History and visit the Hotel des Invalides in Paris

History and visit the Hotel des Invalides in Paris

The Hotel des Invalides is classified as a historical monument in 1910 and in 1963. Construction of the hotel was made between 1670 and 1679. It measures 107 meters in height at the top of the dome. It was built to accommodate a military hospital, the Saint Louis des Invalides church, a retirement home for veterans, and a mausoleum. Currently, it houses the Army Museum, the Museum of the Order of the Liberation, and the contemporary history museum. The architects who created this building are Liberal Bruant and Jules Hardouin-Mansart.

The Hotel des Invalides was built following a royal decree dated February 24, 1670. Its construction was done under the orders of Louis XIV. It is served by the metro Varenne, Invalides Metro and Metro Tower Maubourg. Its function was to assist and help disabled army soldiers to give them a peaceful life. However, the construction of this hotel also had a political character. King Louis XIV wanted to relocate invalids because they were considered unsightly. He also wanted to improve his image and the image of the French army. Among eight projects proposed to the king, that of Liberal Bruant was chosen. The plan of the palace monastery of Philip II of Spain was redesigned. The building was flanked by five courtyards, including the royal courtyard. Part of the courtyard was demolished after construction, giving way to the great dome. The church was built on a slight rise of land. Its construction lasted for thirty years and was managed mainly by the architect Louvois. The construction of this religious institution ended on August 28, 1706. On the death of the architect, he was buried on July 19, 1691, in the church. After finishing the work, the place became a popular promenade spot with Parisians.

At the beginning of construction, some barracks were planned. But following the draft Liberal Bruant, a huge building along with the church and the royal court were programmed. The hotel also houses an invalid hospital, a military hospital and a factory for the manufacture of military uniforms. Workrooms were converted into bedrooms. After the death of Napoleon, the hotel was renamed the Royal Hotel des Invalides and became a representative of the Bonapartist legacy. The artillery museum moved into the hotel in 1872, while the historical museum of weapons settled in 1896. The museums have been brought together in one museum in 1905 named the Army Museum. A statue of Napoleon in the courtyard has been replaced by another by Napoleon III. The latter statue was dismantled by the municipality of Paris, while the first was placed in the roundabout of Courbevoie. Currently, the Hotel des Invalides still receives war invalids. The national institution for disabled is responsible for this function. A large mass was celebrated by Pope Benedict XVI on September 13, 2008.

The Saint-Louis des Invalides church was opened in 1679. The colonnade of St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome has been imitated by the architect Jules Hardouin Mansart for this church. The colonnade is crowned by a dome. A large number of French armed forces are buried in the grounds of the hotel invalid.

Curiosities around the Hotel des Invalides in Paris

Surrounding the Hôtel des Invalides, several fascinating sites attract visitors. The Pont Alexandre III, a flamboyantly styled bridge, connects the Hôtel des Invalides with the Grand Palais and Petit Palais on the other side of the Seine. The bridge is known for its decorative statues and grandiose architecture. Nearby, the Musée Rodin, housed in the beautiful Hôtel Biron, showcases the works of the famous sculptor Auguste Rodin. The gardens of the museum provide a tranquil escape with sculptures dotted throughout. Just a short walk away, the École Militaire is an impressive complex and serves as a significant military training facility with a history dating back to 1750. The area is also home to the American Church in Paris, known for its inclusive, English-speaking congregation and beautiful architecture. These sites, along with the quaint streets and charming cafes of the 7th arrondissement, offer a delightful exploration around the Hôtel des Invalides.

Transfer to the Hotel des Invalides in Paris

The Hotel des Invalides is located at a distance of 17.8 km from Orly Airport transfer service in luxury shuttle, 32.8 km from Charles de Gaulle Airport and 88.3 km from the airport of Beauvais. It’s accessible via various means of transportation including metro, buses, and taxis. The proximity to central Paris ensures that visitors can enjoy a seamless transfer to this iconic monument, immersing themselves in the rich history and architecture of one of France’s most revered sites.