Les Invalides (also called Hôtel des Invalides) is one of the most important monuments in Paris, both historically and architecturally.

About the building

Construction: It was built during the reign of King Louis XIV (starting in 1670) as a complex intended to house and care for wounded or retired war veterans.

Architect: Jules Hardouin-Mansart, the same one who also worked on the Palace of Versailles.

It is a huge complex, with inner courtyards, churches and rooms dedicated to military memory.

What you will find at Les Invalides

Golden Dome (Dôme des Invalides): one of the most beautiful domes in Paris, gilded, visible from afar. Under this dome is the tomb of Napoleon Bonaparte.

Famous tombs: in addition to Napoleon, other French commanders such as Marshals Foch, Vauban or Turenne rest here.

Museums: the complex houses the Musée de l’Armée (Army Museum), one of the largest military museums in the world, with impressive collections of armor, uniforms, weapons and war objects from different eras.

Church of Saint-Louis des Invalides: the veterans’ chapel, more sober than the Golden Dome, used by retired soldiers.

Its role today

It is both a place of military memory and a national museum visited by millions of tourists annually.

It represents a combination of grandiose Baroque architecture and military functionality.

It is often used for official state ceremonies, especially those related to the army