How to Tour Paris' Invalides District

Though the Invalides District in Paris' Seventh Arrondissement has its share of government offices and quiet side streets, it is at the same time in the heart of things, and has some of the city's most important tourist attractions. Napoleon is entombed here. Yves Saint Laurent lived most of his life here, and the western end is dominated by a little something called the Eiffel Tower.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Start your tour of this district at the Hotel Des Invalides, located between Place Vauban, Boulevard des Invalides, Boulevard de Latour-Maubourg and rue de Grenelle. It was built by Louis XIV as a hospital and housing for indigent soldiers and their widows and children. The complex includes the Eglise du Dome, with Napoleon's enormous tomb located in the cylindrical crypt, the Soldier's Church, or Eglise Saint-Louis-des-Invalides, which is still used by the retired soldiers who live on the premises and is hung with battle flags and the Musée de l'Armée, which has a thorough collection of weaponry and other memorabilia and displays pertaining to the French military. The Musée des Plans Reliefs showcases the relief maps used centuries ago for planning France's defense, while the impressive Esplanade Des Invalides connects the complex to the Pont Alexandre III.

2. Go to the Eiffel Tower. You know you can't avoid it when your in Paris. Sure, it's touristy, but it also lives up to the hype. Southeast of it is the Parc du Champ de Mars, a large pleasure ground that leads to the Ecole Militaire and offers great locations for photographing the Tower.

3. Commune with God at Eglise Saint-Francois-Xavier at Place du Président Mithouard and Basilique Sainte-Clotilde at 23 bis rue Las Cases, both of which are known for their organs. The Chapelle de la Médaille Miraculeuse at 140 rue du Bac was the site where, in 1830, the Virgin Mary appeared to the nun St. Catherine Labouré, instructing her to have the Miraculous Medal struck. The medal has become a hugely popular sacramental to Catholics worldwide, and the chapel, which includes the tomb of St. Catherine, has become a place of pilgrimage.

4. Soak up culture at the districts various museums. The Musée du Quai Branly, at 37 quai Branly, is an anthropological museum designed by Jean Nouvel. It opened in 2006 and showcases the various native cultures. The Musée Rodin at 77 Rue Varenne, has both indoor and outdoor displays of the famous sculptor's work. The headquarters of UNESCO at 7 Place de Fontenoy has an impressive collection of the work of such modern artists as Picasso, Calder, Arp and Giacometti, as well as a Japanese garden.

5. Satisfy your food longings on the Rue Cler, which is justly famous for its food markets. Unfortunately, American budget travel guru Rick Steves has been singing the praises of this street for years and as a result it has become more and more crowded with tourists.