Sep
01
2012
May
31
2013
Sep
01
2013
May
31
2014
Sep
01
2014
May
31
2015
See all of Paris from the Sacred Sacre Coeur Basilica
Published by Bill Lehane, Writer
Country: France 
The Experience
Standing tall in the heart of the City of Lights, the elegant stone edifice of the Sacre Coeur Basilica rivals only the Eiffel Tower in defining the Paris skyline. The dome top of the Sacre Coeur Basilica, which reaches over 200 meters high, is open to tourists and offers a view over all of Paris up to 30 miles away in every direction. As well as gaining an unrivalled view of the city, you can observe people from all walks of life that gather on the steps outside the Basilica and stream into the charming streets of Montmartre.
A venerated pilgrimage site, Sacre Coeur Basilica welcomes thousands of tourists from all over France and around the world every year. Perched over Montmartre, the name signifies the ‘Mount of Martyrs,’ christened after Saint Denis (the first bishop of Paris dating from the 3rd century) who is buried at the Sacre Coeur Basilica site. The site of this huge church originally hosted an abbey which was destroyed during the French Revolution. The Sacre Coeur Basilica itself was approved afterwards in 1873, although construction headaches and World War I meant it was not consecrated until 1919.
The Sacre Coeur Basilica’s Romano-Byzantine interior features a great mosaic entitled ‘Christ in Majesty,’ which is among the largest in the world. You can also see the beautiful stained glass windows and fine pipe organ. However, the highlight of the Sacre Coeur Basilica is the Dome, which reaches 83 meters high from within the church. Once you have taken in the view from atop the Sacre Coeur Basilica and weaved back down the many steps, enjoy a break at the bottom by riding the carousel featured in the famous movie Amélie.
Afterwards, why not drop over to Place des Abesses and get something to eat while admiring the view of the Sacre Coeur Basilica. 'Saint-Jean' and 'Sancerre' are the Montmartre district's oldest and most popular cafes. Art fans will not want to miss nearby Place due Tertre, known as the city's 'Artists Square'. There you'll find the home of almost three hundred artists as well as samples of some of the finest art to come from Paris in recent centuries. By now, you'll have visited one of the world’s most famous holy sites and got a real sense of the beguiling beauty of the Montmartre district.
A venerated pilgrimage site, Sacre Coeur Basilica welcomes thousands of tourists from all over France and around the world every year. Perched over Montmartre, the name signifies the ‘Mount of Martyrs,’ christened after Saint Denis (the first bishop of Paris dating from the 3rd century) who is buried at the Sacre Coeur Basilica site. The site of this huge church originally hosted an abbey which was destroyed during the French Revolution. The Sacre Coeur Basilica itself was approved afterwards in 1873, although construction headaches and World War I meant it was not consecrated until 1919.
The Sacre Coeur Basilica’s Romano-Byzantine interior features a great mosaic entitled ‘Christ in Majesty,’ which is among the largest in the world. You can also see the beautiful stained glass windows and fine pipe organ. However, the highlight of the Sacre Coeur Basilica is the Dome, which reaches 83 meters high from within the church. Once you have taken in the view from atop the Sacre Coeur Basilica and weaved back down the many steps, enjoy a break at the bottom by riding the carousel featured in the famous movie Amélie.
Afterwards, why not drop over to Place des Abesses and get something to eat while admiring the view of the Sacre Coeur Basilica. 'Saint-Jean' and 'Sancerre' are the Montmartre district's oldest and most popular cafes. Art fans will not want to miss nearby Place due Tertre, known as the city's 'Artists Square'. There you'll find the home of almost three hundred artists as well as samples of some of the finest art to come from Paris in recent centuries. By now, you'll have visited one of the world’s most famous holy sites and got a real sense of the beguiling beauty of the Montmartre district.
When to Go to Sacre Coeur
As a world famous tourist destination, Paris gets very crowded in summer. Consider travelling in off-peak times like spring and autumn, but be prepared for rain! The best time to visit the Sacre Coeur Basilica is during the morning before the crowds set in and it is still cool. Another good option is a mid-afternoon visit to enjoy a picnic on the grass under the Basilica.
Odds n' Ends
The Paris transport system is priced very equitably, and you will find you can traverse the city on the extensive metro network for very little cost. A single-journey ticket costs just €1.60, and you can transfer to as many different lines as you like on one ticket provided you do not exit to street level. A range of passes and travel cards are available, but for visitors the simplest and cheapest option is to buy a carnet, or ten-ticket book, from any corner shop for €11.40. Tip: You can share these little white tickets among your travel party and they are also valid on Paris bus lines.
The Metro stop at Places des Abbesses, on Line 12, leaves you a ten-minute walk from the Sacre Coeur Basilica. The service runs from just after 5 a.m. until 1 a.m. Another option is to go on the district's dedicated bus line, and starting from Place Pigalle, the Montmartrobus takes you to all the principal spots of the district. It runs daily from 7.30 a.m. to after midnight.
For religious visitors to the Sacre Coeur Basilica, there is a Roman Catholic Mass celebrated three times daily, with confession and other special services throughout the week.
All visitors are asked to dress appropriately and observe silence as much as possible.
The Metro stop at Places des Abbesses, on Line 12, leaves you a ten-minute walk from the Sacre Coeur Basilica. The service runs from just after 5 a.m. until 1 a.m. Another option is to go on the district's dedicated bus line, and starting from Place Pigalle, the Montmartrobus takes you to all the principal spots of the district. It runs daily from 7.30 a.m. to after midnight.
