In a city where using public toilets can sometimes be a challenge, a surprising place has come along to change things a bit. Beneath the Place de la Madeleine are public toilets whose history goes back to 1905! Modelled on 19th-century London lavatories, these pipi rooms have a very Parisian Art Nouveau touch, and were luxurious for the time.
The most unusual (and luxurious) public toilets in Paris
A Historic Monument since 2011, these public toilets were closed the same year due to their condition and lack of accessibility. After a long and painstaking restoration, they reopened in February 2023, becoming accessible once again to walkers and visitors. The site is now managed by a specialized operator, and admission is charged at €2, a sum which contributes to daily maintenance and cleaning.
The first thing that strikes you as you descend the few steps from the square are the materials chosen and the quality of the decoration. The varnished mahogany furniture, colorful stained-glass windows, decorated ceramics and mosaic floors recall the Art Nouveau style so dear to the Belle Époque. Each cabin is equipped with a washbasin and mirror – a true luxury!
In fact, they were originally conceived as a complete experience, with even a porter’s lodge and a shoeshine service in the 1900s. Even if these services have disappeared, these toilets represent a small piece of heritage to be discovered, especially by those curious about the Paris of yesteryear.
Ultimately, these underground toilets next to the Madeleine church offer a unique way of combining heritage, utility and aesthetics in an unexpected location. They are a reminder that in Paris, every nook and cranny can be a page of history, even where you least expect it!
📍Lavatory Madeleine – Place de la Madeleine, 75008