La Madeleine

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La Madeleine (8)

Begun by Louis XV before being converted by Napoleon into a monument to the glory of his army and finally consecrated (long after his death) in 1842, this is church as antique temple. It always amazes me for its sheer pomp, both outside with its colonnade and sculpted pediment, and inside where the side altars appear to be manned by Roman centurions. The half dome in the apse is filled by a vast mural of the history of Christianity, with Napoleon at its centre. The church is a favourite for fashionable weddings and funerals. The surrounding square is a magnet for foodies, with gourmet deli Fauchon, La Maison de la Truffe, Caviar Kaspia and chocolatier Patrick Roger.

This is a church as an antique temple.

Address: Place de la Madeleine, 75008 Paris
Getting there: Metro Madeleine
Contact: 0033 1 44 51 69 00; eglise-lamadeleine.com
Open: daily, 9.30am-7pm