Hotel Paris La Madeleine

The Madeleine is an obese Napoleonic structure on the classical temple model which was built for the emperor as yet another monument to the victory of his army. Following many vicissitudes and changes of plan, the present building is now a windowless edifice with a Greek temple facade of Corinthian columns 20 metres high. Work on the church begun in I764. However, following the death of the architect in I777 a new plan was considered, and a Greek cross building begun. Well before its completion, the revolutionary government thought of more rational uses for the building in progress. Napoleon decided on a Temple of Glory dedicated to the Great Army and in I806 commissioned Barthelemy Vignon to build it. After the erection of the colonnades, Louis XVIII, restored to power in I8I4, ordered that the temple be a church once again.
Unlike the exterior, the interior is lavishly over decorated. At the east end, a series of frescoes celebrates heroes of Christianity in a span which includes, surprisingly, Napoleon. Sculpted by Lemaire, the pediment represents the Last Judgement J.C. baptism by Rude.

Surrounding area
 

Just outside the Madeleine, along the east side, every day except Monday, you can find a beautiful flower market. There is also, a luxurious Art Nouveau toilet by the metro at the junction of Place and Boulevard de la Madeleine. However, the greatest appeal of Place de la Madeleine is the famous "Fauchon" delicatessen shop, in the northeast corner. 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.