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

Sacré Coeur-Crown of Montmartre
Sacré Coeur-Crown of Montmartre cc licensed ( BY ND ) flickr photo by serrotoicram

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: No

Sacré 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 4.7 out of 5 Star Rating

5 Star Rating The climb up to the basilica rewards you with stunning views of Paris, and once inside, the stained glass windows are mesmerizing, filling the space with vibrant colors. The interior exudes a sense of peace, perfect for quiet reflection. I appreciated the historical significance of this site and how it blends both artistry and spirituality. Highly recommend visiting, especially in the morning when the sunlight creates a magical effect through the stained glass.
Tiffany Tan - a week ago

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5 Star Rating Located at 35 Rue du Chevalier de la Barre, 75018 Paris, France 🇫🇷. This stunning building stands on top of Montmartre (one of the highest points in Paris), It gives you panoramic views across the city. There’s a fence on the outside where people can put locks with their names along with their partners. It’s a functioning church so there are services taking place and you can participate if you want. There’s no admission fee but there’s quite a steep climb to the Basilica. Although you can get the Montmartre Funicular which is the small cable car that takes you up to the Basilica. Otherwise, you can climb the 222 steps. The immediate gardens around the Basilica are so pretty, very nice to wander around and explore. The white dome on the Basilica is a beautiful site both from afar and up close. There’s mosaics and stained glass windows inside are truly beautiful and I felt really blessed to be able to see them. There’s architecture of the Basilica is wonderful too. There’s a very peaceful feeling about the church and it was fantastic to just wander around and quietly enjoy the beauty of the building. The surrounding neighbourhood of the Basilica is worth a visit also. It’s very Bohemian style with great cafes and a lovely artistic atmosphere. I would certainly recommend a visit to this gorgeous place. Thumbs up!!! 👍👍👍
Nerine Cummins - a month ago

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5 Star Rating the view is amazing! get there early to get the best views with the least amount of people… sunset is also a top tier time to visit. the stairs look bad but they’re not too awful and the view is so worth it. there is also a tram lift to the left of the stairs in terms of accessibility.
Jasmine Parker - a month ago

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4 Star Rating Serene church. Lots of walking steps but you can also uber up to the main road Beautiful top view of Paris after walking another 300steps. Can take tram if you don't want to climb. Worth the try.
Snowtracy 316 - a week ago

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5 Star Rating 20yrs ago I was deterred from visiting this area by unpleasant travelers stories of scams / assertive pickpocketing. But it’s totally different now and very pleasant experience. Do take the funicular from the Metro at Abesses to save some steep climbs. Free admission with a 10min queue on a sunny day. Good vibes with musicians busking. The basilica is richly adorned with mosaics and for the faithful many places for prayers for your patron saints. Nice shop. The Montmartre area is a Must go !
Mommy Mum - a week ago

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Directions

Metro / RER Line Nearest Station Walking Time
M2Anvers9 minutes (4 to the Funicular)
M12Abbesses11 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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