Are you passing through Paris, the most beautiful city in the world? Discover the exciting Hôtel des Invalides, a must-see tourist site in the French capital!
Hotel des Invalides is one of the most famous Parisian monuments of the City of Light. He was originally intended to welcome wounded soldiers from the king’s armies Louis XIV . In addition to the church of Saint-Louis des Invalides, museums and a military necropolis with illustrious burials such as Napoleon, it is one of the most famous buildings in the capital, of which it is among the most important masterpieces of classical architecture.
To allow you to enjoy a cultural stopover dedicated to military history in this city too often reduced to its romantic role, we have prepared a small guide that will allow you to visit the Hôtel des Invalides in Paris in all peace.
A short history, attractions and places to discover, access plan, rates, times and many other essential elements. Ready? Fire!
History of the Hôtel des Invalides in Paris
In the 17th century, there was still no foundation that could provide assistance to soldiers who were rendered disabled following the multiple military campaigns organized by the Kingdom of France. Louis XIV, king of France and warlord wishing to prove his gratitude to the wounded soldiers while performing their mission, decided to establish the Royal Hotel of Invalides in Paris. The latter was built from 1671 to 1676 under the direction of architects Bruant liberal , Jules Hardouin-Mansar t and Robert de Cotte , this is the first state building celebrating the blood shed in the name of France!
Today, the Hotel des Invalides is still assigned to the Ministry of Defence and still welcomes injured soldiers in peacekeeping operations or outside operations, but also has other functions. In addition to the fascinating Museum of the Army, this splendid building is home to the Museum of Plans-Reliefs, the Museum of the Order of Liberation, the Church of Saint-Louis des Invalides and, above all, the church of the Dôme, which houses the tomb of Napoleon I designed according to Louis Visconti's drawings.
During the second half of the 20th century, the site of the Hôtel des Invalides was hidden in the public view following the construction of a peripheral ditch! ♪ 1981 , however, the interest generated by the Hotel des Invalides with the public pushes the Ministries of Defence and Culture to set up a comprehensive restoration program to restore its splendor to this exceptional historical complex. At the same time, they wish to make this illustrious building a welcoming tourist point of interest, including mult collections and exhibitions capable of attracting thousands of visitors wishing to discover the glorious military past of the French nation.
What to see and do at the Hôtel des Invalides in Paris
When you get a ticket to visit the Hôtel des Invalides in Paris, the latter also provides access to the Musée de l’Armée, the tomb of Napoleon, the Musée des Plans-reliefs and the Musée de l’Ordre et de la Libération. And all are a cultural stop of first choice, to be done when you go to the City of Light!
The Army Museum
With regard to the Musée de l’Armée, the main cultural point of the Hôtel des Invalides in Paris, it extends on the wings of the West and East sides on both sides of the Court of Honour of the Invalides, as well as on a wing to the west of the Church of Saint Louis. This museum, among the most beautiful in Paris, includes the Ancient Department , presenting war weapons and old armour.
The collections
The museum includes a sublime collection of armor and swords of the Middle Ages, presenting some unique pieces highlighting the know-how of the French forgerons. Then, a collection spreading from the 17th to the 19th century and offering splendid Military objects as medals, uniforms, and honorary distinctions. Don’t miss admiring the sublime set of pieces that belonged to Napoleon I in person and his swamps!
Unusual Cabinets
Then it will be time for you to discover the unusual Cabinets, which are one collection of old figurines faithfully replicating artillery, cavalry and some of the musical instruments used by military fanfares. And one contemporary collection , highlighting some perfectly preserved objects of the First and Second World War.
L’Historial Charles de Gaulle & other departments
Continue your visit by walking in the space dedicated to the Historial Charles de Gaulle tracing, in the form of audiovisual documents, the life and work of this military and political figure of the twentieth century.
Then some departments are assigned to other themes. Visit for example drawing firm , prints and photographs, gathering many works from visual artists known as Yan Morvan , or Willy Rizzo and Philipe de Poulpiquet.
Also find the Department of Paintings and Sculptures , offering fresh and astonishing works, always in connection with the military world, but sometimes attached to a certain form of counter-culture.
The library & the church of the Dôme
Once the Museum of Armies has been visited, you can access some of the popular spaces of students such as the sumptuous library of the Hôtel des Invalides in Paris, a real documentation center open in 1905 and regularly updated.
You can also access the church of the Dôme, one of the most famous places of the Invalides, as it houses the tomb of Napoleon I and some members of his family, as well as those of the marshes Foch and Lyautey , great names of French military history.
The Museum of Plans-reliefs & the Museum of Order
Two other smaller museums are also present on the Invalides website. They have a joint ticketing with the Army Museum: the Museum of Plans-reliefs which proposes models executed with precision and representing fortified cities, villages and areas to be conquered over several centuries of campaigns and seats. He depends on the Ministry of Culture.
As for Museum of Order and Liberation , set up 1967 and renovated in the 2010s, he devoted himself entirely to the order founded by General de Gaulle in 1940 and to the illustrious companions of the Liberation. 3 collections They are presented: the one dedicated to France Libre, the Resistance inside and the deportation.
How to get to the Hôtel des Invalides in Paris?
It is easy to visit the Hôtel des Invalides in Paris located in the heart of the seventh arrondissement of Paris.
It has 2 main inputs :
In both cases, you can access it by:
By metro
- Line 8: the stop « La Tour Maubourg » or « Invalides »
- Line 13: « Varennes » or « Saint François-Xavier »
By bus
- Line 28: station "Invalides"
- Line 63: station "Invalides"
- Line 69: station "Invalides"
- Line 80: station "Invalides"
- Line 82: station "Invalides"
- Line 83: station "Invalides"
- Line 87: station "Invalides"
- Line 92: station "Invalides"
By car
Would you like to visit the Hotel des Invalides in Paris using your own vehicle? Use the underground parking of the Esplanade des Invalides 23 rue de Constantine.
Paying, however, it has the advantage of being just a few minutes’ walk from the Hôtel des Invalides in Paris!
Schedules & Rates of the Hôtel des Invalides in Paris
HORARI
To visit the Hotel des Invalides in Paris, you can take advantage of the winter schedules.
- November 1 and March 31: from 10am to 5pm, the church of the Dôme fermant, it at 9pm
- April to September: from 10am to 9pm, except for the church of the Dome that closes at 7pm
RATES
An entry allows you to discover all the points of interest previously mentioned in this article: Musée de l’Armée, tomb de Napoléon, Musée de l’ Ordre et de la Libération, des Pleins-reliefs and Historial Charles de Gaulle.
It can be purchased online on the official website of the Hôtel des Invalides in Paris or directly on site using the ticket distributors.
- Tariff: 12€
- Reduced price*: 10€
- Free for less than 26 years nationals of the European Union, teachers, visitors with disabilities, journalists and, of course, the military!
*Concerts veterans of the French armed forces, holders of a large family card, a CEZAM card or a Paris Visit package.
Good to know.
- Visit the Hôtel des Invalides in Paris gives you access to a succulent restaurant, a bookstore selling books and souvenirs related to the place, and even a tea room!
- Des audio-guides are available in English, French, Italian, German, Russian, Spanish, Mandarin and Japanese, for 6€, or 4€ if you receive a discounted ticket.
- Apart from the Dôme church, the entire Hotel des Invalides in Paris is accessible to people with reduced mobility. Better, the latter, which is recommended to go to the entrance to Vauban Square, can benefit from a wheelchair loan, free of charge.
- Tickets purchased online act as a ticket cut- to avoid waiting at the crates. Enjoy it!
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