Sacré-Cœur Basilica
Montmartre’s famous hilltop basilica with amazing views of the city
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Sacré-Cœur Basilica sits at the highest point in Paris, at the top of Montmartre, and is one of the city’s most visited landmarks. Built between 1875 and 1914, it’s known for its bright white travertine stone, which naturally renews its color with rain, making the basilica appear freshly cleaned even after a century.
Getting there usually involves climbing a good number of steps, though a short funicular ride is available if you want to avoid the uphill walk. The exterior offers excellent photo opportunities, especially from the terraces that surround the church. From these viewpoints, you’ll get one of the best panoramic views of Paris—clear days let you see almost every major monument.
Inside, Sacré-Cœur is quieter and more modest than many expect. The main feature is a large mosaic of Christ, one of the biggest in the world, which covers the apse. Entry to the basilica itself is free, though there’s a small fee to climb the dome. If you choose to go up, expect narrow staircases and a bit of a squeeze, but the 360-degree view at the top is worth it.
The surrounding Montmartre neighborhood is busy and tourist-heavy near the basilica, but wandering a few streets away leads to calmer areas with cafés, small museums, and older village-like streets. Visiting early in the morning or later in the evening helps you avoid the biggest crowds. Overall, Sacré-Cœur is straightforward to visit, easy to navigate, and reliably offers some of the best views in the city.
Essential Information
Website: sacre-coeur-montmartre.com
Hours: 10.15am-7.30pm
Tickets: Free Entry, €8 to climb dome
Transport: Abbesses Station, Paris Metro
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