Paris - École Militaire

The Ecole Militaire (Military Academy; originally the school for training officers of the royal army) stands at the opposite end of the Champ-de-Mars from the Eiffel Tower in Paris. The building was designed by Jacques-Ange Gabriel and built in two stages between 1759 and 1782. With its clear and uncluttered architectural forms it is a fine example of early neo-classicism.

In 1785 a young officer graduated from the officers' training school established by Louis XV with a report from his superiors that "in certain circumstances he might go far". The young officer took advantages of the circumstances of his time and went a long way as Napoleon I, first Emperor of the French.

Behind the north front of the main building on Place Joffre (statue of Marshal Joffre) is the Grand Courtyard (Cour d'Honneur).