Designed around the church which gave it its name, Place de la Madeleine is one of the top places in Paris for shopping. Historical restaurants and stylish shops are gathered here, competing to show off the most beautiful window. But the thing that comes to mind first when you think of this square are 'those short, plump little cakes' that Marcel Proust made famous, years after living at n° 9 with his parents. In fact, the square now seems devoted to food. Famous specialized food brands have shops here.