Esplanade des Invalides is a vast green space created in Paris in the early eighteenth century. Located between the Place des Invalides and the Quai d'Orsay, it highlights the north facade of the Hotel des Invalides.
In 1704, part of the Pre-aux-Clercs called the "Meadows Saint-Germain" was transformed, according to the plans of architect Robert de Cotte, a large rectangular square strewn with grass and lined with several rows of trees. This esplanade then extended from the Place des Invalides to the rue de l'Université and its center was marked by the intersection of two paths, the Avenue des Invalides, now Avenue du Marechal Gallieni, and Rue Saint-Dominique with the western part (called "Saint-Dominique in Gros Caillou") and the eastern part (called "Saint-Dominique-Saint-Germain") would be met in 1838. This crossing was occupied by a roundabout welcome, between 1804 and 1840, the fountain of Invalides. By virtue of a judgment of 4 December 1720 to improve the district of Gros-Caillou, the esplanade was extended north to the Quai d'Orsay.