All You Need to Know About Les Invalides

• Official name: Les Invalides
• Location/Address: 75007 Paris, France
• Date of opening: 1674
• Timings: 10 AM to 6 PM; Daily.
• Architect: Libéral Bruant and Jules Hardouin-Mansart
• Architectural style: Baroque
• UNESCO World Heritage Site: Inscribed in 1991 as part of the "Paris, Banks of the Seine" World Heritage Site
• Number of visitors per year: Approximately 1.2 million
• Function: Museum, church, hospital
• Collection size: Nearly 140,000 pieces
  

• Visit Napoleon's Tomb: See the final resting place of one of the world's most famous military leaders in the impressive Dome Church.
• Learn all about the French Military: Explore 140,000 pieces in total, with over 5,000 historical figurines, that showcase the diversity of the Army Museum’s collection. 
• Baroque Architecture: Admire the stunning Baroque architecture of the buildings and the intricate details of the church's interior.
• The Hospital: Learn about the history and function of the hospital that continues to provide care to French veterans.
• Enjoy a tranquil stroll through the Courtyard: Escape from the bustling city and enjoy the beautiful gardens, fountains, and statues in the gardens and the courtyard.
• Explore the Heart of Paris: Les Invalides is conveniently located near other Parisian attractions such as the Eiffel Tower, Seine River, Rodin Museum, and even Musee D’Orsay

Louis XIV commissioned the construction of Les Invalides in 1670 as a home and hospital for disabled soldiers. Libéral Bruant was the initial architect, and the site chosen was a suburban plain in Grenelle. The project was completed in 1676, featuring a façade that measured 196 meters in width and fifteen courtyards, including a military parade courtyard called the cour d'honneur.

Jules Hardouin-Mansart designed the church-and-chapel complex of Les Invalides in 1676, taking inspiration from his great-uncle François Mansart's design for a Chapelle des Bourbons to be built behind the chancel of the Basilica of Saint-Denis. 

The Dôme des Invalides was intended to be a new burial place for the Bourbon Dynasty but was instead designated as the private chapel of the monarch, barely used for that purpose. 

Despite this, the Dôme des Invalides remains one of the prime examples of French Baroque architecture, standing 107 meters high and representing an iconic symbol of France's absolute monarchy.

Les Invalides was initially designed by the architect Libéral Bruant in 1671 as a home and hospital for aged and disabled soldiers. Later, the church-and-chapel complex of the Invalides was designed by Jules Hardouin-Mansart in 1676, taking inspiration from his great-uncle François Mansart's design for a Chapelle des Bourbons. 

Hardouin-Mansart was a prominent architect during the reign of Louis XIV and was responsible for several notable projects, including the Palace of Versailles and the Grand Trianon. He is known for his contributions to the French Baroque architectural style.

Les Invalides is a remarkable example of the French Baroque style, characterized by grandeur, symmetry, and ornamentation. The church of Saint-Louis-des-Invalides is one of the most prominent structures, with its golden dome towering over the city. The dome was inspired by St. Peter's Basilica in Rome and is adorned with beautiful frescoes and sculptures. 

The façade facing the Seine River features classic French Baroque elements, such as pilasters, pediments, and balustrades. 

The architect of the church and chapel complex was Jules Hardouin-Mansart, who was inspired by the design of his great-uncle François Mansart's Chapelle des Bourbons. Les Invalides stands as a testament to the grandeur of the French monarchy and its patronage of the arts and architecture.