- Architectural Grandeur and Historical Significance of Saint Louis des Invalides
- Interior Majesty and Military Honors
- Transfer to the church of Les Invalides in Paris
Architectural Grandeur and Historical Significance of Saint Louis des Invalides
The dome of the church of Saint Louis des Invalides was opened in 1677, yet construction did not conclude until 1706, when it was dedicated as a royal church. Designed by architect Jules Hardouin Mansart, it features a Greek cross layout on a square plan, with facades marked by two orders stacked one above the other. Its defining feature is the remarkable dome, separated from the main building by stained glass windows and placed on an airlock. The second floor boasts large windows, and the dome’s ornamentation represents a significant evolution of the classical style. The lower part of the drum is flanked by paired columns, framing the large windows topped by rounded architraves. To ensure stability, ornamental spiral motifs are integrated, and the dome is crowned by a tower, standing as Paris’s tallest structure until the construction of the Eiffel Tower. The dome is oval-shaped, adorned with gilded motifs and fire pots, and measures 107 meters in height. It surrounds a pavilion-shaped square, with each corner marked by a monolithic monument of quadrangular shape topped by a capstone.
Interior Majesty and Military Honors
The church has direct access to the dome, signifying its importance as a royal chapel and its lengthy construction period of nearly 27 years. Distinctly, the church’s interior is adorned with French flags, while flags of enemies traditionally hang under the roof. Terminals of sacred land and the Way of Freedom sit to the right of the entrance, emphasizing its military significance. Attached to the Hôtel des Invalides in 1676, the church has since served the armed forces. Its magnificent colonnade, inspired by St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome, was altered to have a high degree of autonomy in relation to the church. It is supported by four pavilions and crowned by a mini-dome. The upper part of the church was carried out from 1687 to 1690. The entrance to the church is decorated with lilies, abbreviations of Louis XIV and St. Louis. Inside the church dome consists of two floors. It has a part in land that welcomes the crypt of Napoleon. Inside the dome is decorated with paintings showing the union between the Catholic Church with royalty as well as the persistence of the dynasty. The church has several chapels as the angle which houses the tomb of Marshal Foch, the middle chapel houses the tomb of heart Vauban chapel.
Transfer to the church of Les Invalides in Paris
The Church of Les Invalides is located at a distance of 18.3 km from Orly Airport from where you can choose VIP car for your transfer , 33.1 km from Charles de Gaulle Airport and 88.3 km from the airport of Beauvais.