History of the Invalides Hospital: Louis XIV's Gratitude

In 1670, Paris had a problem. The streets were filled with crippled veterans from Louis XIV’s endless wars, begging or turning to crime. The King’s solution was monumental: l'Hôtel National des Invalides.

A City Within a City

It wasn’t just a hospital; it was a microcosm of society.

• Capacity: At its peak, it housed over 4,000 soldiers.
• Workshops: Veterans weren't just idle. They worked in shoe-making, tapestry, and notably, book illumination workshops to earn pocket money and keep active.
• Discipline: It was run like a military barrack. Curfews, uniforms, and mandatory mass attendance were the rule.

Medical Innovation

The Invalides was at the forefront of medical care. The famous surgeon Larrey (Napoleon’s surgeon) worked here. It became a center for studying prosthetics and treating war trauma long before PTSD was a known term.

The Legacy

Walking through the corridors, remember that for 300 years, this was a place of pain and healing. The smooth worn steps were eroded by thousands of wooden legs and crutches. It adds a human layer to the stone splendor.