HOHO 1st Stop - Les Invalides

The fastest and easiest way to do Paris when you have limited time is to go on the hop on hop off bus. At the circle near the Luxembourg gardens, we boarded the Orange Route on the L'Open Tour. It was a cold day, but that didn't stop us from going on the upper deck for better viewing of the city.

Streets of Paris....daily activities just starting to pick up.

Watch for the stops with the L'Open Tour call sign - boarding place of the tour buses.

Braving the cold winds on the upper deck

Parisian residence

A mix of old and new architecture standing harmoniously next to one another

Building on the Montparnasse. At the beginning of the 20th century, Montparnasse was the heart of intellectual and artistic life in Paris.

The area is also known for cafes and bars.

On the hop on hop off bus, you get to listen to audio commentary in 8 different languages - just to ensure you do not miss a thing. A few minutes on the HOHO bus, we came to our first stop - complex of buildings - Les Invalides. Visible from far is this royal chapel, better known as the Dôme des Invalides, gold-domed building now used as a burial site for a number of the country's war heroes.

Les Invalides sits in Paris's 7th arrondissement and consists of museums and monuments related to the military history of France.

The front facade faces the Seine river. Whole complex features 15 courtyards, the largest being the cour d'honneur (court of honor). This courtyard was used for military parades.

The building was completed in 1676. It was also a home for "invalids" - disabled and impoverished war veterans. Les Invalides was designed by Libéral Bruant.

High doors with fine carvings

Standing tall statue of Napoleon at Les Invalides

Long shot of Napolean

Ornament at the Invalides

On the walls of the Invalides

Elaborations on the gates of the Invalides

Cold....brrrrr but pic shot a must :)

Girls at pic stop at the Gates.

His favourite spot - by the artillery at the Invalides....