When we surfaced from the Metro from Montmartre the aircraft carrier sized La Madeleine loomed before us. This enormous structure, with 60 foot columns supporting and surrounding it, was initially built as a tribute to Napoleon's all conquering Grande Armée but was quickly re-purposed as a Catholic Church. After exploring its cavernous interior we walked a short distance to the swanky Place Vendôme, one of Paris's ritziest neighborhoods. In fact, the celebrated Ritz Hotel reigns serenely from a prominent location on the Place. Unfortunately, the Ritz and Place Vendôme's signature Vendôme Column were shrouded, as they neared the end of a nearly three year multi-million dollar renovation. In the evening we took a bus from Le Marais to Place du Trocadéro where we had dinner after which we walked across the square for fabulous night views of the Eiffel Tower.