one of the most talented architects of the Art Nouveau movement (29 avenue Rapp and 5 square Rapp). You can also discover the amazing Orthodox Cathedral of the Holy Trinity and its dome made of 90 000 gold leaves, at 1 quai Branly. The fabulous Alexandre III bridge is not far either, you will make magnificent photos, it is the most beautiful bridge of Paris. Take the opportunity to discover the Musée d'Orsay not far away, and even the amazing Musée des égouts de Paris. Yes, yes! In Paris, everything has a story. Even the sewers.
Le Musée d'Orsay à Paris / photo par Berny-1/Shutterstock.com
How to get to the Invalides ?
GPS address:
129 rue de Grenelle 70 007 PARIS or 2, place Vauban 75007 PARIS (you will be at the foot of the dome. this is where you should start your visit if you are a Person with Reduced Mobility).
Cab station nearby. There is also a paid parking nearby at 23 rue de Constantine.
By METRO
Metro Line 8 Balard - Créteil : "La Tour Maubourg" station, avenue de la Motte-Piquet
Metro Line 8 Balard - Créteil: "Invalides" station, rue de l'Université
By RER
RER C: "Invalides" station, rue de l'Université.
By BUS :
Line 28: "La Tour Maubourg" station, avenue de la Motte-Piquet
Line 8 Balard - Créteil: "Invalides" station, rue de l'Université
Line 69: "Varennes" station, boulevard des Invalides
Line 82 : " Invalides " station, rue de l'Université
Line 92 : " Invalides " station, rue de l'Université
Line 63 : " Invalides " station, rue de l'Université
Line 83 : " Invalides " station, rue de l'Université
Line 93 : " Invalides " station, rue de l'Université
The websites :
The official website of the Musée de l'Armée
The official website of Paris Info office du tourisme de Paris and the page dedicated to the Invalides with a map of the area.
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