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Hotel des Invalides in Paris
The Hotel des Invalides is considered a must-see attraction in Paris, especially for military history enthusiasts. If the artifacts themselves don’t appeal to you, some of the ornate, baroque architecture that encase them likely will.
Museums
The Hotel des Invalides complex is home to three museums. The collection at the Musée d'Histoire Contemporaine (Museum of Contemporary History) includes documents and pieces of art significant from 1870 to present date. The Musée des Plans-Reliefs offers a visual exploration of famous French battles in miniature, through the relief maps and models used by the military leadership to plan battle strategies. The Musée de l'Armée features historic exhibits from the Army of France.
In addition to the museums, the Hotel des Invalides is the final resting site for many of France’s military leaders. The sarcophagus of Napoleon Bonaparte at Hotel lies underneath a domed ceiling with De La Fosse’s allegories and surrounded by statues.
Visiting
The Hotel des Invalides is located in downtown Paris, between the Notre Dame Cathedral and the Eiffel Tower on the River Seine. The best way to reach it is via the metro lines. There is parking available nearby for a fee for those adventurous enough to trek through downtown Paris traffic.
Expect to explore the complex on your own, as the guided tours require booking two months in advance.
Hardcore French military and history enthusiasts will be delighted at the complex’s onsite bookstore that keeps over 2,000 relevant titles in stock. A coffee shop provides a place to recharge while visiting.
Nearby Hotels and Restaurants
Downtown Paris is without a doubt one of the biggest food destinations on the planet, so finding a place to eat isn’t difficult. Place les Invalides serves food from the center of the campus, with great views. Just steps off the southwest corner of the complex is a swanky little place with an irresistible name, La Romantica Caffe. La Tour Maubourg, just one block west and Rue de Bourgogne one block east are both lined with a solid variety of French eating, including bistros, full-service restaurants, sandwich shops, and upscale eateries.
Due to the prime location in downtown Paris, the hotels surrounded Hotel des Invalides tend to be both pricey and upscale. Directly on the edge of the Hotel des Invalides are the Hotel de l'Empereur and Hotel de la Tour Maubourg. Within a block or two, dozens of hotels offer sweeping views of the surrounding attractions.
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