Madeleine
At the end of the Rue Royal can be found the Madeleine Square with
its unmistakable Greek temple form. The area of la Madeleine dates back
to the 19th century and owes its classic architecture and wide avenues
to the genius of the Baron Haussmann. Still a site for societies wedding
and funerals, a flower market that is held around the church from Tuesday
to Friday.
Started in 1764 during the reign of Louis XV, and designed by Constant d'Ivry using plans based on the St-Louis-des-Invalide Church, it was razed by a second architect to who favored a design modeled after the Panthéon. However this second design was not well accepted either, and all work ceased between 1790 and 1806.
Napoléon then decided that a Temple of Glory to his Great Army
should be built, and Pierre-Alexandre Vignon was 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.
The greatest appeal of place de la Madeleine is the famous "Fauchon" delicatessen shop, in the northeast corner. And, 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.
Hotel near the Madeleine
Hotel Saint Petersbourg Paris Opera
Hotel
Louvre Marsollier Opera Paris
Hotel ATN Paris Opera
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