The Church of Sainte-Marie-Madeleine is more like a Greek temple than a place of Christian worship. Begun in 1764, it was not consecrated until 1842, having escaped from a variety of destinies: bank, stock exchange, library... A majestic Corinthian colonnade supporting a frieze runs round the building. From the steps, there is a pretty view over the Rue Royale, with the Place de la Concorde and the Palais-Bourbon as a backdrop.