Cathédrale Saint-Louis-des-Invalides

7th arrondissement of Paris, France

Open to visitors

The interior is normally open, possibly ticketed.

Strollie cannot guarantee access — always check before you travel.

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The Cathédrale Saint-Louis-des-Invalides, located in the 7th arrondissement of Paris, is a Neoclassical cathedral serving as the seat of the bishop to the French armed forces. Commissioned by King Louis XIV and built beginning in 1676 by architect Jules Hardouin-Mansart, it stands directly behind the Dome Church of Les Invalides, the home for French army veterans. Opened to soldiers in 1679, the church features a clock tower designed to summon residents to obligatory prayer services and Sunday mass. The nave displays flags captured by the French army throughout its history. The cathedral's ecclesiastical role evolved considerably over time: a vicar position overseeing spiritual care of the armed forces was established in 1957, and the church was formally elevated to cathedral status in 1986 when the position of Bishop of the Armed Forces was created.