Église de la Madeleine
Begun in 1764, halted by the Revolution then taken up by Napoleon, who wanted a temple to the glory of his Grande Armée, the Madeleine church was only consecrated in 1842 — hence its Greek temple appearance: 52 Corinthian columns 20 metres high and no visible tower or bell tower.
The interior, with no side windows, is lit by three overhead domes and clad in dark marble that creates a solemn atmosphere. Tip: the church is known for its sacred music concerts; on the way out, stand on the steps for the aligned view down to Concorde and the National Assembly.
Frequently asked questions about Église de la Madeleine
Where is Église de la Madeleine located?
Église de la Madeleine is located in the 8th arrondissement of Paris, in the Madeleine area. It is easy to reach on foot from the main landmarks nearby and fits naturally into a Paris walking tour.
Is Église de la Madeleine free to visit?
Yes, Église de la Madeleine is free to visit — no ticket required.
How long does a visit to Église de la Madeleine take?
Plan around 15 minutes to enjoy Église de la Madeleine at a relaxed pace — a little more in high season or if you want to take photos.
What are the opening hours of Église de la Madeleine?
Tous les jours · ~8h – 19h (interruption pour les offices). These hours are indicative — check public holidays and exceptional closures before you go.
Can you visit Église de la Madeleine when it rains?
Yes, Église de la Madeleine is largely sheltered, making it a good option for a rainy day in Paris.