Madeleine station sits at the base of the Église de la Madeleine - a neo-classical building that looks exactly like the Parthenon and was intended, at various points in its construction history, to be a temple, a bank and a military hall of fame before finally being consecrated as a church in 1842. The facade of 52 Corinthian columns with no windows is entirely functional as architecture and entirely surprising in the middle of central Paris.
Place de la Madeleine surrounding the church is devoted to luxury food: Fauchon and Hédiard are among the finest épiceries in the world, selling truffles, champagne, foie gras and every conceivable preserved delicacy. The surrounding streets - Rue Royale, Boulevard de la Madeleine - are among the most expensive retail addresses in France.
Zone 1. Lines 8, 12 and 14. Step-free access on Line 14.
Église de la Madeleine - Directly above. Free to enter. The neo-classical exterior conceals a richly decorated interior with a barrel vault and Corinthian columns inside.
Fauchon and Hédiard - On Place de la Madeleine. Paris's most celebrated luxury food shops. Expensive to buy; remarkable to look at.
Standard Métro hours. The luxury food shops are open Monday to Saturday. The December Christmas market on Place de la Madeleine is excellent.
If you are heading to Église de la Madeleine, Madeleine is your closest metro stop on the Ligne 8. It also gives easy access to Place de la Madeleine and Fauchon. Use the fare calculator to plan your journey cost before you travel.
Lines 8, 12 and 14. Line 14 has step-free access.
The Église de la Madeleine is a neo-classical church resembling a Greek temple, surrounded by 52 Corinthian columns. Free to enter - the interior is richly decorated.
Zone 1.
Fauchon (no. 24-26) and Hédiard on Place de la Madeleine are two of France's finest luxury food shops, selling truffles, foie gras, champagne and exceptional preserves.