Located in the Latin Quarter, in the 5th arrondissement of Paris, the church and convent of Val-de-Grâce were built in the 17th century by Queen Anne of Austria. A military hospital has occupied the convent since the French Revolution. The former Val-de-Grâce abbey also houses the Musée du Service de Santé des Armées (Museum of the Military Health Service), the Val-de-Grâce school, and the central library of the military health service.
Highlights
The Church of Notre-Dame du Val-de-Grâce
Anne of Austria wished to build this church as an act of thanksgiving after giving birth to a son, Louis XIV. An inscription on the porch pediment reads: "To Jesus newborn and to his mother the Virgin." Baroque in inspiration, the church's floor plan takes the shape of a Latin cross. From the forecourt, you can also see a dome. Inside, you'll find numerous sculptures, paintings by Philippe de Champaigne, and a cupola decorated with a fresco by Mignard. Concerts and organ recitals are regularly held there and are well worth attending!
The Museum of the Military Health Service
Once a Benedictine convent, the Museum of the Military Health Service was founded in 1850. Located on the first floor of the royal abbey's cloister, it presents the history of the service, its role in various wars, its uniforms and medical equipment, as well as temporary exhibitions held three times a year.
Infos pratiques
Tips
While in the heart of the Latin Quarter, take the opportunity to stroll through the Jardin du Luxembourg, go shopping on Boulevard Saint-Michel, or grab brunch and explore the "La Mouffe" market, on one of the capital's oldest streets, Rue Mouffetard.
How to get there
You can reach Val-de-Grâce by metro on line 7, getting off at the "Les Gobelins" station. If you take the RER B, simply get off at the "Port-Royal" station. Buses 21, 27, 38, 83 and 91 will also bring you nearby.
Opening hours
Nearby
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