Madeleine Church

Less than 10 minutes’ walk from the hotel, La Madeleine church sits at the heart of its namesake square. Corinthian columns surround the outside of this neoclassical building, which was constructed in the style of a Greek temple between 1764 and 1842.

Napoleon had originally planned for it to be a monument to his army.

Inside, you can peer into chapels and gaze at colourful frescoes and intricate carvings. A highlight is a neo-Byzantine mosaic created by Charles Joseph Lameire. The church’s renowned organ was designed by Aristide Cavaillé-Coll, and a busy classical music programme includes regular free afternoon concerts.

From La Madeleine’s southern steps, you can snap photos of the Place de la Concorde and the Assemblée Nationale beyond, across the River Seine. Smart restaurants and shops line Place de la Madeleine, including popular fine food stores Fauchon and Hédiard.