Les Invalides: the Esplanade hosts events for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games

Published by Philippine de Sortiraparis · Photos by My de Sortiraparis · Published on July 6, 2024 at 05:24 p.m.
The large lawns of the Esplanade des Invalides are well known to tourists and Parisians alike on sunny days! This year, however, there'll be no picnics, as the Paris 2024 Olympic Games will be taking over the site with archery and para-archery, athletics and para-athletics, and road cycling events.

Officially known as theHôtel national des Invalides, the site is an architectural and historical complex located in the 7th arrondissement of Paris, sublimated by a large esplanade. Built during the reign of Louis XIV, it was originally intended to house war invalids - soldiers wounded or too old to serve. Today, Les Invalides is famous for its majestic architecture, its museums and, above all, for housing the tomb of Napoleon Bonaparte.

Construction of theHôtel des Invalides and its esplanade took six years, from 1670 to 1676. The project's main architect was Liberal Bruant, but it was Jules Hardouin-Mansart who completed the church of Saint-Louis-des-Invalides, famous for its magnificent golden dome, which can be seen from Paris rooftops.

Les Invalides is home to several museums and institutions, including the Musée de l'Armée, one of the world's largest military museums, with collections ranging from antiquity to the present day. There's also the Musée des Plans-Reliefs and the Musée d'Histoire Contemporaine. The Cathédrale Saint-Louis-des-Invalides behind the esplanade is still used for military religious ceremonies.

The Esplanade des Invalides, located in front of the Hôtel des Invalides, is a vast green space stretching from the Seine to the main entrance to the complex. Created in the 17th century, it was designed to offer a majestic view of the monument. It is often used for public events, demonstrations and national celebrations, such as the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

Here is the program of festivities during the Olympic and Paralympic Games at Les Invalides:


  • Road cycling: July 27 to August 4
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  • Archery: July 25 to August 4
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  • Athletics marathon: August 10 and 11
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Practical information

Location

Esplanade Des Invalides
75007 Paris 7

Route planner

Accessibility info

Access
Metro Invalides, lines 8 and 13 and RER C Bus 63, 83, 87, 93

Official website
olympics.com

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