Place de la Madeleine, Paris: Things to See & Do

Looking for a beautiful, historical spot to visit while in Paris? Look no further than Place de la Madeleine. This plaza is located in the 8th arrondissement of the city and is known for its impressive architecture and stunning fountains.

There’s plenty to see and do at Place de la Madeleine, so read on for a guide to this popular tourist destination.

When you pull into this square, you’re struck by the immense size of the Madeleine Chuch. You may go inside and ask God for mercy before you resist the allure of the luxury stores surrounding the Lord’s mansion because you know you’ll succumb to it!

The restaurants include traiteurs such as Fauchon Hédiard and chocolate shops like Marquise de Sévigné. For clothing, names like Cerrutti, Ralph Lauren, Kenzo, and many more compete.

Don’t forget to look at the city’s public toilet, one of the oldest in Paris! On the right side, when you face the church’s entrance.

What is Place de la Madeleine?

Place de la Madeleine is a square in the 8th arrondissement of Paris, France. The church, built in the 18th century, is considered one of the most beautiful churches in Paris. The square is home to many boutique shops and the famous La Madeleine Church.

The Place de la Madeleine is a popular tourist spot, and it’s easy to see why – the area is simply beautiful.

History

The Place de la Madeleine site has been used for religious purposes since the 4th century when an old church was built there. The current church on the site, Église de la Madeleine (Madeleine Church), was constructed in the 18th century and is an excellent example of neoclassical architecture. The plaza was not built until much later, in the 19th century, and has undergone several redesigns.

Our recommended hotels in this neighborhood

These are our top picks for lodging and accommodation near Madeleine.

Where to stay at Place de la Madeleine: Hotel Chavanel

Hotel Chavanel is a great location for visiting Place de la Madeleine. The personalized care, modern and chic Parisian rooms, and delicious breakfast differ from other accommodations. It offers good space for a desk or sofa and is well-furnished with a cozy bed and desk.

Warm lighting and huge windows allowing Parisian illumination flooded this hotel with warmth and brightness. My hotel has an incredible view from the street.

Hotel Chavanel is within walking distance of many tourist attractions, such as Place Vendome, the Louvre Museum, Opéra Garnier, and excellent shopping on the famous Rue du Faubourg Saint Honoré.

I highly recommend this hotel to anyone looking for a unique and memorable Paris experience!

Other Hotels in the Area

• The Mandarin Oriental Paris: This hotel is in the center of Paris and provides top-notch service.
• Sofitel Paris Le Faubourg: Located on Place de la Madeleine and Place de la Concorde, this hotel offers luxuriant rooms and suites decorated in upscale designs.
• Hilton Paris Opera: This elegant and modern hotel is 150 meters from Gare Saint-Lazaré.

See Related: Best Gothic Cathedrals in Paris, France

Things to See & Do Near Place de La Madeleine

Plenty of things to see and do at Place de la Madeleine. If you’re feeling hungry, there are plenty of restaurants and cafes nearby where you can grab a bite to eat.

Église de la Madeleine (Madeleine Church)

Église de la Madeleine is one of Paris’s most iconic churches and is worth visiting. The grandiose Neoclassical exterior is impressive enough, but the real highlight is the stunning interior, which was a traditional Roman temple. Take some time to admire the soaring ceilings and beautiful stained glass windows.

Once you’ve seen the church, head outside to the plaza to see the two fountains and admire the architecture. Église de la Madeleine is a must-see on any trip to Paris!

See Related: Off the Beaten Path Things to do in Paris

Shopping Paris’ Best Department Stores

Shopping in Paris is not complete without a visit to Galeries Lafayette and Au Printemps, the two most famous department stores in France. Many visitors come to Galeries Lafayette just to admire its beautiful architecture.

During the festive months, both department stores decorated the windows and displayed decorations throughout the shop. You can find designer brands that are not available anywhere else, as well as all the classics.

Be sure to go into the correct building first – men’s or women’s – as a walkway connects them, but it’s better to start in the right place. Shopping in these department stores is an experience you won’t want to miss when you’re in Paris.

Hediard

Hediard is an amazing food grocery store similar to Deans and Delucas in Paris, at an affordable cost introduced by Ferdinand Hédiard. Hediard’s store’s branding products, like cookies and tea, come in traditional boxes. The shining red tea containers from Hediard are my favorite.

