Le Duc on the Road XXIV - Les Invalides

L' Hôtel des Invalides was commissioned in 1670 by Louis XIV in order to provide accommodation and hospital care for wounded soldiers. In 1815, after Napoleon’s abdication, over 5,000 survivors of the Grande Armee were listed there. Napoleon inspected the place and visited his men in 1808, 1813 and 1815.

The chapel was built at the end of the 17th century by Jules-Hardouin Mansart and contains the tombs of Marshals of France (Including Vauban et al) and that of Napoleon himself. 

This formed the second 'major' tour during the trip to Paris avec ma fille during the aforementioned Operation Rat-on-a-Stick...

Now France is very proud of its military history; there were so many authentic uniforms and pieces of equipment on display here, that the overall effect was absolutely stunning. Unlike in the UK, where there are apparent (but usually quasi-political and thereby faux) concerns over military history or Empire, the French are proud of their history, no matter how black or white or with shades of grey, no matter how good or bad - it is history, and they recognise it as such.

This museum and chapel is absolutely stunning and a must see if you have even a passing interest in French or European history; the displays are superb, the quality unbeatable, and the staff very helpful . Highly recommended.

Some fantastic (and authentic) WW1 & WW2 uniforms and equipment on display. France does not muck about with worrying about this sort of thing. Superb displays.

Turret of a Panzer II amongst other equipment.

Business end of a V2

Moving into the '17th-19th Century' building (which we almost missed due to renovation :O ), excellent stories and display surrounding the Army of the Sun King

18th Century American expedition

Muskets...sooo many muskets

Turenne and his armour are displayed

...with maps of his last campaign

A certain Irish regiment - 'pre' Wild Geese era

You quickly realise that the Napoleonic uniforms, are, for the most part, NOT reconstructions or replicas - but actual uniforms from the period, well preserved

Sooo many sabres and blades

Again, the quality of the paintings and the ability to get close and see the brushstrokes - stunning...as Davout looks on

...almost every French Eagle is on display, with regimental histories

Well preserved Revolutionary wars uniforms too

'Are you the Guard???!!!"

Some original pieces in poorer state of repair, including Napoleon's bicorne, have survived

I have so many pics from Les Invalides, that there may be other blog posts including them...

Later that day, the view from Montmartres Cathedral

...and the steps that Mr. Wick gets chucked down repeatedly in 'John Wick 4'

A superb trip. I'd recommend Paris to all...

Le Duc on the Road XXIII - Versailles & Operation Rat-on-a-Stick

Now, there's lots to report from the recent trip to France with my daughter. 

This had been delayed since 2020, when a far eastern lab accident got a little out of hand (ahem) and meant, amongst other things, that she had to end her student placement early...leaving much of her wardrobe in her French apartment at the time.

Now you're probably thinking...I mean it was a pandemic...how much wardrobe did she actually have out there that she had to leave when she was told to come home by the university? I would answer only by stating that two large empty travel bags were taken out with us.

Navy SeALs never leave a man behind; daughters never leave their highly fashionable and thereby obscenely expensive French Fashion wardrobe behind either...we went out there...  to bring the guys home. 

Soooo, there may also have been a trip to Versailles and Les Invalides (next post) as part of Operation Rat-on-a-Stick (of which more later).

At the entrance to beautiful Versailles - truly impressive, and a genuine French treasure

The well appointed and superbly preserved chapel

The originl paintings are superb, with fine detail and the ability to et close enough to actually see the brushstrokes

Louis XIV and little brother

The finery and artistry in the apartments knows very little equal - granted some of it has been re-furbished - but a lot of material is original

The fantastic hall of mirrors - anyone forced to walk up this to see Louis XIV, would have been a little intimidated...that was the idea of course.

A famous painting related to a certain Empereur

His Marshals in evidence

All French Marshals (including Berwick) are remembered

The Hall of Battles - with massive original paintings of French victories - including Fontenoy

The level of detail absolutely stunning

Berwick

The famous Marshal Turenne

The breathtaking view outside the main palace

Operation Rat-on-a-Stick takes its name from what we saw in the local 'exterminator store' on the way back to the train. I mean I am sure that these pieces of equipment are useful - I just don't want to know how...