The distinctive gilded dome of Napoleon's Tomb shines in the early morning mist of Paris. What an amazing place for a children's playground, surrounded by grandeur and history
Having crowned himself Emperor, Napoleon set about establishing himself and his family in a grandeur that the recently deposed and beheaded French Royal family would have been quite comfortable with.
So when he died – rumoured to be murdered by the English in his enforced exile on the Island of Elba – his resting place back in Paris, L’Hotel des Invalides, would be a grand and ostentatious affair.
the gilded dome of Napoleon's tomb
The Military Museum, at the back of Les Invalides - the golden dome peeks over
elaborate marble floors
vaulted ceiling domes with gilded touches shine a golden light throughout the tomb
the coffin of one of Napoleon's relatives
elaborate marble floors
Napoleon's sarcophagus, viewed from the upper (entrance) level
Napoleon's Sarcophagus, viewed from the upper (entrance) level
elaborate marble floors
the coffin of one of Napoleon's relatives
paintings in the vaulted ceiling dome
one of two towering statues guarding the entrance to the tomb chamber
one of the tableaux surrounding the tomb chamber which illustrate the many achievements of Napoleon, from trade, law, industry, technology - as well as his military battles
Napoleon's sarcophagus
looking up at the ceiling
looking upwards from the viewing area surrounding Napoleon's sarcophagus
Napoleon II, Roi de Rome
If you liked this post you might also like some more posts from France…..
Arrival in Paris
Caves of Lascaux
Notre Dame
French menus
Standing Stones of Carnac
Les Grottos en France
The Louvre
Eiffel Tower (Tour Eiffel)
Streets of Paris
Arc de Triomphe
Mudmap
