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 where Chopin's funeral was held in 1849. 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.

Maréchal Biron bought this house in the 18C. It became a convent, with the aim of providing an education to girls from noble families. After the «loi sur la congrégation», part of the house became the lycée Victor Duruy. The remainder was put at the disposal of artists: Rilke lived here, then Auguste Rodin had the use of it until his death. Since then, it has been the Rodin Museum.

The building with its imposing central pavillion, and its main courtyard framed by two beautiful porticos, constitutes one of the most beautiful architectural works of the 18th Century . Since its foundation in 1751, the school, which was designed by Place de la Concorde architect Jacques-Ange Gabriel, has been used for training officers. The school received the cadet Bonaparte in 1784 ; he left as an artillery lieutenant with the note: «He will go far if circumstances favour him».

Sculptures, lithographs and dry point etchings by Salvador Dali (1904-1989).