The Basilique du Sacré-Cœur (Basilica of the Sacred Heart) is one of Paris’s most iconic landmarks, perched atop the hill of Montmartre, the highest natural point in the city. Its brilliant white façade and panoramic views of Paris make it a must-visit spot for tourists and pilgrims alike.
Key Facts
Location: 35 Rue du Chevalier de la Barre, 75018 Paris, France
Construction: 1875–1914 (consecrated in 1919)
Architect: Paul Abadie (and successors)
Style: Romano-Byzantine
Height: 83 meters (272 ft) at the dome; Montmartre hill is about 130 meters (427 ft) high
Material: Château-Landon stone (which whitens with age and rain)
Admission: Free (small fee for access to the dome and crypt)
History
Origins: After France’s defeat in the Franco-Prussian War (1870–71) and during a period of national moral crisis, a movement emerged to build a church dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus as a symbol of hope and penance for France.
Construction: Began in 1875, with major construction completed by 1914. However, due to WWI, it was not consecrated until 1919.
Purpose: Besides its religious mission, it was a political and moral statement, uniting a nation torn by war and revolution.
Architecture
Design: Inspired by Byzantine architecture, especially the Hagia Sophia in Istanbul.
Features:
Massive central dome: You can climb 300 steps to the top for one of the best panoramic views of Paris.
Mosaics: Home to one of the world’s largest mosaics, Christ in Majesty, in the apse, spanning about 475 square meters.
Crypt: Visitors can explore the crypt beneath the basilica (small entry fee).
Bell: Houses the Savoyarde bell, one of the world’s heaviest at 19 tons.
Montmartre
Montmartre is historically a village outside of Paris, known for its bohemian past, with artists like Picasso, Monet, and Van Gogh having lived and worked there. Today, it’s a vibrant area full of art, quaint streets, and the famous Place du Tertre where artists display their work.
Visiting Tips
Opening Hours: 6:00 AM to 10:30 PM (Dome access is usually from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM).
Entry: The basilica is free; there’s a small charge to climb the dome and visit the crypt.
Best Time to Visit: Early morning or late evening to avoid the crowds.
How to Get There:
Metro: Line 2 (Anvers) or Line 12 (Abbesses); be prepared for a steep walk or take the funicular for an easy ride up the hill.
Accessibility: The basilica itself is accessible, but the dome and crypt require stair climbing.
Interesting Facts
The stone used in its construction secretes calcite when it rains, which cleans the structure, giving it its dazzling white appearance.
Sacré-Cœur is second only to Notre-Dame in terms of the number of visitors of Parisian churches.
Adoration of the Holy Sacrament has been ongoing there 24/7 since 1885.
Sponsored Popular Items
Quick take: Trip.com offers a worldwide selection of tours and attractions and hotels
Paris Day Tour Montmartre & Louvre Museum & Ile de la Cite – Top Paris Attractions Paris Day Tour: Montmartre + Louvre Museum + Ile de la Cite - Top Paris Attractions adds structure, local context and purposeful sightseeing to the itinerary. Paris Day Tour: Montmartre + Louvre Museum + Ile de la Cite - Top Paris Attractions: experience overview Day tour to explore Paris classics, visit Montmartre and Ile de la Cite, and enjoy panoramic views of the city;Exterior visit to Sacré-Cœur and Notre-Dame Cathedral/Skip-the-line Louvre Museum guided tour/Exterior visit to Eiffel Tower/1hr Seine River Cruise;Enjoy a full-day highlights tour of Paris in a comfortable small group of up to 18 people, led by a…
Disneyland® Paris Tickets with Transportation from Paris – Theme Park & Family Tickets Disneyland® Paris with transportation from Paris: Tickets, Tours and Visitor Guide Quick overview: Disneyland® Paris with transportation from Paris is presented as a theme park or family attraction in Paris. A listing may offer admission, a guided visit, transport, a combination package or premium access. Read the exact live description because similarly named options can have different meeting points, durations and inclusions. Table of Contents About the experience What you may experience Planning the visit Booking checklist Frequently asked questions About Disneyland® Paris with transportation from Paris This booking is most valuable when it solves a practical problem: securing limited…
Champagne Private Day Tour from Paris with Wine Tastings and Lunch Champagne Private Day Tour from Paris with Wine Tastings and Lunch explores the destination through flavour and regional customs. Champagne Private Day Tour from Paris with Wine Tastings and Lunch: experience overview Embark on a private Champagne wine day tour from Paris. Sample distinct champagnes, explore vineyards and learn about the production process. This makes the experience a useful option when planning time in Reims. The exact duration can depend on the selected date, option or operating schedule. Routes, start times, inclusions and meeting arrangements may vary, so the current booking page should be treated as the final source of…
Wine Day Trip to Sancerre from Paris with Tastings and Lunch Wine Day Trip to Sancerre from Paris with Tastings and Lunch explores the destination through flavour and regional customs. Wine Day Trip to Sancerre from Paris with Tastings and Lunch: experience overview Enjoy a day tour among vineyards from Paris, sip amazing wines and have lunch in the Sancerre region. This makes the experience a useful option when planning time in Paris. The exact duration can depend on the selected date, option or operating schedule. Routes, start times, inclusions and meeting arrangements may vary, so the current booking page should be treated as the final source of operational information. At…
Versailles Palace from Paris and optional Gardens Versailles Palace from Paris and optional Gardens provides a structured way to visit a notable attraction or cultural site. Versailles Palace from Paris and optional Gardens: experience overview Experience the opulence of the Versailles palace and also the wonder of its fountain show and musical gardens with this 4-hour tour. This makes the experience a useful option when planning time in Paris. The listing describes this as a 4-hour experience. Routes, start times, inclusions and meeting arrangements may vary, so the current booking page should be treated as the final source of operational information. At a glance Experience type: Attraction…
Versailles Palace guided tour from Paris including gardens shows Versailles Palace guided tour from Paris including gardens shows adds live entertainment to the itinerary. Versailles Palace guided tour from Paris including gardens shows: experience overview Book this half-day trip from Paris including transportation, a guided tour of the Palace and free time to explore the gardens. See the best that Versailles' estate has to offer! This makes the experience a useful option when planning time in Paris. The listing describes this as a half-day experience. Routes, start times, inclusions and meeting arrangements may vary, so the current booking page should be treated as the final source of operational information.…
Quick take: Trip.com helps you compare prices across accommodations. Use it to shortlist hotels, then click through to confirm the final price, room type, and inclusions on the booking site.
