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 A beautiful cathedral high up in Paris. Best visited later in the evening when visitor numbers drop off. In the meantime there are lots of shops and restaurants near the Basilica. And great views over Paris. When you do get into the Basilica it's an amazing and calming experience. There are staff there to enforce the (minimal) rules which include being quiet and wearing appropriate clothing. But these rules are not hard to abide by and it makes for a more comfortable experience for all including those who come to worship. There is a central area purely for prayer and quiet contemplation. Walking around the edge gives a good view of the architecture - just remember to look up occasionally.
Andy P - a month ago

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5 Star Rating The Basilique du Sacré-Cœur de Montmartre is an architectural marvel. Perched atop the highest point in Paris, its gleaming white domes stand out against the skyline. The Roman-Byzantine design, with its grand domes and intricate mosaics, is breathtaking. Climbing the steps to the basilica, I was rewarded with stunning panoramic views of the city. The interior is equally impressive, with beautiful stained glass windows and a serene ambiance that invites reflection and admiration. It is truly a must-see landmark in Paris.
Highway Video - in the last week

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5 Star Rating It's one of my favorite places around the world. I come here each time I'm in Paris to sit, relax, and admire, then walk around the narrow streets all the way down to Moulin Rouge. Magnificent basilica with gorgeous views. P.S. visit close to sunset to fall in love with this place even more.
Lily - a month ago

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5 Star Rating Visiting the Sacré-Coeur was an incredible experience and one I would 100% recommend to anyone. The Basilica itself is absolutely stunning, and that’s before we get into the amazing views over Paris when you get to the top! Admittedly, it’s a bit of a trek to get up there (if you’re not able to climb up lots of steps, it’s best to get the funicular to the top, which costs 1,90€) but, once you’re up, you won’t regret it. It’s so beautiful! The Basilica is free to enter, which is a true perk considering the usual price you might pay to visit such a monument elsewhere. Queues move really fast even on busy weekends (we went on a Summer weekend, so there were a lot of visitors), so even if it seems as if you’re far behind, you’ll make it to the front relatively quickly. There’s a lot to see inside the Basilica as well - it’s worth spending a bit of time discovering its rich culture and history. If you’re in Paris, this is a must-do - get yourself over there!
Marina Lovejoy-Black - in the last week

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5 Star Rating Fantastic. Best free view of Paris, and I love free. Can walk around and be jealous of the people who live here. Lovely atmosphere. If you're in Paris, GO HERE. No excuse. You didn't get the full Paris experience otherwise. I recommend getting a bottle of wine, some pastries, and finding a nice spot behind the church to hang out for an hour or two.
Barkingham Palace - 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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