In 1676, King Louis XIV commissioned from Jules Hardouin-Mansart the construction of a house of worship in the midst of the complex of Les Invalides Museum spaces.The project combined:
• a veterans’ chapel (currently Cathedral of Saint-Louis des Invalides) and
• a chapel intended for the exclusive use of the King (today the Dôme des Invalides).
The royal church was consecrated to Saint-Louis and is hence often referred to as Eglise Saint-Louis des Invalides. It took 27 years to finish construction on the Dome Church.
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This collection, which also includes some noteworthy archaeological artifacts, chronicles the development of military equipment from the 13th to 17th century. It highlights the place of weapons and armor in Europe, in the lives of royal courts, aristocratic societies and even cities in the Middle Ages and the Renaissance. Themed rooms, some housed in the historic settings of the Hôtel des Invalides, are devoted to notable groups of exhibits, including the French royal collections or the great European armory factories. There are additional areas about hunting, jousting and tournaments, shooting, luxury gun smithery and artillery which you can explore with Les Invalides Tickets.
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The Saint-Louis Cathedral reveals how essential religious faith was to Louis XIV. This history of this structure enables visitors to journey back in time in a wonderful environment. It was left unfinished by Libéral Bruant when Marquis de Louvois, the Secretary of State for War, tasked Jules Hardouin-Mansart with its construction in 1676. The "Dôme des Invalides," a royal chapel, and a veterans' chapel were seamlessly integrated into the architect's plan.
From 1940 to 1945, France was free thanks to the efforts of its Companions of the Liberation, whose pictures are displayed in the Museum of the Order of Liberation. General de Gaulle created the Order of the Liberation in November 1940 to honour those who fought valiantly to free France. It was only when General de Gaulle placed the Order of the Liberation into the Hôtel National des Invalides that the Museum of the Order of the Liberation was established.
For visitors, chronological continuity and themed regions let them learn about France's social and economic history. Discover the life of soldiers, explore how technology and tactics were developed, and meet the people who shaped this era through the eyes of the troops themselves.
Military equipment, weapons, harnesses, orders, and decorations, as well as emblems, historical figurines, musical instruments, and small artillery models, are all on display in this department, which has collections unlike any other in the world. These include items that belonged to Napoleon Bonaparte and his marshals as well as items that belonged to ordinary soldiers.
The main courtyard of the Hôtel National des Invalides site is where many events take place and a substantial portion of the artillery and gigantic sculpture collections are on display. At 102 meters long and 64 meters broad, this is the largest courtyard that you can visit with your Les Invalides Tickets. It is an example of 17th-century classical architecture, with four buildings enclosing two levels of arcaded galleries. There's a dramatic contrast in architectural style between the dormers and the facades, which are marked by their opulent embellishment.
Les Invalides, a historic complex in Paris, invites exploration into France's military and cultural heritage. Designed by Louis XIV, it encompasses museums, monuments, and the final resting place of Napoleon Bonaparte. The grandeur of the gold-domed Église du Dôme, where Napoleon's tomb lies, leaves an indelible impression. The Army Museum offers insights into centuries of military history, housing a remarkable collection of artifacts. A visit to Les Invalides delves into France's past, offering a glimpse into its military prowess and honoring its iconic figures.
129 rue de Grenelle 75007 ParisMo: Invalides (line 8, 13 and RER C), Varenne (l13)
The Les Invalides Museum timings are :Mon. to Sat.: 10 am to 6 pm (to 9pm on Tuesday)Sunday: 10 am to 5 pm from Oct. to Mar., 10 am to 6:30 pm from Apr. to Sept.Closed the 1st Monday of the month
Line 8 Balard - Creteil : "La Tour Maubourg" station, Avenue de la Motte-PiquetLine 8 Balard - Creteil : Rue de l’UniversitéLine 13: "Varennes" station, Boulevard des InvalidesRER C: "Invalides" station, Rue de l’Université
Line 28: "La Tour Maubourg" stop, Avenue de la Motte-PiquetLine 8 Balard - Créteil: Rue de l’UniversitéLine 69: "Varennes" stop, Boulevard des InvalidesLine 82: Rue de l’UniversitéLine 92: Rue de l’UniversitéLine 63: Rue de l’UniversitéLine 83: Rue de l’UniversitéLine 93: Rue de l’Université
Station n°7010: opposite 3 rue de ConstantineStation n°7015 :9, boulevard des InvalidesStation n°7016 :13, rue SurcoufStation n°7017 :1, avenue de la Motte-Piquet
There are a lot of services available at the Army Museum to ensure that your time there is as enjoyable as possible.
To make it easier to get throughout the museum, there are lifts located throughout the building.
Wheelchairs can be rented at the ticket counter on the Esplanade des Invalides and Place Vauban sides of the museum.
During your visit, you'll be asked to leave a copy of your ID at the reception desk.
The museum's restrooms are accessible to people with disabilities and are located throughout the museum.
On the Place Vauban side of the hall, there is a cash machine at the ticket booth.
Please be aware that the ticket counter on the Place Vauban side has a cloakroom.
A more accurate translation of Les Invalides' full name is Hotel national des Invalides.a
More over 5,000 of the Great Army's surviving troops were accounted for here in 1815.
Until the turn of the twentieth century, the complex served as a hospital and housing facility for French military veterans.
One million artefacts from French history of the 19th century are housed in the complex's Museum of Contemporary History.
The dome of Les Invalides was modelled by St. Peter's Basilica in Rome, which inspired the design of the building.
The complex's dome towers over the city at 351 feet and you must explore it with your Les Invalides Tickets.
Charles de La Fosse used a Baroque-inspired painting method to decorate the dome.
Can we book Les Invalides tickets online?
Purchases of tickets are made through a safe and secure website. It is possible to present tickets purchased online via a smartphone. In the event that you do not have a smartphone, you will need to print out your tickets at home before you may get into the Museum. Tickets are non-refundable and non-exchangeable.
What is Les Invalides famous for?
For more than a century, the Hôtel des Invalides has been one of Paris' most prominent landmarks, not only because it holds some of the world's most renowned art, but also because Napoleon I is buried there. Get Les Invalides Tickets and take a wholesome tour of this place.
Where is Napoleon's grave?
Returned to France in 1840, Napoleon's bones were returned to Les Invalides, Paris, by Louis Philippe I and Adolphe Thiers, who had commissioned the construction of a tomb for the emperor.
What is Les Invalides used for?
This 17th century complex of 17th-century buildings and courtyards in Paris was built to house and care for handicapped warriors, as well as to be used for religious services.
Is visiting Les invalides worth it?
Took advantage of our four-day museum pass and visited Napoleon’s Tomb. Visitors came to see the Rodin Museum, which visitors heartily recommend you do as well. The grandeur and extravagance of this place are just unmatched with Les Invalides Tickets.