Page 192 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Paris

190  P ARIS AREA B Y AREA

leader, General Charles de The Département Moderne
Gaulle. The Order of Liberation is in two parts: the first (1648–
was created by de Gaulle in 1792) covers the reign of Louis
1940. It is France’s highest XIV, while the second (1792–
honour and was bestowed on 1871) displays a collection
those who made an outstand- of Napoleon’s mementos.
ing contribution to the final Items include his famous
victory in World War II. frock coat and felt hats,
Among the recipients of the as well as his stuffed dog.
honour are French civilians and
members of the armed forces,
plus some overseas leaders
such as King George VI,
Winston Churchill and
Dwight Eisenhower.
The impressive altar of St-Louis-des-Invalides
2 St-Louis-des- 4 Musée de l’Armée
Invalides Hôtel des Invalides, 129 Rue de
Hôtel des Invalides, 129 Rue de Grenelle/6 Blvd des Invalides 75007.
Grenelle/6 Blvd des Invalides 75007. Map 11 A3. Tel 08 10 11 33 99. q La
Map 11 A3. q La Tour-Maubourg, Tour-Maubourg, Varenne. W Invalides.
Varenne. W Invalides. Tel 08 10 11 33 Open 10am–6pm (to 9pm Tue) daily
99/01 44 42 38 77. Open 10am–6pm (Nov–Mar: to 5pm; last adm: 30 min A map of Alessandria, Italy (1813)
daily (Nov–Mar: to 5pm). Closed 1 Jan, before closing time). Times may vary;
1 May, 25 Dec. ∑ musee-armee.fr check website ahead of visit. Closed 5 Musée des
1st Mon of month (except Jul, Aug, Plans-Reliefs
The “soldiers’ church” was built Sep), 1 Jan, 1 May, 25 Dec. & (Ticket
includes entry to the Musée de l’Ordre
1679–1708 by Jules Hardouin- de la Libération and the Musée des Hôtel des Invalides 75007. Map 11
Mansart from the original designs Plans-Reliefs.) 7 ground floor only. A3. Tel 01 45 51 95 05 or 01 45 51 92
45. q La Tour-Maubourg, Varenne.
by Libéral Bruand. The imposing, 8 - = Film. ∑ musee-armee.fr W Invalides. Open 10am–6pm
but stark, interior is decorated (Nov–Mar: 5pm) daily. Closed 1st
with banners seized in battle. This is one of the most Mon of month (except Jul, Aug, Sep),
The first performance of Berlioz’s comprehensive museums of 1 Jan, 1 May, 1 Nov, 25 Dec. & =
Requiem was given on the fine military history in the world, ∑ museedesplansreliefs.culture.fr
17th-century organ in 1837, with exhibits ranging from the
with an orchestra accompanied Stone Age to the final days of The detailed models of French
by a battery of outside artillery. World War II. forts and fortified towns, some
Situated in the northeast dating back to Louis XIV’s reign,
3 Musée de l’Ordre refectory, the Ancient Armoury were considered top secret until
the 1950s, when they were put
department is worth visiting for
de la Libération the collection on display, one on public display. The oldest
Hôtel des Invalides, 129 Rue de of the largest in the world, as model is that of Perpignan,
Grenelle/Place Vauban 75007. Map 11 much as for the 17th-century dating to 1686. It shows the
A3. Tel 01 47 05 04 10. q La Tour- murals by Joseph Parrocel adorn- fortifications drawn up by
Maubourg. Open Apr–Oct: 10am– ing the walls. These celebrate the legendary 17th-century
6pm daily (to 9pm Tue); Nov–Mar: Louis XIV’s military conquests. military architect Vauban,
10am–5pm daily. Closed 1st Mon of The life of Charles de Gaulle who built the defences
month, public hols. & 8 and his role in World War II are around several French
∑ ordredelaliberation.fr documented in the Historial towns, including Briançon.
de Gaulle, a film and
This museum is devoted to the multimedia attraction The façade of the Musée de
wartime Free French and their (closed on Mondays). l’Ordre de la Libération

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