For religious visitors to the Sacre Coeur Basilica, there is a Roman Catholic Mass celebrated three times daily, with confession and other special services throughout the week.
All visitors are asked to dress appropriately and observe silence as much as possible.
Want a Guide?
- Cityzeum Travel Guides - Sacre Coeur
- Audio guide to the Sacre Coeur cathedral
- Cityzeum Audio Travel Guides - Montmartre
- Free mp3 guide to Montmartre - why not take it around the city on your iPod?
- The Spirit of Montmartre
- 90-minute tour to discover the streets and history of Montmartre, with real-life artists.
Places to Eat
- La Cremaillere 1900
- The largest restaurant in the Sacre Coeur area, with 340 seats in an elegant Belle Epoque decor. Garden seating weather permitting. Seafood specialities and pianist every evening. Cabaret show upon reservation.
- Chez Eugene
- This famous brasserie on Pllace du Tertre serves excellent chips, is decorated in a Fun Fair style with confetti and lanterns, wooden horses and a musical organ. Service from 6pm to 2am, with live music after 8pm.
- Au Clocher de Montmartre
- Le Clocher welcomes you in a warm, friendly atmosphere, with 50 seats and an authentic rustical deco. It is located in the shade of the Sacré-Cœur Basilica, with speciality cuisine from the Auvergne region.
Recommended Places to Stay
- Terrass Hotel
- This four-star hotel in Montmartre offers all the pleasures of fine living under one roof. Its famous panoramic view over Paris, the elegant luxury of its rooms and its attentive service will delight even the most demanding guest.
- Hotel des Arts Montmartre
- A quiet three-star hotel just a step away from Sacre Coeur. Ideally located in the very center of Montmartre, between the Moulin Rouge and Place du Tertre.
- Woodstock Hostel
- Your home away from home, Woodstock is known for its cosiness as well as its party atmosphere, and is the ideal place to meet other backpackers and make lifelong friends.
Additional Places to Stay Nearby
Search over 900,000 global hotel deals from over 30 merchants. Book via Expedia, Travelocity, Hotels.com, Booking.com, Priceline and the websites of popular hotel chains.
The L'Envol is a five-minute walk from many attractions including Montmartre, Musee de Montmarte and Place Du Tertre. Paris city centre is within a 10 ... 0 miles away
$245 EUR+
The Vittorio is a five-minute walk from many attractions including Montmartre, Chateau Rouge and Sacre-Ceour Basilica. Paris city centre is within an easy 10 minute ... 0 miles away
$197 EUR+
+ 23 others. Show all.
More Experiences Nearby
- Learn the Art of French Cuisine in Paris, France
- If there's one thing that we know and understand about France, above all else, it's that not only do they love their food and wine, but they're great at making it. The soft touch of freshly baked bread for an evening meal, the mouth-watering taste of Crème Brûlée and the smell of freshly cooked chocolate Crêpes, all awaken the senses to what's becoming a universal love for French food. As French chefs have taken their cooking beyond French borders to extend to countries around the world, the taste of French cuisine now comes closer to home for many people. You ...0 miles away.
While You're There - Tours and Trips Nearby
Explore Disneyland Park and travel freely through the Kingdom of Entertainment and its 5 famous lands in Disneyland Paris: MAIN STREET, USA: a reminder of ...2.03 miles away via Paris.
$107+
Book now! Moulin Rouge regularly sells out weeks in advance, so book in advance to avoid disappointment. La Coupole has been a legendary Paris landmark ...2.03 miles away via Paris.
$272+
+ 22 others. Show all.
Carpe Diem! Book to do this experience now!
Save time as you skip the long queues, and save money with free entry to over 60 Paris sights and attractions. With your Paris Pass, ...
Starting from $112.46 per person.
Starting from $112.46 per person.
Books and DVDs
- The Little Black Book of Paris 2009
- Endearingly old school design guide book with the usual topical information plus great maps
- Paris City Guide
- Lonely Planet's latest guide to Paris, with 444 pages of accommodation, entertainment, general travel tips and maps.
- Global Treasures SACRE COEUR Paris, France
- French: Lonely Planet Phrasebook
Elsewhere on the Web
- Montmartre Paris France
- Official site of the Montmartre disctrict. Includes listings for sights, accommodation, restaurants and entertainment.
- Montmartre Tourist Office
- Official site for tourism information on Montmartre.
- RATP Interactive Transport Map for Iles-de-France
- Superb interactive Metro and rail (RER) map from the official transport authority
Media References
- Cinematography meets Geography in Montmartre - New York Times Travel (newspaper)
- Elaine Sciolino follows the trail of Amélie Poulain
- Free Things to do in Paris - NationalGeographic.com (magazine)
- 36 Hours in Paris - NYTimes.com (newspaper)
Travel Insurance. Simple & Flexible.
Language Guides
French 
,
Italian
,
Lao
,
Portugese
,
Spanish
,
Turkish
,
Vietnamese
are some of the languages spoken in France. If you know of a freely available phrase book or podcast for one of the missing languages, let us know!
Discussion
Experienced this and have something to share? Experienced something like this somewhere else? Looking for advise or travel companions? Use this space to leave your mark. Our writers and editors are more than happy to help answer your questions.
People with experience
People who wish to experience
Recent Tweets
Listed below are the most recent comments made on Twitter for "sacre coeur":
