Paris: At Les Invalides, a renovation of the Cour d'Honneur paved with good intentions

This vast 6,400-square-meter complex, designed in the 17th century by Libéral Bruand and designated a Historic Monument, had not undergone a restoration of this scale since the late 17th century. Under the direction of Christophe Batard, Chief Architect of Historic Monuments (2BDM Architectes), the project addressed contemporary challenges related to fire safety (access for emergency vehicles), accessibility for people with disabilities, and stormwater management, while preserving the site’s heritage identity. The project notably involved the removal, sorting, and reinstallation of 142,000 Fontainebleau sandstone pavers. Guided by archival documents, the project management team took care to respect—and even restore—the courtyard’s original layout and the subtle character of this surface, shaped by centuries of use. A discreet and demanding project, dedicated to the sustainable preservation of this iconic site.