Les Invalides

Les Invalides is a Parisian complex in the 7th arrondissement that houses military museums, a veterans’ hospital complex and the burial site of Napoleon Bonaparte. Construction began under Louis XIV in the late 17th century to serve as a residence and hospital for disabled soldiers.

The site’s best-known features are the gilded Dôme and Napoleon’s tomb beneath it, alongside the Musée de l’Armée with extensive uniforms, weapons and military artefacts. Visitors also tour the original chapel and courtyards and can view architecture by Libéral Bruant and Jules Hardouin-Mansart.

Commissioned in the 1670s by Louis XIV, the complex was designed to provide care for war veterans and to project royal authority; the dome church and some of the present arrangements were completed under later architects. Napoleon’s remains were transferred to the site in 1840, establishing the Dôme as a national funerary monument.

Les Invalides is located on the left bank of the Seine in central Paris, close to the École Militaire and within walking distance of other central landmarks.

• Founding and function: The complex was built in the late 17th century as a royal hospital and retirement home for veterans under Louis XIV and contains major military collections.

What to See #

• Dôme des Invalides: The gilded Dôme contains the ornate sarcophagus that holds the remains of Napoleon Bonaparte and dominates the site's skyline.
• Musée de l'Armée: Musée de l'Armée houses extensive collections of arms, armour and military artifacts spanning ancient times through the 20th century.
• Saint-Louis des Invalides: Église Saint-Louis-des-Invalides is the original chapel of the complex and forms part of the interconnected ensemble of churches and museums.