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La Madeleine Church, Paris
Standing at the heart of the 8th arrondissement, at the end of the Rue Royale with a perfect view down to the Place de la Concorde and the Assemblée Nationale beyond, La Madeleine is one of the most dramatic and unusual churches in Paris. Built in the form of a Greek temple — surrounded on all sides by 52 Corinthian columns, each 20 metres high — it looks less like a Christian church than a monument to imperial power. Which, in many ways, is exactly what it was designed to be.
Napoleon's Temple of Glory
La Madeleine has one of the most turbulent building histories of any monument in Paris. Construction of a church on this site began in 1763, but the project was repeatedly interrupted — first by the Revolution, then by Napoleon, who in 1806 decided to transform the unfinished building into a Temple of Glory dedicated to his Grande Armée.
After Napoleon's defeat at Waterloo in 1815, the building's purpose was debated once more. Proposals included converting it into a railway station, a library, and a stock exchange before it was finally consecrated as a church in 1842 — nearly 80 years after construction first began.
The Architecture
La Madeleine was designed by the architect Pierre-Alexandre Vignon in the style of a Roman temple — specifically modelled on the Maison Carrée in Nîmes, one of the best-preserved Roman temples in the world. The result is a building of extraordinary grandeur and austerity: 108 metres long, 43 metres wide, surrounded by 52 massive Corinthian columns, with no windows in the exterior walls and no bell tower.
The Interior
Despite its austere exterior, the interior of La Madeleine is richly decorated in the style of a Roman basilica — with marble, gilded stucco, and three domed bays running the length of the nave. The apse contains a remarkable sculptural group by Carlo Marochetti depicting the Ascension of Mary Magdalene, to whom the church is dedicated.
What to See
The Exterior
The colonnade of La Madeleine is one of the great sights of Paris. Walk around the entire building to appreciate the scale and quality of the neoclassical architecture — and don't miss the view south down the Rue Royale towards the Place de la Concorde and the Seine.
The Bronze Doors
The main entrance is flanked by three pairs of enormous bronze doors, decorated with bas-relief scenes from the Ten Commandments — among the finest examples of 19th-century French bronze work.
The Organ
La Madeleine possesses one of the finest organs in Paris — an instrument with a distinguished musical history. Saint-Saëns served as organist here for nearly 20 years, and Fauré was choirmaster. Today the church continues to host regular organ recitals and choral concerts.
The Flower Market
The square in front of La Madeleine is home to one of the most celebrated flower markets in Paris — open every day. The combination of the neoclassical temple rising above the colourful market stalls is one of the most photogenic scenes in the city.
Opening Hours
Monday – Sunday : 9:30am – 7:00pm
Entry : Free
Mass : Monday–Saturday 12:30pm | Sunday 11:00am and 7:00pm
Getting There
Address : Place de la Madeleine, 75008 Paris
Metro : Madeleine (lines 8, 12, 14)
Bus : Lines 24, 42, 52, 84, 94
Tips for Your Visit
Free entry : No tickets required
Best view : Stand on the steps of La Madeleine and look south down the Rue Royale — one of the great urban vistas in Paris
Combine with : Place de la Concorde and the Champs-Élysées are just minutes away
Flower market : Visit the market in front of the church — open every day
Allow : 30 to 45 minutes
FAQ
What is La Madeleine?
La Madeleine is a Roman Catholic church in the 8th arrondissement of Paris, built in the form of a Greek temple. It is dedicated to Mary Magdalene and is one of the most distinctive neoclassical buildings in France.
Is La Madeleine free to visit?
Yes — entry to La Madeleine is completely free. No tickets are required.
Why does La Madeleine look like a Greek temple?
Napoleon commissioned the building as a Temple of Glory dedicated to his army, modelled on a Roman temple. After his defeat, it was eventually consecrated as a church — but the exterior was never changed.
What is near La Madeleine?
La Madeleine is surrounded by some of the finest food shops in Paris — including Fauchon and Hédiard on the Place de la Madeleine. The Place de la Concorde, the Champs-Élysées, and the Opéra Garnier are all within easy walking distance.