Cloister of Val-de-Grâce, Classical abbey in 5th arrondissement, Paris, France.
Description
The Cloister of Val-de-Grâce is a classical abbey in the 5th arrondissement featuring balanced proportions and carefully crafted stone facades. The complex includes a domed church, covered galleries, and adjoining buildings arranged around courtyards.
History
Queen Anne of Austria commissioned the complex in 1645, with her young son Louis XIV placing the cornerstone at age seven. The abbey functioned as a Benedictine convent for over two centuries before its conversion into a military medical facility.
Culture
The complex now houses a military medical museum that reveals how the French army cared for its wounded across different time periods. Visitors can explore how medical practices evolved within an institution dedicated to healing soldiers.
Practical
Visits are possible but access is restricted due to the ongoing military use of the grounds. Photography is generally limited to certain areas, so it is worth checking current rules before your visit.
Did you know?
During the French Revolution, Benedictine nuns protected the church from destruction by caring for wounded revolutionaries within its walls. This unexpected act of compassion saved the building from the fate that befell many other religious sites during that period.
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide. Discover all places nearby (5th arrondissement of Paris).
Hôpital Cochin
335 m
Port-Royal Abbey
268 m
Église du Val-de-Grâce
86 m
National Institute of Deaf Youth of Paris
391 m
Fontaine de l'Observatoire
386 m
Couvent des Feuillantines
239 m
Couvent des Ursulines de Paris
317 m
Square de Port-Royal
332 m
Musée du service de santé des armées
66 m
Église évangélique Saint-Marcel
211 m
Saint Edmund's Priory
197 m
Monument à Francis Garnier
365 m
Museum of the Armed Forces Health Service
47 m
Cochin hospital chapel
182 m
Statue of Michel Ney
393 m
275 rue Saint-Jacques
157 m
Fresco of the cupola of the church of Val-de-Grâce by Pierre Mignard
85 m
Église de l'abbaye de Port-Royal de Paris
253 m
277 rue Saint-Jacques
152 m
Monument to Charles-Michel de l'Épée
377 m
Hôtel du 6 rue du Val-de-Grâce
177 m
Crous de Paris
312 m
Hôtel de Longueville
92 m
Pavillon sud bordant la cour d'honneur de l'abbaye du Val-de-Grâce
98 m
Maison du sculpteur Rude
332 m
273 rue Saint-Jacques, Paris
167 m
Cloître de l'abbaye de Port-Royal de Paris
279 m
271 rue Saint-Jacques, Paris
176 mDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes