Hôtel des Invalides (Hotel of the Invalides)
Esplanade des Invalides, 75007 Paris
Website – tel: 08 10 11 33 99.
Metro : La Tour-Maubourg, Varenne, Invalides.
Open daily: 7:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.
The Royal Perspective: I highly recommend heading straight to the Dome Church to view Napoleon’s sarcophagus from the circular gallery above; the architect designed the space so that you must bow your head to look down, a subtle gesture of respect for the Emperor.
The Hôtel des Invalides was built in response to a request from Louis XIV, who wished to dedicate a place to war invalids and retired soldiers. A first in Europe. Comprising a hospital, barracks and soldiers’ church, and completed by the Eglise du Dôme in 1706, it housed up to 4,000 residents.
My Tip: To uncover Napoleon’s secrets and avoid the crowds, this is the experience I suggest.
