Les Invalides offers more

You’ll want to go to Les Invalides more than once. It is not just a church or a museum, but an area with a number of sites to see.  It extends from the Ecole Militaire to the Seine and if you  start from that side, you’ll witness one of the most beautiful bridges in all of France. Pont Alexandre III is magnificent with its gold gleaming in the Paris sun. One view and you’re hooked. Les Invalides was built for homeless veterans in the 17th century and was later used as a hospital. Today the area encompasses gardens, a number of important museums and the Domed church where Napoleon and other prominent men rest. Minimum Time to allow: You can get a good idea of the grandeur of the Dome Church in about an hour, but it’s an easy walk around so you don’t have to rush. As for the Musée de Laree, I’d reserve a morning or an afternoon. Even then, you’ll realize after a while that a good study of the artifacts could be more demanding on your time. Stay for a minimum of 2-3 hours if you can. You may want to return another day. Getting There: Approach from the north over the Alexander III Bridge. Not only do you get a good perspective of the whole area but you have a chance to examine one of the most spectacular bridges in France. The gold on the Dome as well as the gold on the bridge was recently revitalized. You will want to see the museum from this side. If you enter from Avenue De Tourville you’ll be facing the Dome Church and Napoleon’s Tomb. Tours: Most bus companies will offer a quick tour. I suggest that you get a guide book and do it on your own. That way you can linger. If you need help, there are people there to answer questions. Offered: The Musée de l’Armée contains a complete collection of military objects dating back to the Vikings. There are flags, banners and uniforms as well as all types of military equipment. You’ll see Burgundian battle axes, blunderbusses, WWI machine guns, war pitchforks, and even the wooden leg of a French General. I particularly enjoyed seeing the bugle that was used to sound the armistice in November 1918 as well as the armor from Turkey and China. In the Dome: The main attraction is Napoleon’s Tomb, made of six coffins fashioned from Red Finnish porphyry with a green granite base. At Napoleon’s feet lies his son, The King of Rome, and nearby lays his older brother Joseph, king of Naples and Spain. Of course, Marshal Foch, the hero of WWI, is there too, and you will see the Memorial to Vauban, Napoleon’s military architect and engineer. Make sure you look up at the Dome ceiling. It is a circular painting, brilliantly depicting the Glory of Paradise done by Charles de la Fosse in 1692. Look for Saint Louis presenting his sword to Christ. The Interior: The museum was once a hospital. It is tasteful but simple. The Dome, designed by Mansard, was begun in 1677. It is a marvelous place filled with interesting designs and tasteful materials. The glass topped crypt of Napoleon and the curved stairs is worth the visit. There is no place in Paris where History overwhelms you like in this building. Caution: Watch out for the crowds, especially in the museums. Leave enough time to see the collections. Our Opinion: If you’re a history buff you’ll enjoy the museum as well as the Dome Church. Here you are surrounded by war memorabilia and in the presence of the remains of great Frenchmen. It may move you to do research on Marshal Foch, Napoleon’s ill-fated son, and the Little General himself. But even if you just enjoy the quiet space reserved for these tombs, the Dome is filled with an aura of silence, beauty and reverence. The Façade & Grounds; The approach from the North via the bridge highlights the old 4000-bed hospital and the massive cannons.  This is the Musée de l’Armée on both sides of the cour d’honneur. The gardens are well groomed and even the smaller buildings are worth seeing. Visit the Musée de l’Ordre de la Liberation, devoted to General de Gaulle. It honors those who made an outstanding contribution in WWII. Also add the Musée des Plans-Reliefs for detailed models of forts and fortified towns dating back to the 17th century. The church at the northern end is topped by a beautiful 107-meter gilded dome. Once you go up the stairs at the southern end of the property, you are in a columned building which opens onto a walkway that encircles the spot reserved for Napoleon himself. It is truly a masterpiece and one of the best examples or 17th century French architecture. It is second only to the Eiffel Tower as to height. Best Time to Go: We suggest you be there when the doors open at 10 am before the bus groups. You might want to get there after 3pm when most people have left but be sure you leave enough time. This is one of the highlights of Paris. Address: Domed Church                                            Musee de L’ArmeeHotel National des Invalides                        Hotel Des InvalidesAve de Tourville                                          Place des invalides 129 rue de GrenelleParis 75007                                                 Paris 75007 Tel : 01 45 55 37 69                                    Tel : 01 45 55 37 70 Hours: 10am-6pm (5pm in winter) Cost: 7 Euros for adults Free for those under 18. For group rates call, 45 55 37 70 Metro: La Tour-Maubourg or Varenne Buses: 32, 63, 93 to Les Invalides Parking: Rue de Constantine. If arriving by taxi, tell the driver which building you want to see first. Disability/ Handicapped: In the museum there is access to the ground floor only. In the Dome there are stairs and limited access. Call ahead for personal information. Toilets: There are toilet facilities in every building and they are well indicated. If not, there are guards present. Ask for directions.