1652 Gomboust Map detail showing Couvent des Madelonnettes on rue des Fontaines in Paris

Madelonnettes Convent

Madelonnettes Convent Paris: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Historical Guide

Date: 04/07/2025

Introduction

Nestled in Paris’s historic Marais district, the Madelonnettes Convent stands as a profound testament to the city’s social, cultural, and political evolution. Originally established in the early 17th century as the Couvent des Filles de la Madeleine, it served as a refuge for women marginalized by society, later transforming into a correctional institution and, during the French Revolution, a notorious prison. Though the original buildings were demolished in the 19th century, the site’s layered history endures through remnants, plaques, and the memory woven into Paris’s urban fabric. Today, visitors can engage with the Madelonnettes’ legacy by exploring its site, participating in guided tours, and discovering its significance in the broader context of Parisian history (marais-louvre.fr; laculturebyrogers.com; introducingparis.com).

La Prison des Madelonnettes illustrated in 1805

Demolition of the Madelonnettes Prison in Paris in 1868 showing partially demolished building with rubble piles

Louis Léopold Boilly painting La prison des Madelonnettes

Louis Léopold Boilly painting La prison des Madelonnettes, rue des Fontaines

Three pencil drawings of demolished buildings seen from Rue des Fontaines, Paris, 1866

Three detailed pencil drawings of the cloister of Les Madelonnettes convent in Paris from 1866 by Léon Leymonnerye

Three pencil sketches of the Maddelonetttes Prison on Rue des Fontaines in Paris, demolished in 1866

Historical pencil drawing of the Madelonnettes prison buildings on Rue des Fontaines in Paris demolished in 1866

Religious sisters of the Madeleine order in 1715

Religious sisters of the Madeleine order, Sainte-Marthe congregation, historical 1715 portrait

Architectural plan of the Magdelonnettes prison from 1795

Demolition of the Madelonnettes prison in Marville, historical black and white photograph

Demolition of the Madelonnettes prison on rue Volta in Paris around 1865

Historic etching of Prison des Magdelonnettes on Rue des Fontaines in Paris

Etching print of Rue des Fontaines featuring Prison des Magdelonnettes in Paris

Etching depicting a prison scene at Madelonnettes during the Terror

Interior view of a prison cell in the Madelonnettes prison showing a metal bed, wooden shelf with a pitcher, table with bowls and candle, slippers, chamber pot, and a window with bars

Historical Overview
Visiting the Madelonnettes Site
Guided Tours and Special Events
Legacy and Cultural Significance
Present-Day Remnants and Commemoration
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Visitor Tips and Practical Information
Further Resources and References

Historical Overview

Foundation and Early Purpose (17th Century)

The Madelonnettes Convent was established in 1618, envisioned as a refuge for “repentant” women—primarily those who had been involved in prostitution or who were otherwise deemed morally suspect by their families or authorities. The institution was founded with support from Robert Montri, the curé of Saint-Nicolas-des-Champs, M. de Fresne, and Athanase Molé, among others. Financial backing came from the Marquise de Maignelay and King Louis XIII (marais-louvre.fr). Managed by the Order of Mary Magdalene, or “Madelonnettes,” its mission reflected the Catholic Church’s efforts to address urban social issues.

Evolution into a Correctional Institution

By the mid-17th century, the convent’s purpose shifted from charitable refuge to enforced confinement. Women and girls were placed there at the request of families, judicial authorities, or by royal decree. In 1657, for example, the famed courtesan Ninon de l’Enclos was imprisoned at the convent on orders from the Queen Mother (marais-louvre.fr). The reputation of the convent evolved into that of a house of correction, symbolizing societal anxieties regarding female behavior and moral order.

The French Revolution and Prison Era

The upheaval of the French Revolution led to the nationalization of church property and the closure of religious institutions. The Madelonnettes was converted into a prison in 1793, housing political prisoners and common criminals in overcrowded and unsanitary conditions (marais-louvre.fr). Notably, the Marquis de Sade was held here during this turbulent period (laculturebyrogers.com). The prison became emblematic of the Revolution’s complex relationship with justice and repression.

19th Century: Women’s Prison and Industrial Workshops

Following the Revolution, the Madelonnettes continued as a women’s prison. By the early 19th century, it housed hundreds of women for a range of offenses—from debt to moral infractions. Many inmates worked in prison workshops, contributing to activities such as laundry, tailoring, and shoemaking. In the 1830s, it briefly served as a detention center for children (marais-louvre.fr).

