• Location: Esplanade des Invalides

Les Invalides was founded in 1670 by Louis XIV as a hospital and retirement home for war veterans. The complex of buildings that grew from his dream now includes French military museums and monuments, a hospital and a retirement home. In addition, there is a church which is majestically crowned by a large gold-embellished dome. The church is familiarly known as the Dôme des Invalides. Les Invalides is also a burial site for many of France's distinguished military figures, the most notable being Napoleon Bonaparte, who was reinterred in the crypt under the magnificent dome.

Les Invalides is open in October through March 10 a.m.–5 p.m., April through September 10 a.m.–6 p.m. Entry to the musée de l'Armée (Army Museum) plus the Dôme Church and Napoleon's tomb, the Musée des Plans-Reliefs (scale models of French 17th-century towns) and the Musée de l'Ordre de la Libération (relating to World War II) costs €7, €5 for retired soldiers and students under 26. Entrance is free for the disabled, the unemployed, journalists, teachers, and anyone under 18 years old.

A restaurant, gift shop and bookstore are available on the premises.

How to get there:

Prices are subject to change.

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