Paris' Invalides is more than Napoleon's tomb. For 350 years, it been a home for war wounded

"The gilded dome of the Invalides in Paris draws millions of visitors. But behind the landmark's grand facade lies a lesser-known mission: serving as a home and hospital for wounded soldiers and victims of war for more than 350 years. Built in the 17th century under King Louis XIV, the National Institution of Invalides houses dozens of residents among them military veterans, Holocaust survivors and civilian victims of conflicts and attacks who receive long-term, medically supervised care."

"The aging facilities are undergoing a major state-funded renovation estimated at 100 million euros ($108 million), with private donors invited to sponsor upgrading individual rooms. This week, the hospital granted rare access to reporters from The Associated Press, allowing them into rooms that lie on either side of the centerpiece of Les Invalides, a soaring mausoleum that holds Napoleon's sarcophagus."

"Sometimes visitors will cross paths with residents in wheelchairs on the grounds, not realizing that the Invalides still fulfills the founding mission of Louis XIV. The institution continues to provide long-term care for people affected by war, including veterans and civilian victims, within facilities that are now being modernized through public and private support."

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The Invalides in Paris, known for Napoleon’s resting place, also functions as a long-term home and hospital for wounded soldiers and victims of war. The institution was built in the 17th century under King Louis XIV and has housed residents for more than 350 years. Residents include military veterans, Holocaust survivors, and civilian victims of conflicts and attacks who receive medically supervised care. Aging facilities are being renovated through state funding estimated at 100 million euros, with private donors invited to sponsor upgrades to individual rooms. Visitors may encounter residents on the grounds in wheelchairs without realizing the hospital’s ongoing role. Rare access was granted to reporters to show rooms on both sides of Napoleon’s mausoleum.

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