Church of Sainte Marie-Madeleine — Attraction in Paris

The site of this edifice, centred at the end of rue Royale, a line-of-sight between Gabriel's twin hôtels in the Place de la Concorde, required a suitably monumental end from the time that square was established in 1755, as Place Louis XV. The settlement around the site was called Ville l'Évêque. The site in the suburban faubourg had been annexed to the city of Paris in 1722.4

Two false starts were made in building a church on this site. The reconstruction of the older church consecrated to Mary Magdalene was considered. The first design, commissioned in 1757, with construction begun with the King's ceremonial placing of the cornerstone, 3 April 1763, was halted in 1764; that first design, by Pierre Contant d'Ivry, was based on Jules Hardouin Mansart’s Late Baroque church of Les Invalides, with a dome surmounting a Latin cross. In 1777, Contant d'Ivry died and was replaced by his pupil Guillaume-Martin Couture, who decided to start anew, razing the incomplete construction, shortening the nave and basing his new, more centralised design on the Roman Pantheon. At the start of the Revolution of 1789, however, only the foundations and the grand portico had been finished; the choir of the former church was demolished in 1797, but work was discontinued while debate simmered as to what purpose the eventual building might serve in Revolutionary France: a library, a public ballroom, and a marketplace were all suggested. In the meantime, the National Assembly was housed in the Palais Bourbon behind a pedimented colonnaded front that was inspired by the completed portico at the far end of the former rue Royale.

After the execution of Louis XVI his body was immediately transported to the old Church of the Madeleine (demolished in 1799), since the legislation in force forbade burial of his remains beside those of his father, the Dauphin Louis de France, at Sens. Two curates who had sworn fealty to the Revolution held a short memorial service at the church. One of them, Damoureau, stated in evidence:

Arriving at the cemetery, I called for silence. A detachment of Gendarmes showed us the body. It was clothed in a white vest and grey silk breeches with matching stockings. We chanted Vespers and the service for the dead. In pursuance of an executive order, the body lying in its open coffin was thrown on to a bed of quicklime at the bottom of the pit and covered by one of earth, the whole being firmly and thoroughly tamped down. Louis XVI's head was placed at his feet.

On 21 January 1815 Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette's remains were re-buried in the Basilica of Saint-Denis where in 1816 his brother, King Louis XVIII, had a funerary monument erected by Edme Gaulle.

In 1806 Napoleon made his decision to erect a memorial, a Temple de la Gloire de la Grande Armée ("Temple to the Glory of the Great Army"); following an elaborate competition with numerous entries and a jury that decided on a design by the architect Claude Étienne de Beaumont (1757–1811), the Emperor trumped all, instead commissioning Pierre-Alexandre Vignon (1763–1828) to build his design on an antique temple (Compare the Maison Carrée, in Nîmes) The then-existing foundations were razed, preserving the standing columns, and work begun anew. With completion of the Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel in 1808, the original commemorative role for the temple...

Rising majestically in the 8th arrondissement, Église de la Madeleine is a neoclassical marvel that evokes the grandeur of an ancient Roman temple. Its monumental facade, illuminated beautifully at night, leaves a striking impression with its 52 Corinthian columns soaring to 20 meters, creating an aura of timeless elegance. The intricate pediment relief depicting the Last Judgment adds depth and drama to the building’s imposing presence, as seen in the beautifully detailed photos.

Inside, the church’s opulence is truly breathtaking. The vast nave is adorned with gilded details, intricate mosaics, and three concealed domes that cast soft light onto the richly decorated interior. The altar, crowned by a stunning marble sculpture of Mary Magdalene ascending to heaven, is a focal point of artistic brilliance. The gilded chandeliers and ornate organ case, complemented by the serene atmosphere, invite moments of quiet reflection.

Commissioned by Napoleon Bonaparte in 1806, the church’s history is as grand as its architecture. Initially conceived as a temple to honor Napoleon’s army, it was eventually consecrated as a church in 1842, dedicated to Saint Mary Magdalene. Over time, it has become an integral part of Paris’s cultural life, hosting iconic funerals such as those of Chopin and Edith Piaf, and renowned for its magnificent organ concerts.

The Église de la Madeleine is perfectly situated near Place de la Concorde and Boulevard Haussmann, making it an ideal stop during a day exploring Paris. Whether you visit to admire its neoclassical beauty, soak in its historical significance, or attend a classical music concert, this landmark promises a memorable experience.

A masterpiece of neoclassical architecture, Église de la Madeleine is a must-see for lovers of history, art, and music. The perfect blend of grandeur and serenity awaits you in this...

During our visit to Paris for the Olympics, we took the opportunity to explore La Madeleine, and it quickly became one of the highlights of our trip. The first impression of this historic church is truly breathtaking. The grandeur of the neoclassical architecture, with its imposing columns and intricate details, commands attention from the moment you approach. As we stepped inside, we were immediately struck by the sheer beauty and serenity of the interior. The church is filled with stunning artworks, statues, and a sense of timelessness that creates a profound atmosphere.

For those who are Catholic or simply have an appreciation for religious artifacts, La Madeleine offers a charming gift shop inside. Here, you can purchase rosaries and other meaningful keepsakes, allowing you to take a piece of the experience home. It’s a thoughtful addition that adds to the overall visit, especially for those who find personal significance in these items.

If you’re planning a visit to La Madeleine, here are a few traveler tips to enhance your experience. First, consider visiting early in the morning or later in the afternoon to avoid the peak crowds. This will give you a chance to take in the beauty of the church in a more peaceful setting. While photography is allowed, it’s important to be respectful of the sacred space, especially if there are people praying or a service in progress.

Additionally, La Madeleine is situated near some fantastic Parisian landmarks, so consider combining your visit with a stroll down Rue Royale or a stop at Place de la Concorde. Lastly, as with many religious sites, modest attire is appreciated, so it’s wise to have a scarf or shawl handy...