Lavatory Madeleine, Art Nouveau public restroom near Church of Sainte-Marie-Madeleine, France
The Lavatory Madeleine is an underground public restroom facility next to the Sainte-Marie-Madeleine church, featuring mahogany elements, stained glass windows, and intricate ceramic tile mosaics. The space contains individual cabins with toilets, sinks, and mirrors, all shaped by the elaborate design of the Belle Époque era.
The facility opened in 1905 as France's first underground public restroom, following the model of London's facilities established in the 1880s. This founding marked a turning point in urban hygiene and infrastructure in Paris.
The name references the nearby Madeleine church, and the interior showcases Belle Époque details like brass fittings and floral ceramic decorations. Visitors can still see these ornate touches today, which give the space an elegant quality despite its practical purpose.
The facility is accessible daily, with individual cabins equipped with basic amenities, and the entrance is located next to the church in easy reach. The underground location keeps the space pleasantly cool on hot days, but the narrow stairway requires careful footing.
The original shoeshine station still stands in its place, a reminder of when the facility offered additional services beyond basic restroom functions. This detail shows how public spaces were once multipurpose.
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