Demolition and Urban Transformation

The convent’s final chapter came with Baron Haussmann’s urban renewal, leading to its demolition in 1865–1866 to make way for Rue de Turbigo and, eventually, the construction of Lycée Turgot (marais-louvre.fr). Today, only fragments of the original site remain, marked by plaques and a preserved wall section.

Visiting the Madelonnettes Site

Location, Visiting Hours, and Tickets

Location: The site is located in the 3rd arrondissement, near 6–17 Rue des Fontaines du Temple, and bordered by rue Volta and rue du Vertbois (Wikipedia; Chanvrerie).
Remnants: A fragment of the original convent wall remains visible at 6 Rue des Fontaines du Temple, and a commemorative plaque stands at 17 Rue des Fontaines du Temple.
Visiting Hours: As the site is outdoors and publicly accessible, there are no set opening hours. You may visit at any time during daylight hours.
Tickets: No entry fee or ticket is required to view the wall fragment or plaque from the street.

Accessibility and Getting There

By Metro: The closest stations are République (Lines 3, 5, 8, 9, 11) and Temple (Line 3).
On Foot: The Madelonnettes site is a short walk from several Marais landmarks.
Accessibility: The area is flat and pedestrian-friendly, suitable for visitors with mobility concerns.

Nearby Attractions

Musée des Arts et Métiers: A renowned museum of science and technology.
Place de la République: A major public square and transport hub.
Le Marais District: Famed for its boutiques, cafés, museums (like Musée Carnavalet), and vibrant atmosphere.

Guided Tours and Special Events

While there are no guided tours dedicated solely to the Madelonnettes site, some Marais walking tours and revolutionary history tours include stops or references to the convent (introducingparis.com). Special access to remaining interiors may be granted during European Heritage Days (Journées Européennes du Patrimoine) each September, or via local historical societies (france.fr). Advance booking is recommended for these limited opportunities.

Legacy and Cultural Significance

The Madelonnettes’ evolution from religious refuge to prison encapsulates shifting attitudes toward women, morality, and social order in France. Its role in the French Revolution and later penal reforms highlights the intersection of gender, justice, and power. The site remains a compelling chapter in Parisian history, symbolizing the city’s capacity for both compassion and control (marais-louvre.fr; laculturebyrogers.com).

Present-Day Remnants and Commemoration

Wall Fragment: The surviving section at 6 Rue des Fontaines du Temple is the most tangible link to the past (Chanvrerie).
Commemorative Plaque: The plaque at 17 Rue des Fontaines du Temple provides historical context.
Lycée Turgot: Built on the former convent grounds, it reflects the area’s transformation during Haussmann’s modernization (Nautes de Paris).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I enter the original Madelonnettes Convent buildings?
A: No, the original buildings were demolished in the 1860s. Only a wall fragment and commemorative plaque remain.

Q: Are there guided tours or museum exhibits about the Madelonnettes?
A: While there is no dedicated museum, the Musée Carnavalet and some guided Marais tours include information about the convent’s history.

Q: Are there specific visiting hours or ticket requirements?
A: No tickets or specific hours are required; the site is outdoors and freely accessible.

Q: Is the area suitable for photography?
A: Yes, photography of the wall, plaque, and surrounding streets is permitted.

Visitor Tips and Practical Information

Best Time to Visit: Daytime for optimal lighting and safety.
Amenities: Public restrooms are limited—consider using nearby cafés.
Accessibility: The site is suitable for most visitors, though the historic nature of some surrounding buildings may limit full accessibility.
Etiquette: Respect the school (Lycée Turgot) and local residents; avoid loud or disruptive behavior.

Further Resources and References

Conclusion

While the Madelonnettes Convent no longer stands in its original form, its enduring historical and cultural resonance offers visitors a chance to engage with a lesser-known, yet pivotal, chapter of Parisian history. Whether you’re a history enthusiast or a curious traveler, the site invites reflection on themes of morality, social reform, and urban transformation. Pair your exploration with a visit to nearby museums or a Marais walking tour for a fuller appreciation of Paris’s rich heritage. For the latest updates, event announcements, and curated audio tours, consider using the Audiala app.