Basilique du Sacré-Coeur

There are several options for exploring the grand basilica. See it as part of a Paris city tour or on a walking tour of the atmospheric Montmartre neighborhood. You can also book a guided tour of the lavish interiors to see highlights such as the apse mosaic, the grand organ, and the crypt. Visitors can also climb the 234-step spiral staircase to the top of the dome for panoramic views of the entire city, including the Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame Cathedral.

• Access to the basilica is free, but you’ll have to pay an admission fee to visit the Dome.

• There are no official guided tours of the basilica as it is a place of silent prayer.

• There is a step-free entrance at the back of the basilica, and the church is wheelchair accessible except for the dome and the crypt.

The Basilique du Sacré-Coeur is located on Rue du Chevalier de la Barre in the Montmartre district of Paris. To get there by metro, take line 2 to Anvers station, then walk up Montmartre hill or ride the funicular.

The basilica is open daily all year round, but it can get crowded in peak season, so opt for an early morning visit to avoid the crowds. For budding photographers wanting to capture the views, the most flattering light happens just before sunset, although note that it can be busy at this time.

The Basilique du Sacré-Coeur is one of the most memorable sights of Montmartre, but the bohemian ‘village’ has plenty of other attractions. A walking tour means you can explore like a local, stopping by famous landmarks such as the Moulin Rouge and the Artists’ Square; follow in the footsteps of artists like van Gogh, Monet, and Picasso; and explore the many shops, galleries, restaurants, and cafés.

Sacré-Coeur Basilica is one of Paris’ most recognizable (and most-visited) religious landmarks. Located in the 18th arrondissement in the north of the city, in Paris’ bohemian (and hilly) Montmartre neighborhood, it can be seen from far and wide. And in turn, it offers some of the best panoramic views of Paris.

Although Sacré-Coeur feels like it’s been part of Paris forever, it’s a relatively new addition to the city. Built in 1875 following the devastation of the Franco-Prussian War, the basilica was completed in 1914 and finally consecrated in 1919, after the end of World War I.

To get to Sacré-Coeur Basilica via public transportation, take Métro line 2 to Anvers station, located at the base of Montmartre hill. While you can climb up to the basilica, the more straightforward route is to take the funicular to the top with a basic Métro ticket.

No, Sacré-Coeur is free for all to visit, and you do not need to book tickets to head inside (though you may need to wait in line, depending on how crowded it is). However, you do need to pay to access its dome, which offers pristine 360° views of Paris.

Yes, there is a dress code at Sacré-Coeur. As it’s an active church with at least four services daily, visitors are asked to dress respectfully, with their knees and shoulders covered. Additionally, visitors should remain silent, avoid talking on the phone, and refrain from taking photos in the nave to respect worshipers.

Yes. Sacré-Coeur is open daily from early morning until late evening. To avoid the worst crowds, it’s recommended to visit early in the day. Weekends, holidays, and the summer months are also likely to be very crowded, and sunset can be an especially busy time to visit.