Sacré-Cœur Basilica

The Sacré-Cœur Basilica, the white jewel of Montmartre

The Sacré-Cœur Basilica crowns the Montmartre hill with its white silhouette, visible throughout Paris. The Paris audio-guided tour stops here, with respect, to evoke this emblematic sanctuary, one of the most visited monuments of the capital.

A sanctuary at the top of the hill

Built from the end of the nineteenth century, following a national vow, the Sacré-Cœur Basilica of Montmartre stands out by its Romano-Byzantine style and its white stone, which whitens with the rain. Standing at the top of the hill, it dominates Paris and offers one of the finest panoramas over the city. A still-active place of worship, it is also one of the most frequented sanctuaries in France.

What to see

You admire the Romano-Byzantine façade, the great dome, the interior and its mosaic, as well as the exceptional panorama over Paris from the forecourt. The Sacré-Cœur Basilica is the unmissable stop of Montmartre. It is an experience at once spiritual and panoramic, to be discovered with respect.

Practical information

The Sacré-Cœur Basilica lies at the top of the Montmartre hill, in the eighteenth arrondissement, reachable on foot by the stairs or by the funicular. A working place of worship, entry to the basilica is generally free; access to the dome may have a fee. Hours vary with celebrations; it is best to check them and to respect the sacred character of the place.

Why is the Sacré-Cœur Basilica white?

Because it is built of a stone that whitens on contact with rain; in the Romano-Byzantine style, it crowns the Montmartre hill and dominates Paris.

Where is the Sacré-Cœur Basilica?

At the top of the Montmartre hill, in the eighteenth arrondissement of Paris.