Where to Eat in Paris When Visiting Les Invalides

Across the gorgeous Pont Alexandre III – Alexander III Bridge – from the Champs-Élysées, sits the stunning gilded dome of one of Paris’ major monuments. The beautiful les Invalides is most notably known as the final resting place of Napoléon Bonaparte.

A Glorious Refuge

Built by the Sun King, Louis XIV, as a refuge for veterans, it still provides support for them over 300 years later. However, today it is also home to several military museums, including la Musée de l’Armée. Through their collections and exhibitions, you can learn about the history of Paris over the last two hundred years. Les Invalides is such a fascinating place that time will fly by when you are exploring it. So you’ll want some great ideas on where to eat in Paris when there. One of my favourite exhibits in la Musée de l’Armée is the toy soldier collection. It provides a snapshot of the uniforms and mode of transport used by the French military over time. Who knew that soldiers once rode ostriches! A visit to la Musée des Plans-Reliefs – the Museum of Relief Plans – is also a must. Created and used for strategic battle planning, the reliefs are topographically correct, miniature replicas of geographical areas in France. And the attic room where they are housed is dark except for the lighting on each relief, making it quite a unique museum experience.

Of course, the highlight of a visit to Les Invalides has to be the former Chapelle royale – royal chapel. A triumph of French Baroque architecture, this dazzling domed edifice was modified over a twenty year period to accommodate the impressive tomb of Napoléon I. Each time I visit, both the scale of the sarcophagus and the beauty of the twelve marble “victories” guarding it, take my breath away. Pictures just don’t do it justice!

Les Invalides  Rond-Point du Bleuet de France, 75007 Paris

After taking in all of this splendour and grandeur, you will have definitely worked up an appetite. Here are three wonderful nearby spots to eat in Paris that I have enjoyed immensely.

Auberge Bressane

While Auberge Bressane offers an array of traditional French food from the Bresse region, they specialize in souffles. So when I visited it one dark, damp, December evening, I decided that I had to try one. And I am so happy that I did. Their Soufflé du Fromage – Cheese Souffle – was amazing! Not only did the golden cloud of baked goodness that arrived at my table light up the night, the deliciousness of its fluffy egg and cheese mousse brought a smile to my face. And Gruyère lined the bottom of the ceramic pot, giving each of my last bites an extra hit of cheesie goodness. It was pure joy! I alighted back onto the dark Parisian street all aglow that December evening!

Auberge Bressane 16 Avenue de le Motte-Picquet, 75007 Paris

Directly across le Pont Alexandre III from les Invalides lie two beautiful palaces. Given their grandeur, you could easily be forgiven for thinking that they are centuries old. However, le Grand Palais and le Petit Palais were built as exhibition spaces for the Universal Exposition of 1900. Designed in the Beaux-Arts style, along with the bridge, they have charm to spare! And wonderfully, each offers a picturesque spot in which to enjoy a tasty bite to eat.

Le Minipalais

Standing amid the elegant, imperial pillars of the balcony of le Grand Palais, it is easy to feel like royalty. Even more so when you enjoy the pleasures of eating at Le Minipalais which is located there. Three-starred Michelin Chef Eric Frechon provides a fresh, sophisticated menu each month. I enjoyed a delightful brunch there one sunny, spring Sunday.

My meal began with a lighter-than-air Brioche du fromage – Cheese Brioche. It was so good that it went down quickly. Hence, all you can see of it in the second photo below are the crumbs on the plate. I followed this with a Bisque de crevettes – Shrimp Bisque – accompanied by a Tempura de crevettes – Shrimp Tempura. The light crunchiness of the tempura provided a nice balance to the creamy smoothness of the bisque. I topped this flavourful duo off with Framboises fraises, sorbet noix de coco et basilic  – Fresh raspberries with Coconut Sorbet & Basil. A cool, refreshing finale for a delightful Parisian day.

Le Minipalais  Avenue Winston Churchill, 75008 Paris

Le Jardin du Petit Palais

Not to be confused with le Minipalais, le Petit Palais is located directly across Avenue Winston Churchill from le Grand Palais. Now le Musée des Beaux-Arts de la Ville de Paris – the Museum of Fine Arts of the City of Paris – this gorgeous edifice is home to an equally stunning garden within its courtyard. It is here within this hidden Parisian treasure that you will find Le Jardin du Petit Palais. This cafeteria-style café not only offers delicious pastries and light lunches, it also offers what I consider to be one of the most beautiful and quiet places to re-energize yourself within Paris.

One of the treats that I’ve enjoyed here on one of my several visits is Tarte Quetsches – Plum Tart – accompanied by un Chocolat Viennois – a Viennese Chocolate. A rich and tasty treat!

Le Jardin du Petit Palais  Avenue Winston Churchill, 75008 Paris

For more delicious ideas on incredible places to eat in Paris, read my post Where to Eat in Paris When Visiting the Eiffel Tower.

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