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 must see. This church has extremely beautiful architecture followed by a breathtaking ambiance inside. It continues the same tradition of having centuries of history, artifacts, and statues as the other magnificent churches and cathedrals I’ve visited in Paris. This time there was an actual service happening during my visit. It was amazing to see that this amazing venue is still active and not just a tourist attraction.
Sergio Colón - in the last week

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5 Star Rating This is the place to get the panoramic view of Paris. You can climb up to the top which is 284 steps and it's amazing. The entrance for climbing the steps is just after the security check to the left. The steps are very steep and it's difficult for children and old people. This is the most memorable place in our Paris visit. You can view all 360 degree angles of Paris and it's really breathtaking
Varun Shamanna - a week ago

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5 Star Rating A Beautiful building and great panoramic views of Paris Definitely a must-do in Paris fantastic location and a truly iconic Parisian building. Its easy to get to from the metro and you can use the funicular railway if you don't want to walk the steps. Only downside plenty of hawkers there and some are very pushy. so many tourists and pilgrims stay here. An uphill climb entails but a funicular ride saves the day. People peddling souvenirs, street artist showing their talent and a huge crowd enjoying the scenery and admiring the views and the beautiful basilica. Inside the church however, it must be quiet with lots of the visitors praying. It is open to the public and meditation are continuous.
Paulraj Papaiah - a month ago

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5 Star Rating The basilica is a peaceful place and an iconic building in the city of Paris. Montmarte can be spotted in the distance from various places in Paris. It is a fairly modern build in terms of basilicas (early 1900’s) but yet charming. The landscape to the gardens are well maintained. Walk to the top can be steep. Anyone with mobility issues can use the “paid” for funicular which is to the side of the basilica. The closest underground station is Anviers. Transportation is well connected. It is free to enter the main church and costs €8 as November 2024 to access the crypt and the top. The inside of the basilica is fairly average compared with other Parisian churches. Queues can be long so if you are pressed for time you may wish to skip going in. The basilica and the surrounding grounds can at times be extremely crowded as it is a popular attraction.
Legends l - 2 weeks ago

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5 Star Rating Nice, short and free visit to this Basilique, with great views of the city. Arrive early in the morning before the crowds gather in!!! We also climbed up the dome: that's €8 per person, but you get such a gorgeous 360° view up there!!!! Beware that there is no elevator, so you should have no mobility issues if you are planning to give it a try!!
Julieta Arese - 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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