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Napoleon’s body was brought here from St Helena in 1840, some 19 years after he died. He rests in splendid grandeur in a cocoon of six coffins, almost situated “on the banks of the Seine” as was his personal wish.

The second church at the Hôtel was begun in 1677 and took 27 years to build. Its magnificent dome stands 107 m (351 ft) high and glistens as much now as it did when Louis XIV, the Sun King, had it first gilded in 1715.

The Army Museum is one of the largest collections of militaria in the world. Enthusiasts will be absorbed for hours, but even the casual visitor will find fascinating pieces here, including collections of arms from ancient times and other exhibits from armies across the world.

The colourful, circular painting on the interior of the dome above the crypt is the Glory of Paradise painted in 1692 by the French artist, Charles de la Fosse. Near the centre is St Louis, who represents Louis XIV, presenting his sword to Christ in the presence of the Virgin and angels.

One of the loveliest sights in Paris, the Classical façade of the Hôtel is four floors high and 196 m (645 ft) end to end. Features include the dormer windows with their variously shaped shield surrounds.

Encircling the Dôme Church are the imposing tombs of great French military men, such as Marshal Foch and Marshal Vauban, who revolutionized military fortifications and siege tactics.

Adjoining the Dôme Church is the Invalides complex’s original church. It is worth seeing for its 17th-century organ, on which the first performance of Berlioz’s Requiem was given.

The approach to the Hôtel is across public gardens and then through a gate into the Invalides Gardens themselves. Designed in 1704, their paths are lined by 17th-and 18th-century cannons.

The Order of Liberation, France’s highest military honour, was created by Général de Gaulle in 1940 to acknowledge contributions during World War II. The museum details the history of the honour and the wartime Free French movement.

Maps and models of French forts and fortified towns are displayed here and some of them are beautifully detailed, such as the oldest model on display, of Perpignan in 1686.