The Eglise de la Madeleine is an incredible Parisian church, rich in history. It must be said that with its 52 Corinthian columns standing 20 meters tall, it hardly goes unnoticed!
It must be said that Napoleon I had grand ambitions. So when the project to build a Temple of Glory dedicated to his Grand Army arose, of course they needed a building worthy of his ambitions.
In December 1806, Napoleon resumed work on a church (begun in 1763 and abandoned during the French Revolution), and architect Pierre-Alexandre Vignon drew inspiration fromthe Olympieionin Athens to design the Madeleine we know today.
But after Napoleon's fall, Louis XVIII ordered that the building be restored to its religious function. As a result,the Madeleine Church is a strange pagan temple, inspired byGreco-Roman architecture, with no cross or bell tower.
Once you pass through the two monumental bronze doors, you will discover the neoclassical architectureof the Madeleine Church, with its Corinthian columns (again!), sculptures, paintings, a neo-Byzantine mosaic, and a grand organ by Aristide Cavaillé-Coll, on which Camille Saint-Saëns once played.
For the music lovers among you, note that free classical music concerts are held here throughout the year.
Before leaving, take a moment to admire the panorama that unfolds before your eyes as you exitthe Madeleine Church. With nothing to obstruct your view, you can see the Place de la Concorde,the National Assembly, and even Les Invalides. A visual dive into the history of Paris!
The most beautiful churches in Paris to discover on a stroll
Gothic, neoclassical, Romanesque, or even more contemporary styles, Paris’s churches tell centuries of history and architecture. Set out to discover the capital’s most beautiful churches! [Read more]
Dates and Opening Time
Next days
Monday:
from 09:30 a.m. to 07:00 p.m.
- from 12:30 p.m. to 01:00 p.m.
Tuesday:
from 09:30 a.m. to 07:00 p.m.
- from 12:30 p.m. to 01:00 p.m.
Wednesday:
from 09:30 a.m. to 07:00 p.m.
- from 12:30 p.m. to 01:00 p.m.
Thursday:
from 09:30 a.m. to 07:00 p.m.
- from 12:30 p.m. to 01:00 p.m.
Friday:
from 09:30 a.m. to 07:00 p.m.
- from 12:30 p.m. to 01:00 p.m.
Saturday:
from 09:30 a.m. to 07:00 p.m.
- from 06:00 p.m. to 07:00 p.m.
Sunday:
from 09:30 a.m. to 07:00 p.m.
- from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Location
Madeleine Church
Place de la Madeleine
75008 Paris 8
Route planner
Accessibility info
Official website
www.eglise-lamadeleine.com
The most beautiful churches in Paris to discover on a stroll
