Our next stop after Versailles was to see Napoleon's tomb. It is located within a complex called "Les Invalides" that contains several museums and a burial site for French war heroes. The dome was completed in 1708 and is one of the best examples of French Baroque Architecture
Napoleon's sarcophagus is directly under the dome and sits one level below the main floor. It is the most famous attraction of the complex, and visitors can view the tomb from both levels.
This is the main level looking under the dome. Napoleon's tomb is in the center of the circular opening in the floor. The natural light coming in from the windows above creates beautiful dramatic lighting that highlights the distinctive architectural features as well as the tomb itself.
As mentioned before, there are several war heroes also buried here. This is the tomb of Ferdinand Foch (1851-1929). He was a general in the French Army during WWI, and was later made commander of the Allied armies. He famously remarked after the signing of the Treaty of Versailles: "This is not a peace. It is an armistice for twenty years". He died before the start of WWII proved him right.
Here is a view of the inside of the dome, where you can see one of the several paintings that adorn the edge. It was inspired by St. Peter's Basilica in Rome.
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