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 I've visit this majestic Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Montmartre for many years but decided to leave a review. I brought friends to visit the Basilica for the first time, and being a weekend, the queue was almost covering the entire Basilica! Being a free entry, you cannot pre-book unless it's a special group pre-organised. However, you're first struck by the eternal whiteness of the building. If you know a bit of history, the Basilica was built with white Château-Landon stones. We managed to climb the 300 steps to the dome and instantly rewarded with almost 360° panoramic scenery! On a clear day we could make out the Eiffel Tower and Arc de Triomphe from the horizon. There's an option to take the funicular train from the ground up. My absolutely undying reason for keeping coming back is the grand mosaic on the ceiling with Mosaic of Christ in Glory which is one of the largest mosaics in the world. It covers nearly 500 square meters and depicts the resurrected Christ with a golden heart, surrounded by saints and historical figures. Overall, this is an experience of a lifetime as the Basilica offers more than just a structure. It offers stunning views of spectacular sunsets! It's easily accessible by public transport especially metro station at Anvers. Absolutely worth visiting.
Antoine - a month ago

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5 Star Rating An iconic landmark that offers one of the most iconic views over Paris from its hilltop location. The unique white stone and grand domes make it a visible symbol of the city from miles away. Inside, the massive gold mosaic and soaring arches create a peaceful and awe-inspiring environment. Entrance to the main basilica is free, providing a welcoming space for visitors to admire the architecture and history.
Rae Zyon - a week ago

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5 Star Rating This is a beautifully crafted church/ cathedral. The stained glass windows are marvellous as well as the various statues. Unlike a lot of churches which are dark, this was full of natural light. There was a service taking place when we went which was good to see. We took a mini bus ride through the suburb which also goes past Moulin Rouge theatre and cobbled stone streets which we would have never seen otherwise. It was an enjoyable ride. Outside the cathedral, you can walk to the square which has several restaurants, cafes, shops and towards the front, you can walk to the gardens using the stairs or the vernicular. This venue has to be visited on a trip to Paris.
Thats Me - a month ago

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4 Star Rating Look no further if you want to get some steps in! The Anvers metro stop spits you out at the bottom of the hill and a quick walk up a pedestrianised street gets you to the bottom of the steps, or...the funiculaire. If you're wanting to climb the dome then using the funiculaire is definitely helpful! You'll need to buy a ticket for this, but it is worth it. There is also a land train but we didn't use this. We went on a Sunday and the queue to enter was huge. We waited about 25mins to get in, but it was a lovely sunny day with great buskers so it felt much quicker. To climb the 292 steps to the dome will cost €8. Its absolutely worth it. The old stone staircase is winding and narrow and a bit relentless, but the view is superb. There are separate 'up' and 'down' staircases, no toilets and no lift. Entry to the rest of the building is free, and phones must be on silent and no talking - you will get pulled up on this! Its not a particularly old building but is very impressive. Outside, be prepared for the hawkers who would try to sell you your own shadow if they could; they're very pushy. The walk back down to the town gives lovely views and there are plenty of places to have a coffee and a treat to reward yourself for all those steps.
Lu Pitt - a month ago

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5 Star Rating Sacré-Cœur Basilica is absolutely breathtaking. The architecture alone is stunning, and the views from Montmartre are some of the best in Paris. Photos don’t do it justice seeing it in person feels peaceful, grand, and humbling all at once. One of the best parts is that entry to the basilica itself is completely free, which makes it accessible to everyone. You can walk inside, sit quietly, and take in the beauty without any pressure or crowds being rushed through. If you want to go up to the dome for panoramic views of Paris, there is an additional cost (around €7–€8), but even without that, the experience is well worth the visit. The area around the basilica is lively yet calm, with street musicians, artists, and incredible city views. It’s a place that feels both spiritual and iconic at the same time. This is a must see if you’re visiting Paris beautiful, meaningful, and surprisingly affordable.
B V - a month 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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