The Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Paris

Building · Clignancourt

The Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Paris

Building · Clignancourt

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35 Rue du Chevalier de la Barre, 75018 Paris, France

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The Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Paris by null
The Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Paris by Getty
The Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Paris by null
The Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Paris by null
The Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Paris by null
The Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Paris by null
The Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Paris by null
The Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Paris by null
The Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Paris by null
The Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Paris by null
The Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Paris by null
The Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Paris by null
The Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Paris by null
The Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Paris by null
The Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Paris by null
The Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Paris by null
The Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Paris by null
The Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Paris by null
The Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Paris by null
The Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Paris by null
The Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Paris by null
The Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Paris by null
The Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Paris by null
The Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Paris by null
The Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Paris by null
The Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Paris by null
The Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Paris by null
The Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Paris by null
The Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Paris by null
The Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Paris by null
The Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Paris by null
The Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Paris by null
The Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Paris by null
The Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Paris by null
The Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Paris by null
The Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Paris by null
The Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Paris by null
The Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Paris by null
The Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Paris by null
The Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Paris by null
The Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Paris by null
The Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Paris by null
The Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Paris by null

Highlights

Iconic white basilica atop Paris's highest hill, Montmartre  

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35 Rue du Chevalier de la Barre, 75018 Paris, France Get directions

sacre-coeur-montmartre.com

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35 Rue du Chevalier de la Barre, 75018 Paris, France Get directions

+33 1 53 41 89 00
sacre-coeur-montmartre.com

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Aug 22, 2025

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42 Best Things to Do in Paris

"Sacré-Coeur is a Catholic basilica that sits on the highest hill in Paris, in the Montmartre neighborhood. Its height is topped only by the Eiffel Tower. The basilica's distinct white travertine façade gives the Romano-Byzantine structure a unique look among Parisian monuments. The church is open all day to anyone who wishes to visit, though big crowds mean you may have to wait to go inside." - Julia Eskins, Melissa Liebling-Goldberg

https://www.cntraveler.com/gallery/best-things-to-do-in-paris
View Postcard for The Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Paris
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Brian V.

Yelp
Basilique du Sacré Coeur located at the top of Montmartre is definitely worth a trip as an international tourist (along with many locals and countryman). This church was built during the late 19th century and was approved as a national historic monument in December 2022. It's free to visit and enter, but they do take donations. Fun fact - original construction was largely financed on small offerings of the faithful. Crowdsourcing! From the architecture to the views over the city of Paris, there's a lot to love when you visit this iconic spot. No pictures allowed inside, but the space is gorgeous. Just standing inside of the building and thinking about all that has happened over years is breathtaking. Okay, okay, let's get to the real reason I'm posting and writing this review now other than posterity (as I visited this place years ago). This is part of my John Wick 4 nostalgia tour. I wanted to put this up when I first watched the movie in theaters, but didn't for whatever reason. But almost every scene in Paris in the movie was a place I visited during my Paris trip. Watching that movie really wanted me to revisit Paris again and retrace my steps as well as the steps in the film. The particular scene at Basilique du Sacré Coeur and the stairs should be or will be iconic.
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Eunie L.

Yelp
The church is at the top of Montmartre so you are able to see it from afar and it is worth the trip to visit. It's a beauty from afar and inside. It's a steep trek up but worth it. We walked up to the church up from the back and that was less steep than coming up from the front and had less stairs. The front does have the fountain, grass area, all the shops and restaurants so we walked down that way as to not miss walking around Montmartre.
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Ashley G.

Yelp
As always, this classic tourist destination is worth the hype. The steep climb to Sacré Cœur is an interesting addition into the adventure of the visit. In 2022 the church became a national historical monument, it was built from 1875-1914, it's the city's second most popular destination next to the Eiffel Tower! Fun factoid: The square in front of the church is to honor Louise Michel, who was apparently an anarchist. Who knew? This church sits beautifully atop one of the best spots to get a great view of the city! The cathedral/church is absolutely gorgeous, and is one of the highlights of every visit to Paris. This trip marked my 7th, and without a doubt Sacré Cœur is a favored and frequented stop of mine. Taking in the city by night, the lights of Sacré Cœur are stunning and have a great effect for photos, the crowd is not one to thumb your nose at, at times it's a fight to get a decent photo, while at others you can stop by with a small meandering crowd (think really early AM). The artists square near the cathedral is wonderful in the summer and on bright warm days in the winter, it stays busy and is occupied by some wonderful artists. 10/10 Always worth a visit!
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Shanelle S.

Yelp
Beautiful church that's free to enter. We walked up here and it's white a but if stairs but well worth the trek. I'd suggest coming here earlier rather than later; there was a large crowd when we left at 11am. It is an active church and my mom attended Mass here (they have an English translation online to follow along). The candles are 10 euros for the big one and 2.50 for the little ones - they do accept credit cards or you can bring change. There is a security check before you enter. It's a beautiful spot and I'd highly recommend coming here.
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Howard L.