I’ve visited many grocery stores in New York, and Hediard is everywhere in my neighborhood. I’ve always liked the artistic style of Hediard’s storefront. Hediard’s is a great place to buy a gift for a friend or to get yourself a Hediard-branded product like a cookie or box of tea.

Maison de la Truffe

Maison de la Truffe is a restaurant and store in Paris dedicated to truffles. Regardless of the color, Maison de la Truffe has a truffle for everyone.

The store carries many different truffles, each with its unique flavor. The restaurant has an incredible culinary menu to match every person’s taste. Maison de la Truffe is the perfect place for anyone who loves truffles.

Read Also: MY MAISON IN PARIS – Louvre

Mariage Freres

If you’re looking for a truly unique tea-drinking experience, Mariage Frères is the place for you. This family-owned French company has been specializing in high-quality teas since 1854, and its expert staff is more than happy to help you find the perfect blend for your taste.

Even if you’re not familiar with Mariage Frères’ extensive menu, the helpful shopkeepers can help you find a tea that suits your palate.

In addition to Mariage Frères’ wide selection of teas, the store also offers a variety of coffee beans, which can be ground and brewed to your specifications. And if you’re looking for a special gift for a tea lover, Mariage Frères’ beautiful black jars make the perfect present.

Whether you’re a tea aficionado or a coffee lover looking to branch out, Mariage Frères is sure to have something to suit your taste.

See Related: Eglise de la Madeleine

Maille Mustard

Maille mustard is a type of mustard that is not carried in most supermarkets. Maille has an endless variety of mustard combinations that you never imagined. Maille encourages the use of samples so that you can find the perfect mustard for you.

Maille also sells empty ceramic jars to keep your mustard fresh. The purchase is beautifully packaged in Maille’s signature black paper, making it perfect as a gift. Don’t throw away the jar when you finish your mustard; repurpose it! Maille Mustard is the best mustard you will ever try.

See Related: The Magic of Rainy Paris: Things to Do in the City of Love in the Rain

Laudurée

Laudurée is considered to be the originator of the modern macaron, and its shop is a must-visit when in Paris. The storefronts are beautiful, and the chandeliers sparkle, but the real treat can be found tucked under the glass—Laudurée’s famous macarons.

These delicate cookies feature two crispy shells sandwiching a creamy filling. The most popular flavors are raspberry, chocolate, pistachio, and caramel. Laudurée’s iconic white-painted storefront is impossible to miss, so be sure to taste one of France’s most beloved sweets!

See Related: Best Things to Do in Paris With Kids in 2023

Fauchon

Fauchon is one of France’s most famous and luxurious gourmet stores, and its products can be found in stores all over Europe. The store offers various packaging products, including chocolate, biscuits, cookies, candies, tea, coffee, jellies, jams, and mustard. It also offers a range of prepared and take-out foods such as bread and pastries.

In addition, Fauchon has a restaurant on its premises, a coffee shop, and a cocktail bar and restaurant. Fauchon’s products are known for their high quality and unique flavor, and the store has remained a popular destination for both locals and tourists alike. If you’re ever in Paris, be sure to check out Fauchon—you won’t be disappointed!

The square is centrally located and within walking distance of popular tourist attractions such as Place de la Concorde, Louvre Museum, Notre Dame Cathedral, and the Eiffel Tower.

See Related: Best Hotels in Paris with Pools

How to Get to Place de la Madeleine

Getting to this area is easy as it is located in the heart of Paris. The easiest way to get to Place de la Madeleine is by metro, which is located near several metro stations. The closest station is Saint-Augustin, on line 9.

Best Time to Visit Place de la Madeleine

The best times to visit are during the week when it is less crowded with tourists. However, weekends can also be enjoyable as street performers and musicians often play in the square.

However, the best time to visit depends on what you’re looking for. Weekday mornings are your best bet if you want to enjoy the square without large crowds. But if you’re looking to experience some of the vibrant cultures that Paris has to offer, then a weekend visit is probably more up your alley.

Either way, this central square is definitely worth a stop on your next trip to Paris.

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Related Resources

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• Restaurant Le Pré Catelan
• Quai Branly Museum

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