The Church of the Madeleine, stunning and impressive

The Madeleine Church is, of course, the church where Johnny Halliday's funeral was held and where thousands of fans gathered to pay their respects, but above all, it is an incredible Parisian church, steeped in history. 

With its 52 Corinthian columnsstanding 20 meters high,the Madeleine Church does not go unnoticed. It must be said that Napoleon I had big plans. So when it came to building a Temple of Glory dedicated to his Grande Armée, it was only natural that the building should match his ambitions. 

In December 1806, Napoleon resumed work on a church (begun in 1763 and abandoned during the French Revolution), and architect Pierre-Alexandre Vignon drew inspiration fromthe Olympieionin Athens to design the Madeleine we know today. 

But after Napoleon's fall, Louis XVIII ordered that the building be restored to its religious function. As a result,the Madeleine Church is a strange pagan temple, inspired byGreco-Roman architecture, with no cross or bell tower. 

Once you pass through the two monumental bronze doors, you will discover the neoclassical architectureof the Madeleine Church, with its Corinthian columns (again!), sculptures, paintings, a neo-Byzantine mosaic, and a grand organ by Aristide Cavaillé-Coll, on which Camille Saint-Saëns once played.

For the music lovers among you, note that free classical music concerts are held here throughout the year. 

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Before leaving, take a moment to admire the panorama that unfolds before your eyes as you exitthe Madeleine Church. With nothing to obstruct your view, you can see the Place de la Concorde,the National Assembly, and even Les Invalides. A visual dive into the history of Paris!