At the Hôtel Mansart we invite you to discover this Greek temple, initiated by Napoleon, and the square that is famous for its luxury shops and gastronomy, at the heart of Haussmann's Paris. Located between Place de la Concorde and the Opéra Garnier, and between Place Vendôme and the Elysée Palace, the Place de la Madeleine, with the Church at its centre, is the home of luxury gourmet food stores such as Fauchon or Hédiard.
The Madeleine Church
Originally the monument is a project initiated by Louis XV with plans drawn up by the architect d’Ivry who took his inspiration from the Invalides Church. On the death of the architect, his successor wanted to revise the plans and build a church in the style as the Panthéon. The project went unfinished since Napoleon wanted to construct a building to the glory of the Grande Armée instead. The monument lost its commemorative aspect when the Arc de Triomphe was built. Finally, Louis XVIII decided to give the monument its current religious role. The successive changes in the monument's function explain its atypical appearance, which as more in common with a Greek temple than a church. On the outside, 52 Corinthian columns, 20 metres high, support the edifice.
At the entrance, the remarkable bronze doors are the work of the French sculptor Triqueti. A splendid mural painting can be seen beneath the semi-cupola of the choir. This is the work of Ziegler, a pupil of Ingres. it is the only mural painting in a church in the capital depicting Napoleon. A very fine organ made by Aristide Cavaillé-Coll in 1846 is still used by musicians during classical music concerts held in the church all through the year.
Place de la Madeleine, nearby the Hôtel Mansart
Only 7 minutes away on foot from the Hôtel Mansart, the Place de la Madeleine, which owes its name to the church in its centre, is famous for its luxury boutiques and its gastronomy. Brands specialised in gourmet food stand side by side, such as the luxury caterer Fauchon or such names as Hédiard, Caviar Kaspia and Maison de la Truffe.
There is a former flower market, which still exists, next to these luxury Parisian caterers. Marcel Proust, who paid homage to this love of good food, lived on the square, at number 9, as did Jean Cocteau and Jean Marais. Today, the building at number 9 is decorated with sculptures by Jean-Baptiste-Jules Klagmann. Inside, a covered passage, the Madeleine gallery, links Place de la Concorde to Rue Boissy-d’Anglas.
