About Sacré-Cœur Basilica
The Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Paris, commonly known as Sacré-Cœur, is a Roman Catholic church and minor basilica located at the summit of Montmartre, the highest point in Paris. Built between 1875 and 1914, this architectural marvel offers stunning panoramic views of the entire city and represents one of Paris's most visited monuments.
📍 Location
Montmartre, 18th Arrondissement
🎫 Entry
Free (Dome: €7)
⏰ Hours
6 AM - 10:30 PM daily
🚇 Nearest Metro
Pigalle, Abbesses
💡 Pro Tips
- Take the funicular to avoid the 300+ step climb
- Visit at sunset for spectacular golden hour views
- Free entry to basilica, paid access to dome
- Explore artists' square at Place du Tertre nearby
- Be aware of pickpockets in tourist areas
Complete Montmartre Experience
🏛️ Sacré-Cœur Basilica
Inside the Basilica:
- Free entry: Open 6 AM - 10:30 PM
- Architectural style: Romano-Byzantine
- Great Mosaic: Christ in Majesty
- Perpetual adoration: Continuous prayer since 1885
Dome Access:
- Cost: €7 for dome access
- Steps: 300 steps to top
- Views: 360° panorama of Paris
- Hours: 9 AM - 7 PM (seasonal variations)
Photography:
- Interior photography discouraged during services
- Exterior and dome views encouraged
- Best light conditions afternoon/sunset
🎨 Place du Tertre
Artists' Square:
- Portrait artists: Traditional street portraiture
- Caricature artists: Fun souvenir drawings
- Local artisans: Paintings and crafts
- Historic atmosphere: Bohemian Montmartre heritage
Dining at Place du Tertre:
- La Mère Catherine: Historic restaurant (1793)
- Le Consulat: Traditional French bistro
- Café de la Place: Outdoor terrace dining
- Tourist warning: Higher prices, tourist-focused
Best Times:
- Early morning: Fewer crowds, better deals
- Late afternoon: Golden hour lighting
- Avoid lunch rush: Very crowded 12-2 PM
🌆 Views & Photography
Best Viewpoints:
- Basilica steps: Free panoramic view
- Dome platform: Highest viewpoint (paid)
- Place du Tertre: Elevated square views
- Rue Poulbot: Quieter viewing spot
What You'll See:
- Eiffel Tower: Clear sightline across Paris
- Arc de Triomphe: Prominent in the distance
- La Défense: Modern business district
- Seine River: Winding through the city
Photography Tips:
- Golden hour: 1 hour before sunset
- Blue hour: City lights just after sunset
- Clear days: Check weather for visibility
- Wide angle: Capture full panorama
🎭 Cultural Attractions
Historic Sites:
- Moulin Rouge: Famous cabaret (15 min walk)
- Moulin de la Galette: Historic windmill
- Montmartre Vineyard: Last vineyard in Paris
- Saint-Pierre de Montmartre: One of oldest churches
Museums:
- Musée de Montmartre: Area history and art
- Dalí Paris: Salvador Dalí museum
- Maison Rose: Picasso's favorite restaurant
Hidden Gems:
- Passage des Abbesses: Quiet shopping passage
- Square Suzanne Buisson: Peaceful garden
- Rue des Saules: Rural atmosphere in the city
Practical Visiting Information
🎫 Access & Costs
- Basilica entry: Free of charge
- Dome access: €7 (cash or card)
- Funicular: Standard metro ticket (€2.50)
- Tourist train: €7-10 for circuit
- Parking: Limited and expensive
⚠️ Safety & Awareness
- High pickpocket activity in tourist areas
- Be cautious around "friendship bracelet" scammers
- Avoid betting games and street con artists
- Keep valuables secure and bags closed
- Tourist police present in main areas
🧳 What to Bring
- Comfortable walking shoes for cobblestones
- Camera for spectacular views
- Weather-appropriate clothing (windy hilltop)
- Water bottle for the climb
- Small daypack (watch for pickpockets)
⏰ Best Timing
- Early morning: Fewer crowds, peaceful
- Late afternoon: Best light for photos
- Sunset: Spectacular views and atmosphere
- Weekdays: Less crowded than weekends
- Avoid: Rainy days (poor visibility)
Ready to Explore Montmartre?
Experience the bohemian charm and spectacular views of Montmartre with convenient, comfortable transportation. Skip the steep climbs and metro transfers—arrive refreshed and ready to explore Paris's artistic heart.
Get Your Montmartre Transfer
Hilltop access • Artistic insights • Breathtaking views