What is val-de-grace?

Val-de-Grace is a former royal abbey and military hospital located in the 5th arrondissement of Paris, France. It was founded in 1621 by Queen Marie de Medici and was originally intended to be a convent for the order of the Visitation of St. Mary. However, it was later transformed into a hospital for war veterans and soldiers during the reign of Louis XIV.

The construction of the Val-de-Grace church, which is now one of the finest examples of Baroque architecture in Paris, began in 1645 and was completed in 1667. The interior of the church is adorned with beautiful frescoes, sculptures, and paintings by famous artists such as Charles Le Brun and Philippe de Champaigne.

During the French Revolution, the abbey was confiscated by the government and turned into a military hospital. It continued to serve as a hospital until 1970, when it was officially closed. Today, the Val-de-Grace is a museum and a national monument that attracts thousands of visitors each year. It also houses the French Military Health Service Academy and is used as a venue for cultural events and concerts.