Sacré-Cœur Basilica: reviews, price 2026 and Exclusive Promo Code

+49
recos
4.8/5 12 reviews
35, rue du Chevalier de la Barre , 75018 Paris, France
35, rue du Chevalier de la Barre , 75018 Paris, France
Guided tour of the Sacré-Cœur Basilica and Montmartre from $35*
Booking recommended
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Basilique du Sacré coeur
Vue du Sacré Coeur
Le Sacré Coeur

Visiting the Sacré-Cœur Basilica

Perched at the top of the Montmartre hill in the 18th arrondissement of Paris, the Sacré-Cœur Basilica is one of the most recognized religious sites in France, drawing more than 10 million visitors every year.

A history dating back to the 5th century

The site began as a chapel built in 475 to honor Saint-Denis, the first archbishop and martyr of Paris. This popular pilgrimage destination was later replaced by a Benedictine abbey, which was disbanded during the French Revolution. In 1870, after France lost a battle against Prussia, the country faced a gloomy social climate and public unrest. This led to the Commune, a period of civilian uprising where thousands of people died at the hands of government forces.

Alexandre Legentil and his brother-in-law Hubert Rohaut, two wealthy businessmen, decided to build a monument in their memory. The site at Montmartre was approved by the Assemblée Nationale (French National Assembly), and the project, known as the Vœu national (National Vow), was funded through a massive public collection. The hill became a symbol of divine protection for France and its people. Architect Paul Abadie won the design competition. The first stone was laid in 1875, and the basilica was inaugurated in 1923, nearly five decades later.

A landmark that defines the skyline

Its Byzantine style, featuring a large circular dome, turrets, a bright white facade, and a three-arched porch, creates a distinct profile that has sparked debate since its construction. With its imposing scale, the Sacré-Cœur Basilica is one of the most recognizable sights in Paris. The surrounding neighborhood of Montmartre is synonymous with the bohemian lifestyle, having been home to artists like Picasso, Modigliani, Toulouse-Lautrec, and le Douanier Rousseau.

Inside, the mosaic of Christ in Glory overlooking the choir is striking. Visitors with enough stamina can climb the 300 steps leading to the dome for a 360-degree view of Paris. To reach it, enter through the left side of the basilica (access to the dome costs 7 EUR, or about $8).

Guided tour of the Sacré-Cœur Basilica and Montmartre from $35*Booking recommended
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Opening hours

Open daily from 6:00 AM to 10:30 PM. The dome is open daily from 8:30 AM to 8:00 PM from May to September, and from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM from October to April.

Hours are indicative and subject to change

*Information subject to change

Reviews of Sacré-Cœur Basilica

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Summary of 12 reviews
4.8/5
Average rating
+49
Total recommendations

Ratings by visit type

With family
4.8
As a couple
4.9
With friends
4.7

Avygeo ranking

#3
in the world
#3
in Europe
#2
in France
#2
in Paris

A Paris must-see

From the square in front of the Basilica, the view of the French capital is iconic. The religious monument towers over the city and looks like a real movie set, but it radiates an impressive strength. Inside, the stained glass windows are remarkable, but take the time to sit on the steps and enjoy the view.

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An incredible view of Paris

Climbing up to the Sacré-Cœur is above all about enjoying a magnificent view of the entire capital. Given the number of tourists, you will be far from alone on those big stairs. But it is vast enough to accommodate everyone. The building itself is magnificent from the outside, but I am much less of a fan of the interior. I much prefer Gothic churches and cathedrals. Plus, the whole thing feels a bit too museum-like to me, despite the many worshippers who come to pray there every day.

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A must-see in Montmartre

The Sacré-Cœur is sort of the final stop for a stroll through the Montmartre neighborhood. Located up high, the basilica offers a really beautiful view, perfect for taking a moment and admiring the city.
Its white facade and architecture immediately catch your eye. As for the interior, it immerses you in a special atmosphere that is both calm and solemn. A must-see historic monument to visit when you are in Montmartre!

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A Parisian must-see

Perched at the top of Montmartre, the basilica and its view are splendid. The interior gives off such a peaceful atmosphere. Take the time to admire the mosaics and the details of the stained glass windows. I recommend wandering around the neighborhood, where you will find plenty of things to do: restaurants, caricatures, souvenirs.

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The rooftop of Paris

Dominating the Montmartre hill, this white stone basilica is impressive from afar with its three iconic domes. The square out front is often packed with people, so I suggest you go very early in the morning to better enjoy the site. Inside, however, the atmosphere remains perfect for quiet reflection. The chapels and stained glass windows are stunning. By climbing to the dome, you get an exceptional view of the city. Just be careful, because there are nearly 300 narrow steps and no elevator.

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Not to be missed

The Sacré-Cœur Basilica is one of the monuments you absolutely have to see in Paris. The building is truly stunning with architecture that is easily recognizable. Start by admiring it from below before climbing the steps to take a closer look. Once you are at the top, you will have a superb view of Paris and its monuments. Take the opportunity to have a little break.

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A Paris icon

The Sacré-Cœur is a grand place. Even though it is not my favorite, it remains iconic. A little dive into the movie Amélie, the Sacré-Cœur is right in the heart of the hustle and bustle of Montmartre.
Beautiful basilica, you can climb all the way to the top of the dome. Stunning view of Paris!

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An iconic spot

Montmartre and its basilica are part of the iconic places in Paris, and for good reason! First, the surroundings offer a bit of greenery. Take the time to admire the exterior, between all the details and the statues. As for the interior, you will be amazed!

And then Montmartre is also a perfect place for a walk and to feel the bohemian atmosphere of the artists' life.

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On the Montmartre hill

The Sacré-Cœur Basilica is a magnificent religious building at the top of the Butte Montmartre. You head there when you visit Montmartre, the artists' neighborhood of Paris. The Basilica itself is totally different from the other churches in Paris with its harmonious round shapes. I love this place especially because one of my favorite movies, Amélie, was filmed there.

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Perched on its hill

The Sacré-Cœur is the ultimate romantic emblem of Paris. It is true that the entire neighborhood, Montmartre, is perfect for romance. The basilica overlooks all of that from the top of its hill. At its base, you can not only admire its beautiful, rounded architecture, but also a lovely view over all of Paris. The interior of the building is splendid, a real marvel where taking photos is forbidden. Definitely don't miss the chance to climb to the top, you will be able to get up close to the beautiful gargoyles and have an even more breathtaking view of the city!

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Kind of by accident

When you are walking around Paris, you have to expect to run into monuments like this on every street corner. I was strolling along, I looked up and saw a small line in front of a building, I just mindlessly went and got in the back of the line, and... ta-da! I was in the Sacré-Cœur Basilica! I do not regret this visit, the walls are richly decorated, it was magnificent.

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A majestic building!

This basilica is located right at the top of the Montmartre hill, which makes the monument very impressive. This place is very popular with tourists and is therefore crawling with people. You have to be patient to get to the bottom of the hill because the streets are narrow and the flow of tourists is constant. Once you arrive at the top of the hill, the reward is inside the basilica with sumptuous decorations and stained glass windows.

5
02/06/2015

L'extérieur de la basilique offre également une belle récompense avec sa vue panoramique sur la capitale !

02/06/2015

L'extérieur de la basilique offre également une belle récompense avec sa vue panoramique sur la capitale !

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