Napoleon Bonaparte is interred in Les Invalides, a complex of buildings containing museums and monuments relating to the military history of France.
Napoleon’s legacy is complicated. He was considered one of the greatest military generals in history. He played a key role in the French Revolution (1789-99). As the first consul of France (1799-1804) he instituted a number of lasting reforms – centralised administration of government, a higher education system, a central bank, law codes and a sewer system.
He also proclaimed himself Emperor, presided over an extravagant court and lavished wealth and privelege on his family. He kept Europe at war for 15 years resulting in an estimated 3.5 million to 6 million deaths. He left France in a weaker position than when he started.
He died aged 51 after being exiled to Saint Helena Island after the battle of Waterloo. Napoleon was originally buried on the island in 1821. King Louis-Philippe decided to have his remains transferred to Les Invalides in 1840. The former Royal Chapel known as the Domes des Invalides is the tallest church building in Paris at an height of 107 metres. After major excavation work the body of Emperor Napoleon I was finally laid to rest there on 2nd April 1861. His final resting place and sarcophagus are most impressive.
He is surrounded by grandeur.
I have visited the house where Napoleon was born in Ajaccio, Corsica and the house where he was exiled on the island of Elba. His resting place is much more grand.
Upon leaving Les Invalides we walked to the exquisite Alexander III bridge which connects the Champs-Élysées quarter with Invalides and Eiffel Tower. It has been classified as a French monument historique since 1975.
The Beaux-Arts style bridge is adorned with Art Nouveau lamps, cherubs, nymphs and winged horses and lots of gold. It was built between 1896 and 1900 and named after Tsar Alexander III of Russia. His son Nicholas II laid the foundation stone in October 1896.
After leaving the bridge we strode towards Champs-Élysées passing 3 others stepping out.
Winston Churchill.
Georges Clemenceau
Charles de Gaulle
Walking through Paris under a bright blue sky is excellent.
The Alexander 111 bridge is just fabulous & a delight to walk over or travel under on one of the Bateaux Mouches. Your photos are wonderful & even the blue sky & white clouds add to the beauty.
Your photos of Les Invalides certainly take us back & you have captured the grandeur so well. As you say there is so much to see in Paris.
By: Camillus Davall on January 17, 2024
at 11:19 pm
The bridge is stunning. I love walking across admiring the gorgeous sculptures and the view over the river.
By: Debra Kolkka on January 18, 2024
at 10:07 pm
One of the most beautiful areas in Paris. Even if I am not a fan of Napoleon , I have to admit that his final resting place is superb.
By: Mulino Dominillo on January 18, 2024
at 12:36 am
Napoleon is a controversial character. It is difficult to admire someone who lead so many men to their deaths.
By: Debra Kolkka on January 18, 2024
at 10:08 pm
It is a stunning display indeed and that bridge is lovely. But yes you are right he is a very controversial figure.
By: Lorraine @ Not Quite Nigella on January 19, 2024
at 10:59 pm
I studied history when I was much younger and remember being fascinated by Napoleon, but now I just wish we had learned not to make war.
By: Debra Kolkka on January 20, 2024
at 1:17 am