I'm reading 'Paris, Paris' by David Downie and he talks about the public toilets under Place de la Madeleine.

"Under the Place de la Madeleine hide what may just be Paris’ most beautiful Art nouveau toilettes publiques, with carved wood panels, brass and mirrors, floral frescos and stained glass windows in each cabinet. Here once you’ve awakened the sleeping Madame Pipi (as bathroom attendants are still called) you may tidy up like a real fin-de-siecle lady or gentleman."

Has anyone seen these? Are they easy to find?

I'm still rolling on the floor at the idea of Madame Pipi.

There is usually a sign with "W.C." or "toilettes" pointing to the location, and I imagine this is no different. Just circle la Madeleine until you see that.

Neopolitan

http://www.bizoum.com/ulysses/madamepipi.jpg

You will have a little chuckle with Madame Pipi.

Blackduff

I've heard of "overplanning" and "being regular" but this is too much!

If you are stanading in front of the steps of the Madeline, off to your left a few yards, you'll see steps going down underground.. there's a fence around them ..and a "toilette" sign.

They are a hoot and good for you for being smart enough to find directions to a real "off the beaten path" kind of place. Please tell us how everything came out.

degas,

LOL!

That's my goal for my next trip. To see off the beaten path things.

And as for planning ahead to find the toilet...that is too funny. Although we might as well use them while we are looking at them.

I just remember my first trip to Paris and trying to find a way over to the Arc de Triomphe. We walked around the entire circle 1 1/2 times looking for a crossing before we finally discovered that you had to take an underground tunnel!

Thought I would scout out these toilets in advance!!

I made a trip down to these unusual old fashioned toilets on my last trip (2005).
The tiles on the walls next to the steps leading down to the loos could do with a good scrub and sprucing up.

I also read about this WC several years ago and last month found myself in the neighborhood when I needed the facility. It really is quite lovely and very clean. As you face the front of Madeleine, it is to your right and is marked with the WC sign. It closes for the day at 5:45.

And if I remember correctly, they close for lunch

By the way, if you do go there, mention my name and you'll get a good seat.

They are on the southeast corner of the area around the Madeleine. They are charming but not unique within Paris, although they are among the best examples of ornate public toilets.

A number of the public toilets with attendants in Paris have some remnants of Art Nouveau decor.

Yes! I've been there. The woodwork and the tile is quite lovely.
I even have photos on my website if you're interested:
http://www.wired2theworld.com/paris2005day3and4.html

The Madeleine public WC is justifiably famous and very easy to find.

http://www.jack-travel.com/Paris/Par...ic_Toilets.htm

Neo, you're too funny!

I love these toilets. They are really quite beautiful for public toilets and very very clean.