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Origin and history

The Hôtel des Invalides is a Parisian monument built on the order of Louis XIV by the royal edict of 24 February 1670 to accommodate invalid soldiers of his armies. Designed by Liberal Bruand and Jules Hardouin-Mansart, it embodies classical French architecture and combines hospital, hospice, barracks and convent functions. The complex, exempt from taxes, is administered by a governor and financed by funds from the revenues of priories and abbeys.

The construction of the main buildings (housing, infirmary, refectory) was entrusted to Liberal Bruant in 1671 and completed in 1674. The church, originally planned by Bruant, was finally realized by Jules Hardouin-Mansart from 1676. The dome, emblematic symbol of the monument, was completed in 1708 after nearly thirty years of work. The building becomes a place of walk for Parisians and a symbol of the monarchy.

During the French Revolution, the hotel was renamed "Hôtel national des Militaires invalides" and was subjected to looting and symbolic destruction. Governor Charles François de Virot de Sombreuil was guillotined in 1794. In spite of these upheavals, the institution survived and regained its prestige under Napoleon I, who organized the most prestigious ceremonies there, such as the first medal ceremony of the Legion of Honour in 1804.

Since 1861 the dome of the Invalides has housed the tomb of Napoleon I, placed under an open crypt. The monument becomes a military pantheon, welcoming the remains of great generals and marshals, such as Turenne, Vauban, Foch and Leclerc. The church of Saint-Louis-des-Invalides, declared cathedral in 1986, retains flags taken from the enemy and remains a place of worship for the diocese of armies.

Today, the Hôtel des Invalides also houses the Musée de l'Armée, the Musée des Plans-reliefs and the historic Charles-de-Gaulle. It remains an emblematic place of the French army, welcoming military ceremonies and national tributes. The site, classified as Historical Monument, is a major testimony of France's military and architectural history.

Future

Today, it still welcomes invalids, but also the cathedral Saint-Louis des Invalides, several museums and a military necropolis with notably the tomb of Napoleon I.

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