The Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Paris (Sacre Coeur) is a minor basilica built in honor of French citizens who lost their lives during the Franco-Prussian War.
It is located on a hill in the bohemian neighborhood of Montmartre and attracts millions of tourists every year.
Since the beginning of time, Montmartre has been a place of worship and worship, for peoples as diverse as the Druids, the Gauls and even the Romans with their temples dedicated to Mars and Mercury.
architecture of the cathedral
In Byzantine Roman style and decorated with several domes, of which the central one is 80 meters high, construction began on the basilica in 1875, at the end of the Franco-Prussian war in 1870, from which France was defeated, but could not be concluded. until the end of the First World War.
Guided tour of the Basilica of the Sacred Heart
Meet your guide at the entrance door of the Sacré Coeur Basilica for a one-hour guided tour inside. €7
Many decorative elements in this building symbolize French nationalism, such as the main portico adorned with equestrian statues of Joan of Arc and Louis IX .
For the construction of this impressive Catholic church, travertine was used , a sedimentary rock that constantly oozes calcite, thus ensuring the permanent whiteness of the building despite erosion and pollution.
Incredible views over Paris
The Sacre Coeur is the highest point in the entire city and from here you can admire magnificent panoramic views of several of the places to see in Paris such as the Eiffel Tower.
You can stay in this charming area of Paris by following our recommendations for cheap hotels in Montmartre .
Montmartre funicular
You can climb the hill on foot, with its almost 200 steps to the foot of the cathedral, or by using the Montmartre Funicular.
You take it at Place Saint Pierre (see map), where the gardens that stretch from the cathedral doors to below begin.
Both the funicular and the Sacré Coeur are one of those places in Paris for a first trip that you cannot miss.
An inexpensive way to get in touch with the neighborhood is by participating in a free tour. Several of the most popular free tours in Paris cover Montmartre and the Sacre Coeur Basilica.
Prices
- Free church entrance
- Guided tour €7 buy here
- Climb up to the dome €7
Schedules
Every day, Basilica: 6.00 am – 10.30 pm. Dome and Crypt 9.00 am-5.45 PM.
Address
35 Rue du Chevalier de la Barre, 75018
How to get
Metro Anvers or Abbesses station / Buses 30, 31, 54, 80, 85 / Montmartre Funicular.
