MADELEINE

Begun in 1764, during the reign of Louis XV and designed by Constant d'Ivry using plans based on the St-Louis-des-Invalides Church, it was razed by a second architect who favoured a design modeled after the Panthéon. However, this second design was not well accepted either, and all work ceased between 1790 and 1806.

At the end of the Royale Street, you can find the Place de la Madeleine with its unmistakable Greek temple form. The area dates back to the XIXth century and owes its classical architecture and wide avenues to the genius of the Baron Haussmann. The Madeleine is still a site for societies weddings and funerals, a flower market is held around the church from Tuesday to Friday.

Napoléon then decided that a Temple of Glory to his Grande Armée should be built, and Pierre-Alexandre Vignon was thus commissioned to draw up the plans. After razing the remaining efforts from 1790, building started on what was to be a Greek temple. The commemorative role of the edifice was lost when the Arc de Triomphe was completed in 1808, and again the focus of the structure became ambiguous.

In 1814, Louis XVIII confirmed that the Madeleine should be a church, but in 1837 it was nearly selected to be the first railway station of Paris. Finally in 1842 it was consecrated as a church.
Just outside the Madeleine, along the east side , you can find every day, except on Monday, a beautiful flower market. Also, a luxurious Art Nouveau loo by the metro at the junction of place and boulevard de la Madeleine. But the greatest appeal of the Place de la Madeleine is the famous "Fauchon"delicatessen shop, in the northeast corner. Besides, down the west side for rich gourmets and window-gazers you'll find the smaller Hédiard's, as well as caviar, truffle and spirit specialists.