About L'église de la Madeleine

Located in the heart of Paris, in the city’s 8th arrondissement, just a short walk from the Louvre and Tuileries Garden, L'église de la Madeleine is a large Roman Catholic church dating back to the 18th century. It is also considered to be one of the finest examples of neoclassical architecture in all of France.

The church is dedicated to Mary Magdalene and is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the city. Madeleine Church Paris is particularly known for its neoclassical façade and for being the site of several important events in French history, such as the funeral of Napoleon in 1821 and the annual Memorial Mass for the victims of the Paris Commune in 1871.

Inside, the church is decorated with a number of important paintings and sculptures, including works by Ingres, David, and Caravaggio. The church is also home to the tomb of the French writer Victor Hugo.

Discover the L'église de la Madeleine

Exterior of the L'église de la Madeleine
Exterior of the L'église de la Madeleine

The exterior of the L'église de la Madeleine is marked by its grand size and classical architecture. The church is built of stone and has a portico with six columns supporting a pediment. There are two bell towers on either side of the main entrance, and the roof is topped with a cross. The overall effect is one of grandeur and solemnity.


Read More: Places to Visit in Paris

Interior of the L'église de la Madeleine
Interior of the L'église de la Madeleine

The interior of the Madeleine Church Paris is incredibly ornate, with detailed plasterwork and stained glass windows. The main altar is made of white marble, and there are several smaller altars and shrines throughout the church. The floor is made of dark wood, and the pews are arranged in a traditional layout. The ceiling is very high, and there is a large organ near the entrance.


Checkout: Best Time to Visit Paris

Surroundings
Surroundings

The L'église de la Madeleine is located in the 8th arrondissement of Paris, on the right bank of the River Seine. It is close to the Opéra Garnier, the Place de la Concorde and the Place Vendôme. The church is in the neoclassical style and was built between 1764 and 1783. The area around the church is very busy, with many shops and restaurants.


Do Checkout: Things to Do in Paris

The Pediment Frieze
The Pediment Frieze

The Pediment Frieze of the church was designed in 1829 by Philippe Joseph Henri Lemaire, and is considered to be a masterpiece of Bourbon Restoration work. It is based on The Last Judgement, and depicts Christ the Judge at the centre of the composition. On his right, you can see archangel Gabriel with his horn announcing the Day of Judgement, while on his left, the archangel Michael is shown wielding the sword of Justice. There is also a figure of Mary Magdalene shown kneeling at the foot of Christ.


Must Checkout: Historical Places in Paris

History Of L'église de la Madeleine

Church Planning During Ancien Régime
Church Planning During Ancien Régime

In 1757, King Louis XV of France approved the construction of a new church to be built in the neoclassical style. The church was to be located in the center of Paris, on the site of an old chapel dedicated to Saint Mary Magdalene. Construction of the new church began in 1763 and was completed in 1790. The church was designed by architect Jacques-Marie Huvé, and the interior was decorated with paintings by François Boucher and Jean-Baptiste Lallemand. The church was consecrated in 1793, but the interior was not completed until 1845.

Napoleon and the Foundation of the Present-Day Church
Napoleon and the Foundation of the Present-Day Church

The Madeleine Church Paris was built in the 19th century on the site of a former church that was destroyed during the French Revolution. The present-day church was designed by architect Pierre-Alexandre Vignon and completed in 1842. Napoleon Bonaparte played a significant role in the foundation of the present-day church. In 1806, Napoleon decreed that a new church should be built on the site of the former church. Napoleon also commissioned architect Pierre-Alexandre Vignon to design the new church. The church was completed in 1842 and has been in use ever since.

La Madeleine and La Belle Époque Period
La Madeleine and La Belle Époque Period

The L'église de la Madeleine was a symbol of the wealth and power of the French during the La Belle Époque. The church was a beautiful example of the opulent architecture that was popular during this time period. The church was also a popular gathering place for the social elite, who came to worship and to see and be seen.

20th Century to Today
20th Century to Today

The L'église de la Madeleine was built in the Neoclassical style in the 18th century. The church is known for its large size and its prominent position in the city. The church has been used as a model for many other churches around the world. It has gone through a number of changes in the 20th century. The most notable change was the addition of the two towers in the early part of the century. The church was also damaged during the Second World War and was restored in the 1950s.

Plan your Visit to L'église de la Madeleine

Essential Information
Best Time to Visit
Essential Information

Opening Hours:

The church remains open between 09:30 a.m. to 07:00 p.m. on all days of the week. 

Location:

The church is located at: Pl. de la Madeleine, 75008 Paris, France

How To Reach:

The L'église de la Madeleine is located in the 8th arrondissement of Paris. The best way to reach it is by taking the metro to the Madeleine station. The church is a short walk from the metro station.


You Must Checkout:

FAQ's of L'église de la Madeleine

Why is La Madeleine famous?

    The La Madeleine church is famous for being one of the most beautiful and iconic churches in Paris. It is also famous for being the final resting place of many famous French people, including Napoleon Bonaparte.

How old is La Place de la Madeleine?

Why était l'église de la Madeleine built?

What is the best time to visit L'église de la Madeleine?

What are the visiting hours of L'église de la Madeleine?

What are the nearby attractions of L'église de la Madeleine?

Explore Paris