monument
Sacré-Cœur
White basilica atop Montmartre, completed in 1914, offering one of the finest views of Paris.
Visit duration
1 to 2 hours
Best time
Sunrise
Metro
Anvers (2) · Abbesses (12)
Visit duration
1 to 2 hours
Metro
Anvers (2) · Abbesses (12)
Best time
Sunrise
History & context
Decided after the defeat of 1870 and the Commune, the Sacré-Cœur basilica was built in Château-Landon travertine — a stone that whitens with rain.
Begun in 1875, it was consecrated in 1919 after more than forty years of work. Its Romano-Byzantine silhouette crowns Paris from the Montmartre hill.
Inside is one of the world's largest mosaics, depicting the Christ in Majesty.
Key facts
- Built
- 1875–1914 (consecrated 1919)
- Architect
- Paul Abadie
- Style
- Romano-Byzantine
- District
- 18th — Montmartre
Why visit
- ·One of the best views of Paris from the steps
- ·Monumental choir mosaic
- ·Lively bohemian Montmartre district
- ·Unforgettable sunrise
- ·Free entry to the basilica
What to see
- ·The forecourt view
- ·The choir mosaic
- ·The dome panorama
- ·Place du Tertre nearby
Practical tips
- ·Skip the crowded funicular, take the stairs
- ·Beware of bracelet scams
- ·Visit at sunrise
Best photo spots
- ·Rue Foyatier stairs by the funicular.
- ·Square Louise-Michel facing the basilica.
- ·Place du Tertre early in the morning.
- ·Rue de l'Abreuvoir with La Maison Rose.
Good to know
- ·Dome access is paid and closes early in winter.
- ·Avoid the "free" bracelet scam at the foot of the hill.
- ·Proper attire required inside.
- ·Hours may change: check sacre-coeur-montmartre.com.
Schedules and tickets may change. Check the official website before booking.
Anu's insider tip
Ride the funicular up (a metro ticket covers it), walk down the rue Foyatier steps for the view.
What to avoid
The 'friendship bracelet' scam on the steps: firmly refuse and keep walking.
Frequently asked
＋Is the basilica free to enter?
Yes, entry to the nave is free; only access to the dome costs extra.
＋Funicular or stairs?
The funicular (covered by a metro ticket) skips the 300 steps; walking up via rue Foyatier gives the better view along the way.
＋When should I go to avoid crowds and scams?
Go early morning or on a weekday evening: the square gets packed and targeted by bracelet-sellers and shell-game scammers during the day.
