Place de la Madeleine, Paris

Place de la Madeleine is located in the 8th arrondissement of Paris, France.

Historically, its story began in the late 18th century when Louis XV commissioned the construction of a church in honor of Sainte Marie-Madeleine. The site underwent several architectural plans and changes, with designs by notable architects like Pierre-Alexandre Vignon. The final neo-classical design resembles a Greek temple with 52 Corinthian columns

Construction of the church, Église de la Madeleine, started in 1764 but faced numerous interruptions, including the French Revolution. It was finally completed in 1842 during the reign of King Louis-Philippe.

The square around the church developed into a prominent location with high-end shops, gourmet food stores, and restaurants. Place de la Madeleine remains an important historic and cultural landmark in Paris today.

Here are a few things to do in Place de la Madeleine.

There are several metro entrances around the square. The Madeline stop is served by Paris metro lines 8 and 14.

A central feature is, of course, the beautiful church whose columns can be admired from all angles!

The western corner of the square is home to the legendary gourmet food brand Fauchon’s luxury hotel and adjoining café restaurant.

Several more gourmet food shops are found on the western side of the plaza including Prunier, Caviar Kaspia, and Mariage Frères, one of the best French tea brands.

The backside of the plaza is wide open and has lots of people crossing each day.

You can take in a different perspective of the massive Madeleine Church from this side.

Directly behind the plaza is the famous Rue Tronchet street which leads up to the department stores Galeries Lafayette and Printemps. There are quite a few good shops along this street including the shoe brand Carel and the clothing brand Petit Bateau.