Les Invalides: A day in the footsteps of Napoleon
The cityscape of Paris is diverse, taking you from historic French boulevards to cutting-edge museums, galleries, designer stores, wine bars, and bistros. Whether it’s the fashion blazing behind the glass canvases of the Louis Vuitton art centre, or the wrought-iron Eiffel Tower dazzling the city’s aesthetic look, it’s a city where vintage meets contemporary at every turn. Paris has an exquisite presentation of French characteristics, from terraces laced with woven chairs to streets lined with enormous landmarks. You will always be surrounded by fashionistas, collectors, and literary fans when touring the Arc de Triomphe, La Seine Musicale, Notre Dame Cathedral, Les Invalides, or other famous buildings.
Paris is a place where art pervades the atmosphere and life is vibrant! During my vacation in Paris, I spent a whole day walking in the footsteps of Napoleon Bonaparte, one of France’s most powerful military leaders. I began by touring the magnificent 16th-century Les Invalides, which houses Napoleon’s ultimate resting place as well as the army museum. Then I went on a tour of the charming Chateau de Malmaison, where Napoleon spent time with Josephine, his true love, before finishing the day with a visit to the magnificent Arc de Triomphe, the monument that commemorates his astounding conquests.
Les Invalides is a magnificent set of structures associated with Napoleon and France’s military history. This location was originally intended to serve as a retirement home for war veterans, but monuments, museums, and a hospital were eventually constructed. I visited the Musée de l’Armée, the Musée des Plans-Reliefs, the Musée d’Histoire Contemporaine, and the Dôme Des Invalides, which contains the tombs of France’s combat heroes, including Napoleon. After transporting Napoleon’s casket to the chapel on December 15, 1840, France held a national burial and declared the domed cathedral as the last resting place of the French statesman and military leader.
In 1940, Hitler brought the body of Napolean II and buried him alongside his father in Paris. Les Invalides (Hôtel national des Invalides), the official national residence of the Invalids, has a significant historical significance in France. Louis XIV created a home for combat heroes in the 16th century. His plans included a burial ground, as well as a health centre and a retirement home. As a result, the building emphasises relief and military history. The architect who developed the Les Invalides layout, Liberal Bruant, envisioned the site in the Plaine de Grenelle area.
His concept was approved, and the gold-domed structure with fifteen courtyards and a spectacular river outlook was completed in 1676. Les Invalides, encrusted with 12 kilogrammes of genuine gold, dissects tales of French troops, invasions, and WWII Normandy landings. It was also the largest military parade monument in the French court of honour. Enter the crypt through the stairwell, guarded by a hefty bronze door with two sculptures and an inscription from Napoleon’s will. “I wish for my ashes to rest along the banks of the Seine among the people of France whom I so dearly loved,” it says.
The replica of Napoleon’s drawing-room, complete with his personal effects, favourite furnishings, and exhibits from the islands of Elba and Saint Helena, may be found in the restoration room. I learned about Napolean’s great life and journey to becoming Emperor from a military genius at the Domed Invalides. I got a glimpse into his private life at Chateau de Malmaison, Josephine de Beauharnais house. Napolean adored his first wife, Josephine, and would frequently retreat to this ‘bucolic’ countryside mansion to be with her. A lovely rose garden, previously managed by Josephine, may be found in this extraordinarily well-preserved château.
Malmaison is all about Josephine! Despite their love, Napoleon divorced her in 1810 since she was incapable of producing an heir for him. Josephine remained at Malmaison after their separation, while Napolean’s power began to crumble, and he was finally exiled in 1814. Following my visit to Malmaison, I took to the Arc de Triomphe, which is about a twelve-minute walk from Les Invalides. The Arc de Triomphe, which stands atop the world’s most famous street, was built to commemorate Napolean’s tremendous conquests.
Climb to the top for panoramic vistas of Paris, including a birds-eye perspective of the Eiffel Tower. I had a terrific time peering into Napolean’s public and private lives, and I ended my vacation by spending the rest of my evening on the Champs Elysées. Except on the first Monday of each month, the museum is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. It is possible to visit both the Tomb and the Dome at the same time. From June 15th to September 15th, visit hours are extended till 7 p.m.
