Sacré-Cœur Basilica, Paris

About the Sacré-Cœur

The Basilica of the Sacred Heart stands at the very top of Montmartre, the highest point in Paris. Its dome rises 200 metres above the Seine and is visible from much of the city. Only the Eiffel Tower draws more visitors in Paris.

Architect Paul Abadie's neo-Byzantine-Romanesque design was chosen from 77 entries. Work began in 1875, lasted forty years under five architects and finished in 1914. The white stone doesn't darken with age and even whitens in the rain, so the basilica always looks dazzling.

What to see

• The steps and terrace — a view over all of Paris.
• The apse mosaic — one of the largest in France.
• The dome — a circular gallery above the city.
• The crypt — a lower church beneath the basilica.
• The funicular — up the hill in a couple of minutes.
• Place du Tertre — painters just steps away.

Inside the basilica

Inside it's bright and spacious. Above the altar glows a huge mosaic of Christ with outstretched arms, one of the largest mosaics in France. There are stained-glass windows and marble columns, and prayer never stops: continuous adoration has gone on here since 1885.

The dome climb is a separate ticket up a narrow spiral staircase of about 300 steps. At the top a circular gallery offers a 360-degree panorama stretching for dozens of kilometres on clear days, the highest viewpoint in Paris after the Eiffel Tower.

The view of Paris

The main reason to come is the view. From the terrace Paris lies spread out below: rooftops, domes, the Montparnasse tower, the Opéra and, in the distance, the Eiffel Tower. People sit on the steps for hours, especially at sunset when the city turns pink and gold and street musicians play guitar.

Below, the Square Louise Michel has lawns and paths with the classic view up to the basilica. At night the basilica is floodlit and shines over the city.

Architecture and the bell

The basilica is built of pale travertine from near Paris, a stone that keeps its whiteness as it weathers. Inspired by Byzantine and Romanesque churches, its central dome is ringed by smaller domes, with a square bell tower above housing one of France's heaviest bells, cast in the late 19th century.

Bronze equestrian statues of saints stand on the façade above mosaics and reliefs. Walk around the basilica: the north side offers a quiet view over the gardens of Montmartre that few visitors see.

Tips for your visit

Come in the morning when it's quiet, or at sunset for the view. Photography isn't allowed inside, and silence is expected during services. Dress modestly, with shoulders and knees covered.

Pair the Sacré-Cœur with a Montmartre walk: Place du Tertre and its painters, the Montmartre vineyard and the Moulin Rouge at the foot of the hill. Allow half a day in all.

Children enjoy the funicular and sitting on the steps above the city. The dome climb is long and narrow, which can be hard for little ones.

Places in Paris: compare and choose

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Montmartre

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Galeries Lafayette

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Palais Garnier

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How to do it right

• Entry is free.
• Take the funicular up.
• Sunset on the steps.
• Beware of bracelet sellers.

Questions