Napoleon's tomb
Les Invalides is a large 17th-century building located in the 7th arrondissement of Paris. It’s very close to the Military Academy at the end of the Champs de Mars and currently houses the popular Military Museum.
Originally, the building was designed to house those hurt in war (thus “les invalides”). At the end of the 1800s, there were two museums about artillery and military history, but in 1905 they were combined to become the Musée de l’Armée which we have today.
The entire palace complex is enormous and includes various French-style gardens, a war hospital, a large museum, a housing area, a cathedral, and a store with all kinds of items and books about war, Napoleon, and French history. There’s also a cafe, and finally a church whose golden dome is one of the most recognizable points of the city and whose interior houses the tomb of Napoleon Bonaparte.
This last place, along with the museum, is among the most visited places in the city. It’s very interesting and I’d go as far to say emotional to be beside the tomb under that hulking golden dome. The tomb is in a lowered area and embedded in a large block of black marble brought from mines in the Alps. The tomb itself is also worth a look for its craftsmanship and the amazing quality of the materials.
A complete visit to the complex requires a couple of days (you can spend an entire visit in the museum alone). The collection is fascinating, though, especially for those who like military history.
Remember that entry is free on the first Sunday of every month. During the rest of the week, you can visit the Cour d’Honneur and its large collection of cannons, the cafe, bookstore, and gardens for free. Entry is also free after 4 in the afternoon.
