Cathédrale Saint-Louis des Invalides.

The entrance to the dome at Les Invalides.

A couple of months ago, Mindy and I went to visit Les Invalides in Paris (see January 29th update), however it was so nice outside that we decided to forgo the museum and instead wandered the grounds before continuing our walk through Paris. As Mindy's cousin's daughter, Gabriel, is visiting us this week, we will be in full tourist mode as we take in all of the usual suspects in terms of Paris sightseeing as well as a few known only to those who live in this vibrant city.

Unfortunately, I had to teach a couple of classes this morning and so Mindy and Gabriel attacked the city. A little walking tour landed them at the entrance of Les Invalides and it was decided that they should now take the time to go inside and view the dome from the inside. They were not disapointed as the beautiful French Baroque architecture leads one to feel as if the inside of the dome is enormously spacious. In addition to the architecture, the ceiling is painted in a beautiful design that can really take your breath away.

The interior of the dome.

Les Invalides is richly decorated and seems more like a palace than the military hospital is was.

In addition to the building, Les Invalides also houses the remains of what can only be considered as the royalty of the French military. Laid to rest in ornate sarcophaguses, visitors can view the final resting places of Napoleon Bonaparte, Napoleaon's brothers Joseph and Jerome, as well as the tomb of General Leclerc who is widely regarded as one of the heros of France during the Second World War.

The tomb of Joseph Bonaparte, brother of Napoleon.

Leading down to the tomb of Napoleon is an arch with an incription that reads "My final wish is that my remains lie on the edge of the Seine river, in the middle of the French people, whom I love so deeply".

The sargophagus of Napoleon Bonaparte.

The tomb of Marshal General Turene who commanded the French armies during the era of Louis XIV.