House of Invalides (Hôtel National des Invalides)

The Maison des Invalides is a majestic building in the center of Paris, erected in the middle of the seventeenth century by order of Louis XIV. Outwardly, the building does not resemble a typical shelter for unfortunate maimed warriors, but rather a royal palace. Louis personally considered all the projects and finally opted for the work of the young architect Bruan, who proposed to use the idea of classical Spanish residences. The building consists of four buildings arranged around a courtyard. A little later, the majestic Chapel of St. Louis was added. Since its opening, the Maison des Invalides has served as a shelter for soldiers who took part in the many wars fought by the French state. Now veterans (about a hundred people) also live here, and the building also houses interesting military museums. Attracts tourists and the cathedral of the House of Invalides, it is in it that the ashes of the most famous French conqueror – Napoleon Bonaparte – are kept. In the side chapels rest the remains of other great French military figures: Marshals Vauban, Turenne, Alphonse Jouin and others. Napoleon’s son Eagle is also buried here. We invite you to a sightseeing tour of Paris during which you will be able to familiarize yourself with many other sights of the capital in the company of a Russian-speaking guide.