In 1670, Louis XIV founded Les Invalides near what was then called the Grenelle Plain. An old soldiers home, it was funded by a five year levy on the salaries of soldiers currently serving in the army at that time.

The first stones were laid in 1671, for what was to become a complex providing quarters for 4,000 soldiers. Construction followed plans drawn up by Libéral Bruant, and was completed in 1676. The Esplandade was layed out by Robert de Cotte.

A masterpiece of seventeenth century architecture, the hotel occupies a large quadrilateral and is one of the most prestigious buildings in Paris. The complex now houses four museums including the Musée de l'Armée, the Muséle d'Histoire Contemporaine, the Musée de l'Ordre de la Libération, and the Musée des Plans et Reliefs.

view the official website for the Hotel des Invalides.