Sacré Coeur

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

Official Website: Sacré Coeur

Fee: No

Open Now

Regular Hours:
Hours may be subject to change. Please verify on the official website.

  • Monday: 6:00 am - 10:30 pm
  • Tuesday: 6:00 am - 10:30 pm
  • Wednesday: 6:00 am - 10:30 pm
  • Thursday: 6:00 am - 10:30 pm
  • Friday: 6:00 am - 10:30 pm
  • Saturday: 6:00 am - 10:30 pm
  • Sunday: 6:00 am - 10:30 pm

Category: Churches Landmarks & Historical Buildings

Address: 35 rue du Chevalier de la Barre
75018 Paris
France

Phone: +33 1 53 41 89 00

Reviews

Yelp Rating:
4.5 out of 5 4.5 Star Rating
Based on 603 Reviews.

See all reviews on Yelp

5 Star Rating Love the going up 222 steps then another 292 steps to-go-to-church vibe! I usually need to put on suncreen and get invited to step in (with a fire... Read More

Luigi B. May-25-2023

4 Star Rating What a beautiful church and definitely recommend coming here for the views even if you don't go inside. A few tips: -A gorgeous photo of the church without... Read More

Vickie W. May-28-2023

5 Star Rating The Basilica of Sacré Coeur de Montmartre (Sacred Heart of Montmartre), commonly known as Sacré-Cœur Basilica is a must see. This is a Roman Catholic Church... Read More

Marianne W. May-01-2023

Accommodations near Sacré Coeur:

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 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

Video


Short video highlighting some of the features of Sacré Coeur Basilica

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