Versailles and Giverny in a Day from Paris Versailles and Giverny in a Day from Paris provides a structured way to visit a notable attraction or cultural site. Versailles and Giverny in a Day from Paris: experience overview Experience the guided tour of Versailles Palace and Monet's Home in Giverny. Skip the long lines at the entrance of the castle and explore Monet's beautiful gardens. This makes the experience a useful option when planning time in Paris. The exact duration can depend on the selected date, option or operating schedule. Routes, start times, inclusions and meeting arrangements may vary, so the current booking page should be treated as…
Van Gogh's private tour in Auvers-sur-Oise from Paris Van Gogh's private tour in Auvers-sur-Oise from Paris adds structure, local context and purposeful sightseeing to the itinerary. Van Gogh's private tour in Auvers-sur-Oise from Paris: experience overview Take the 5-hour private guided tour and enjoy a personalized visit exclusively for your group to follow in the footsteps of Vincent Van Gogh at Auvers-sur-Oise. This makes the experience a useful option when planning time in Paris. The listing describes this as a 5-hour experience. Routes, start times, inclusions and meeting arrangements may vary, so the current booking page should be treated as the final source of operational information. At a…
Unofficial Tour of Emily in Paris Unofficial Tour of Emily in Paris adds structure, local context and purposeful sightseeing to the itinerary. Unofficial Tour of Emily in Paris: experience overview Step into Emily's world in Paris with this exclusive walking tour. Explore iconic locations from the Netflix series and discover Parisian culture, history, and charm. This makes the experience a useful option when planning time in Paris. The exact duration can depend on the selected date, option or operating schedule. Routes, start times, inclusions and meeting arrangements may vary, so the current booking page should be treated as the final source of operational information. At a…
Trattoria en Seine, Italian dinner cruise in Paris Trattoria en Seine, Italian dinner cruise in Paris presents the destination from the water and offers a different perspective. Trattoria en Seine, Italian dinner cruise in Paris: experience overview Discover Paris on a boat, while enjoying fine Italian cuisine. This makes the experience a useful option when planning time in Paris. The exact duration can depend on the selected date, option or operating schedule. Routes, start times, inclusions and meeting arrangements may vary, so the current booking page should be treated as the final source of operational information. At a glance Experience type: Boat or water-based experience Destination: Paris Duration:…
Christmas lights open-top bus tour in Paris Christmas lights open-top bus tour in Paris adds structure, local context and purposeful sightseeing to the itinerary. Christmas lights open-top bus tour in Paris: experience overview Hop on the Tootbus open-top bus Christmas tour around Paris, see the iconic landmarks, including the Champs Elysées, while listening to an audio commentary. This makes the experience a useful option when planning time in Paris. The exact duration can depend on the selected date, option or operating schedule. Routes, start times, inclusions and meeting arrangements may vary, so the current booking page should be treated as the final source of operational information. At…
Tickets for the Abbey of Mont Saint-Michel from Paris Tickets for the Abbey of Mont Saint-Michel from Paris provides a structured way to visit a notable attraction or cultural site. Tickets for the Abbey of Mont Saint-Michel from Paris: experience overview Leave Paris for a full-day at Mont Saint-Michel, wonder of the Western world listed as a UNESCO’s World Heritage site. This makes the experience a useful option when planning time in Paris. The listing describes this as a full-day experience. Routes, start times, inclusions and meeting arrangements may vary, so the current booking page should be treated as the final source of operational information. At a glance Experience…
Quick take: Trip.com helps you compare prices across accommodations. Use it to shortlist hotels, then click through to confirm the final price, room type, and inclusions on the booking site.
