Where the Madeleine Church (L’Eglise Sainte-Marie-Madeleine) now is standing was previously an old church (which was a synagogue until the 12th century). It was then already consecrated to Mary Magdalene. There were different projects during the 18th century to construct a new one, more appropriate to the distinguished surroundings (Place de la Concorde - see previous posts).
Below you can see what it could have looked like. Work had started when the Revolution arrived and then of course it was discussed whether to transform it to a library, a ballroom, a market place... In 1806 Napoleon decided to transform the future building to a “Temple to the Glory of the Great Army”. Finally, during the Restoration, it was again decided to make it a church, although later there were some discussions to possibly make it a railway station. The building was finally consecrated as a church in 1842.
The church is in a neo-classical style, very much in fashion during the 18th and early 19th century (see previous posts about Pantheon, National Assembly...). It’s today one of the most prestigious churches in Paris, used for masses, fashionable weddings and funerals and even more for very good concerts.
Below you can see what it could have looked like. Work had started when the Revolution arrived and then of course it was discussed whether to transform it to a library, a ballroom, a market place... In 1806 Napoleon decided to transform the future building to a “Temple to the Glory of the Great Army”. Finally, during the Restoration, it was again decided to make it a church, although later there were some discussions to possibly make it a railway station. The building was finally consecrated as a church in 1842.
The church is in a neo-classical style, very much in fashion during the 18th and early 19th century (see previous posts about Pantheon, National Assembly...). It’s today one of the most prestigious churches in Paris, used for masses, fashionable weddings and funerals and even more for very good concerts.
Around the place, you can find some of the most exclusive food shops in Paris. If you are a fan of caviar, goose liver... and what goes with it when it comes to drinking, this is a place to go. 
One of Paris’ best restaurants is here, there are some fashionable shops.... 
Leading to the place is also one of Paris’ many covered galleries (Galérie de la Madeleine). (See previous posts about similar galleries or passages*.) The place has also a nice "flower market".There is also an exhibition hall (Pinacothèque), where until last weekend you could discover the famous Chinese Terracotta Army (which I have been lucky enough to see in real in Xi’an – here is the “proof”).
At last I believe I must once more (see previous post) advise a visit to one of the world’s most beautiful public places to “wash your hands”. It’s free of charge and you can find it on the right side of the church stairs. 
*/Galérie Colbert, Galérie Viro-Dodat, Galérie Vivienne, Passage des Deux Pavillons, Passage Hulot
Passage Jouffroy, Passage Prado, Passage des Panoramas
Passage Vendôme
Passage Brady
Passage Bourg l’Abbé, Passage du Grand Cerf
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