Sacré Coeur Basilica
Located on top of Butte Montmartre, the highest point in Paris, the magnificent Sacré Coeur is a spectacular sight that also provides visitors with some superb views of Paris
The Sacré Coeur, the Basilica of the Sacréd Heart of Paris, is actually a Roman Catholic Church. It serves as a monument to both political and cultural parties. It is seen as a penance for the excesses of the second empire as well as an embodiment of conservative morals and order.
It was both dedicated to honour the 58,000 lives lost in the Franco-Prussian war and to "expiate the crimes of the Commune" (an uprising that ensued as a result of the war). The location for the Sacré Coeur was decided when the successor to the martyred Archbishop Georges Darboy, Guibert, had a vision which revealed that the Butte Montmartre was where the martyrs were.
The Sacré Coeur was designed by Paul Abadie, who passed away not long after the foundation stone was laid, when he won a competition that was entered by 77 other architects for the job. His work was completed by five other architects. There were many stumbling blocks that were placed in the path of the construction of the Sacré Coeur but it prevailed and the foundation stone was laid on 16 June 1875 with construction being completed in 1914 and dedicated in 1919 after World War 1.
The Sacré Coeur has played a major role in Catholicism and is still used as a place of worship today. It is possible to attend services and mass each day. It is quite remarkable that the entire construction was funded through donations made by various pilgrims and the faithful. The stone the Sacré Coeur is built of remains white, no matter how much weathering and pollution it is subjected to which the faithful relate to the purity of Christ.
It is worth noting that you will not be permitted to make use of any cameras or video recorders within the Basilica. You are also asked to remain silent so as not to disturb the faithful who come from around the world to pray in this majestic Cathedral.
Nearby attraction: District of Montmartre
Facts For Your Visit
Fee: NoSacré Coeur Basilica Hours:
Opening hours may differ on holidays
- Monday: 6:30 AM – 10:30 PM
- Tuesday: 6:30 AM – 10:30 PM
- Wednesday: 6:30 AM – 10:30 PM
- Thursday: 6:30 AM – 10:30 PM
- Friday: 6:30 AM – 10:30 PM
- Saturday: 6:30 AM – 10:30 PM
- Sunday: 6:30 AM – 10:30 PM
Address: 35 Rue du Chevalier de la Barre, 75018 Paris, France
Phone: 01 53 41 89 00
Official Website: Sacré Coeur Basilica
Sacré Coeur Basilica Reviews
Rated out of 5
Extremely beautiful and free entry to the cathedral. There was a line but it moved very quickly, pretty much walked in. There are signs to a panoramic view in the dome tower which I missed. It looked cool! Would recommend relaxing on the steps or grass area in front as well. Soak up the Paris skyscape.
Jas Lee - a week ago
The white domed basilique located on top the Montmartre hill is a lovely landmark with a stunning architecture, and forms a captivating backdrop as you climb up the hill. The size is impressive and inside the church has a serene ambiance with many altars, beautiful mosaics and fresco paintings. The area in front of the church offers extensive and amazing views of the city, a lovely atmosphere with street artists/musicians. It is definitely worth a visit and the views on the hill are amazing.
Vishwanath Patil - in the last week
I can't believe I've been to Paris 5-6 times over the years but have never been to Sacre Coeur before. It is incredible? We took the funicular which was fun and then too in the incredible view from the top. The walk up 293 stairs to the top of the dome was tough after a day's sightseeing but was worth it for the breathtaking view. I didn't mind paying €8 per person to go up as there is no charge to go into the Basilica itself, unlike so many other similar churches across the world. Go - it's worth it.
corisande bateman - a week ago
Spectacular architecture and the art decoration on the inside is amazing! Definitely worth a visit and the entrance is free! It provides a nice view of Paris on top of the dome for an additional cost.
Jared Leggett - a week ago
Beautiful church with incredible architecture and history, there are also stairs that lead to the top of the church where you can see the entire city of Paris. However it is 300 stairs so going to the top was challenging. Overall the Church is a must visit when visiting Paris.
Sebastian Philipp - in the last week
Directions
| Metro / RER Line | Nearest Station | Walking Time |
|---|---|---|
| M2 | Anvers | 9 minutes (4 to the Funicular) |
| M12 | Abbesses | 11 minutes (5 to the Funicular) |
How to get to Sacré Coeur Basilica by Metro / RER
By Metro: Exit at either Anvers Station on the M2 Line or Abbesses Station on the M12 Line. To get to the Funicular that goes up to the base of the Basilica go to Abbesses Station on the M12 line; exit to the left and follow Rue Yvonne le Tac east watching for the sign to the Funicular (5 minutes) or you can take the stairs (11 minutes). From Anvers Station on the M2 line follow the crowds heading north past all the little shops on Rue de Steinkerque and head up the stairs (9 minutes) or go left at Place St. Pierre and look for the sign to the Funicular (4 minutes).
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Photo Gallery
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Many people enjoying a gorgeous day on the slopes and stairs leading up to Sacré Coeur cc licensed photo by edwin.11 -
Photo Credit: Brian.Riggs - cc license via Flickr -
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Photo Credit: Dmitry Djouce - cc license via Flickr
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