Save places from Instagram, TikTok, YouTube and more
La Madeleine
Attraction
4.6 (12248 reviews)
Church & concert venue completed in 1842, conceived as a pantheon in honor of Napoleon's armies.
Pl. de la Madeleine, 75008 Paris, France
+33 1 44 51 69 00
Did You Know?
Unusual Form
La Madeleine is designed in the style of a Roman temple, rather than a traditional church, giving it a unique and imposing appearance.
Imperial Vision
The building was commissioned by Napoleon Bonaparte in 1806 to be a 'Temple de la Gloire de la Grande Armée' (Temple to the Glory of the Great Army), before it was eventually consecrated as a church.
Corinthian Columns
Its exterior is surrounded by 52 Corinthian columns, each standing over 20 meters high, contributing to its grand and classical aesthetic.
Failed Library
Before its final designation as a church, the building was considered for other uses, including a railway station, the Bank of France, and even an opera house or a public library.
Highlights from Reviews
• stunning architecture
The building's design, reminiscent of a Roman temple with Corinthian columns, is widely praised for its grandeur and unique aesthetic.
• beautiful interior
Inside, visitors are impressed by the dark, elegant, and peaceful atmosphere, with massive altars, large statues, and intricate details.
• concert venue
La Madeleine frequently hosts classical music concerts, with its acoustics and grand pipe organ enhancing the experience.
• rich history
Its layered past, from a Napoleonic 'Temple of Glory' to a Catholic church, and its unique blend of architectural styles, fascinates visitors.
• free entry
Admission to the church is completely free, making it an accessible and worthwhile attraction for all visitors.
Featured in
Nine Paris Churches Worth Visiting
Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris, Sainte-Chapelle, Église Saint-Augustin
Explore Paris' Opera Garnier District Highlights
Palais Garnier, Galeries Lafayette Haussmann, Place Edouard VII
Paris Right Bank Hidden Gems: Landmarks, Museums, Gardens
Flame of Liberty, Arc de Triomphe, Le Passe-Muraille
Parisian Churches Showcase Architectural Wonders and History
Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris, Sainte-Chapelle, The Basilica of Sacré-Cœur de Montmartre
Paris Indoor Activities for Rainy Days
Shakespeare and Company, Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris, Musée d'Orsay
Paris Landmarks Featured in Tripist App Itinerary Planner
Eiffel Tower, Pont d'Iéna, Arc de Triomphe
Discover Paris With Twenty Free Attractions
Eiffel Tower, Marché aux Fleurs Reine Elizabeth II, Petit Palais
Paris Landmarks, Gardens, Museums, and More
Colonnes de Buren/Les Deux Plateaux, Pont des Arts, Shakespeare and Company
Paris Houses of Worship Open to All
Chapelle Notre-Dame-de-Consolation, Église Saint-Augustin, Armenian Cathedral of St. John the Baptist
Explore Paris's Free Attractions And Landmarks
Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, Domaine National du Palais-Royal
31 Iconic Parisian Landmarks For A Three-Day Walking Tour
Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, Domaine National du Palais-Royal