From the 7th arrondissement of Paris, theHôtel des Invalides stands as a silent witness toFrance's military history. This emblematic monument, charged with meaning and history, is a true national heritage. Founded in the 17th century, under the reign of Louis XI, theHôtel des Invalides was built to provide shelter and care for wounded and aging soldiers. Its construction, entrusted to thearchitect Libéral Bruant, was completed in 1676. The Sun King wished to offer shelter to veterans who had served France valiantly.
The Hôtel des Invalides boasts impressive French classicist architecture. The golden dome that crowns the complex is one of its most emblematic features, and was originally the Chapelle Royale. Built by architect Jules Hardouin-Mansart, this breathtaking dome symbolizes the grandeur of France. It contains the famous tomb of Napoleon I, which is open to visitors.
Today, theHôtel des Invalides ' heritage lies in its memorial and cultural vocation. It houses the Musée de l'Armée, which traces the development of weaponry and military strategy over the centuries, the Musée de l'Ordre de la Libération, which honors the heroes of the French Resistance during the Second World War, and the Musée des Plans-Reliefs. These spaces highlight the commitment and sacrifice of the men and women who defended France.
The Hôtel des Invalides stands as a symbol of France's commitment to its veterans, past and present. So, whether you're a history buff, an architecture enthusiast or simply a curious visitor, theHôtel des Invalides invites you to explore its past and (re)discover the personalities, exploits and sacrifices that have markedFrance's history.
Races and walks in aid of Bleuet de France, departing from Les Invalides
To help raise funds for the war wounded, Parisians are invited to run or walk between 2.5 and 10 kilometers, starting at Les Invalides, with a route around the monument, on May 5, 2024. [Read more]
Aura, a sound and light show that illuminates the Dôme des Invalides - photos and video
Alerte, a new immersive show, arrives in Paris. From September 22, 2023, we'll be discovering Aura at the Musée de l'Armée, a sound and light show with video mapping that highlights the Dôme des Invalides. [Read more]
The Eglise du Dôme and the Eglise Saint-Louis-des-Invalides
The Eglise du Dôme and the Eglise Saint-Louis-des-Invalides are in fact one and the same building. We explain it all below! [Read more]
Mission aux Invalides: a night-time immersive game at the Musée de l'Armée
A life-size investigation game and an immersion in the world of the army: this is the experience you can enjoy at Les Invalides on the first Friday of the month, at night. [Read more]
Duels, the exhibition that plunges us into the art of combat at the Musée de l'Armée - our photos
The Musée de l'Armée tells us about the art of combat and fencing in the exhibition "Duels, l'art du combat", on view from April 24 to August 18, 2024. [Read more]
Museum Night 2024 in Paris: breakdance duel at the Musée de l'Armée - Hôtel des Invalides
On the occasion of Nuit des Musées, May 18, 2024, the Hôtel des Invalides and the Musée de l'Armée invite visitors to stroll free of charge through a place steeped in history. It's the perfect time to discover or rediscover Napoleon's tomb and the museum's permanent collections. [Read more]
Nuit des Musées 2024 at the Musée des Plans-reliefs in Paris: the program for this nocturne
Nuit des Musées 2024 returns to Paris and the Île-de-France region. For the occasion, the Musée des Plans-Reliefs, located in the Hôtel des Invalides in the 7th arrondissement of Paris, is opening its doors to us by night, and unveiling a special program. [Read more]
The Musée des Plans Reliefs, a unique collection in Paris
The Musée des Plans Relief, located in the Hôtel des Invalides in Paris, houses some 100 relief plans of fortified towns. Once used for military purposes, they are now preserved in their original state at the Invalides, where you can discover these immense models of French towns. [Read more]
The Musée de l'armée in Paris, a witness to military history in the heart of the Hôtel des Invalides
The Musée de l'Armée, located in the heart of the Hôtel des Invalides, takes us to the heart of military history through its permanent collections and temporary exhibitions. Find out more about this emblematic museum in Paris's 7th arrondissement. [Read more]
This page may contain AI-assisted elements, more information here.
Dates and Opening Time
From December 19th, 2023 to December 31th, 2027
Location
Hôtel national des Invalides
129 Rue de Grenelle
75007 Paris 7