A Day Around the Invalides Quarter
Morning
Begin the day with an early morning visit to the
Musée Rodin
. A magnificent collection of Rodin’s works are displayed
both indoors and outside in the attractive garden. There are also
excellent temporary exhibitions. Stop for a coffee at the garden café
with its leafy terrace.
Move on to the
Hôtel des Invalides
next door to see Napoleon’s Tomb and the Musée de l’Armée. From here, walk along the esplanade towards the Seine and the
Pont Alexandre III
, turning left before the river on to rue de l’Université. Stop here for lunch at
Le Divellec
, one of the best fish restaurants in Paris.
Afternoon
After lunch, follow the rue de l’Université to the Musée du Quai Branly
where you can enjoy the fascinating collections of tribal art and
superb modern architecture. The Café Branly, located in the museum’s
restful gardens, is the perfect place to stop and enjoy a cup of tea.
Make sure you book ahead, by phone or online, for a late-afternoon visit to the
Eiffel Tower
. The views are spectacular at dusk. Splash out on dinner at the world-famous Le Jules Verne restaurant on level 2, or head back to the Branly museum, and it’s rooftop restaurant
Les Ombres
.
Musée de l’Armée Exhibits
Modern Department (1648–1792)
The
modern royal army, from its birth under Louis XIV to the training of
Revolutionary soldiers, is related through objects such as some fine
early rifles.
Modern Department (1792–1871)
Displays here cover the beginnings of the Revolution to the Paris Commune, including the personal belongings of Napoleon I.
Ancient Armoury Department
The
third-largest collection of armoury in the world is on show in the
northeast refectory. Assembled over a 40-year period since the 1960s,
these items had been lost since the Revolution.
17th-Century Murals
In the Ancient Armoury Department, restored 17th-century murals by Joseph Parrocel celebrate Louis XIV’s military conquests.
The World Wars
Two
rooms on the second floor are devoted to World War I and World War II.
Documents, uniforms, maps, photographs and other memorabilia bring the
conflicts of both wars to life, often to disturbing effect.
Banners and Trophies
A small collection of 17th–20th-century military banners is displayed in the east wing.
Historial of Charles de Gaulle
This
state-of-the-art display on the life of the former wartime president is in the Cour d’Honneur, Orient wing.
Musée des Plans Reliefs
On
the fourth floor of the east wing is a collection of relief models of
French towns showing the development of fortifications from the 17th
century onwards.
Artillery
Over 800 cannons are displayed inside and in front of the museum.
Salle Orientale
This collection of arms and armour reflects the military styles of different nations.
Views
Top of the Eiffel Tower
There
is nowhere in Paris to match the view from the top of the tower, so
hope for good weather. With the cityscape and the sparkling waters of
the Seine below, it is the highlight of any visit .
View from the Eiffel Tower
Pont d’Iéna
There
is no bad approach to the Eiffel Tower, but the best is from the
Trocadéro direction, walking straight to the tower across the Pont
d’Iéna.
Base of the Eiffel Tower
Everybody
wants to race to the top, but don’t neglect the view from the ground.
Looking directly up at the magnificent structure makes one appreciate
the feat of engineering all the more .
Eiffel Tower at Night
To
usher in the Millennium the tower was “robed” in lights and since then
there have been a variety of lighting displays. For five minutes every
hour, from dusk to midnight, the whole edifice twinkles.
Saxe-Breteuil Market
This
old street market in avenue de Saxe is a little off the usual tourist
track, but the view of the Eiffel Tower above the fruit and vegetable
stalls is totally Parisian and will especially appeal to photographers.
Pont Alexandre III
Flanked by impressive gilded statues, superb views can be enjoyed from this magnificent bridge .
Pont Alexandre III and Hôtel des Invalides
Musée Rodin Gardens
The golden Dôme church gleams through the trees that line these delightful gardens.
Hôtel des Invalides
The
majestic gilded dome above Napoleon’s tomb dominates the skyline. It is
a particularly superb sight when seen from the river on a sunny morning .
Pont de la Concorde
The Egyptian obelisk at the centre of place de la Concorde is at its most impressive from the bridge.
Musée du Quai Branly
Jean Nouvel’s bold, colourful building is best seen from the riverside. Note the striking “Green Wall” at the west end (see Musée du Quai Branly).
