The Hotel des Invalides Is Pretty Remarkable

It is a massive complex of buildings of museums and monuments to the military history of France.  It is most famous as the location of Napoleon's Tomb.  We walked around the tomb area and then went to the museum re Charles DeGaulle, the Free French army, and the French Resistance.

(Editor: How massive is it?  Writer: I'm glad you asked -- the front facade is 643 feet long and 72 feet high, the esplanade in front of the building is 1640 feet long.  The main courtyard is 335 feet long by 210 feet wide.  Until the Eiffel Tower, the dome was the tallest building in Paris, at 351 feet high).  

Originally built as a hospital and old soldiers' retirement home, it now host at least three museums and the national cathedral of the French military, which is primarily a shrine to many of France's leading military men.

Started by Louis XIV in 1670 to create a home and hospital for aged and disabled (invalide) soldiers.  Built with 15 courtyards, the grounds are massive.  We did not go into any of the museum, except for an exhibit on DeGaulle, etc. as noted above.

The repurposed national cathedral now burial site is massive and stunning.  Not only is Napoleon buried there (George Washington's grave is quite plain and understated in comparison), but so are Marshal Foch, Napoleon III, Vauban, Napoleon II, and Marshal Lyauley, among others.  Down in the underground crypt, there are 82 additional military figures.

(Editor: Aren't all crypts underground?  Writer: Um, yes.  Did you know it is an underground room or vault  beneath a church?  Writer whispers: "Thanks Google!").

The cathedral is very ornate. I'd recommend going, and allowing at least an hour to wander the cathedral.  The ticket gets you admission to all of the parts of the Hotel des Invalides, so if military maps and gear are your thing, consider that a bonus.