Yelp
This Basilica sits strategically atop the Montmartre hilltop and is one of the big draws for a visit to Montmartre. We did not go inside the elegant basilica but walked around the vibrant and busy surrounding area and enjoyed the panoramic city views of Paris from here.
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Henry's T.

Yelp
You ever wonder what it's like to write for a travel guide? I imagine the more challenging destinations feature an eclectic range of characteristics, so a summary of the Montmartre district in Paris must require a little extra effort as this is certainly a multi-dimensional area. Your experience here will range all the way from a kitschy tourist trap (where keeping a careful grasp upon your belongings is warranted), to the feel of a charming village where you can leisurely retrace the footsteps of former residents Van Gogh, Picasso, Monet, Renoir, Degas, and Toulouse-Lautrec. The vast majority of fellow travelers that we shared this destination with focused entirely on the Basilique du Sacre-Coeur. While each successive flight of stairs provides ever increasingly panoramic views of Paris, they are by no means the only things worthy of your time. If you wander just a few blocks from there you'll discover a myriad of cobblestoned streets that are shockingly quiet and uncluttered by tourists. During our visits we found ourselves just being immersed in the environment without any regard for the passing of time. Although certainly not a prerequisite to enjoying oneself, a fresh pastry from Biscuiterie de Montmartre will make your stroll even better. There are convenient Metro stops nearby and we'd recommend using the Anvers Station and avoiding the Barbes-Rochechouart Station (especially at night). For those concerned about clambering up the 222 steps to the summit, the "funiculaire" has transported passengers to the top for more than 100 years and can have you there in just 90 seconds. However you arrive, I'd recommend that you give yourself an opportunity to lose track of time here during a visit to Paris. And that's...Henry's Take. #montmartre
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Mei T.

Yelp
I have visited so many cathedrals during my recent trip to Europe and have to say this was one of my favorites. It's massive I'm size and each cutout section has its own uniqueness. Standing on the porch of the cathedral, the view of the city was gorgeous! Photos don't do justice, you will have to visit in person to appreciate its beauty!
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Joe D.

Yelp
Stunningly located on highest point in Montmartre, Sacre Couer is the second most famous Paris church after Notre Dame. 5 stars all around: wow the star of this church is the location; don't miss seeing it. You can see the sun rise over Paris (went for a run up that loooong hill to see that : ) You'll get views in almost all directions from the hilltop. The church itself is also beautiful. The odd architecture is loosely Romanesque Revival. It was built in the 1870s just after Emperor Napoleon III. The builders thought France had been defeated because people had become "too tolerant and ungodly"...lol, what WOULD they think of an openly gay couple sitting through mass in 2024? The parishioners were very welcoming. They didn't mind 2 sweaty Americans who had just run up a small mountain ( and looked like it) attending 7 am mass. It's a long climb (or run) uphill, with some beautiful alleyways and stairs along the route. There's also a funicular up and down that's covered by the same system as Metro passes.
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Vivek D.

Yelp
Arrived here after visiting Versailles in the morning. There were already plenty of people in line. There's no fee to enter the church. When we arrived, I think they were about to begin an afternoon mass. But this is a quick visit. The beauty actually is around the corner when you can purchase tickets to get panoramic views of Paris from the top of the dome. They have a few kiosks where you can purchase tickets. Those are easy to use. Tickets were fairly reasonable at 8 EUR/person. Be warned that it's a steep climb up - about 280 steps. It's not for the faint of heart, but do take your time climbing up and going down. These steps are also a bit small, so important to take your time. Once you're up, the views are pretty amazing, even if enclosed in the dome. When you finish with all of this, make sure to get some photos of the view after you exist Sacre Coeur. You'll descend into a garden and then head down into the beautiful town of Montmartre.
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Alex P.

Yelp
What a beautiful place to visit. Price is free for visitors. The lines can be long but move quickly. The views are unbelievable. They have mass open the public. Donations in the form of candles, offering upon entering, or their gift shop as you leave. If you are in monmarte I would definitely stop by! Accessibility: unfortunately this area is very difficult to access. You can take a taxi to the front of the building. There is also a lift in the area. But there are numerous steps in to the basilique.
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Robert B.

Yelp
Beautiful house of worship! We came on our first day in Paris and were lucky enough to attend the noon mass. It is a commitment to get to the building, as there are many steps. The trams and carts can help those with physical needs. The service is held in French without translation. There was a mix of tourists and faithful there for service, but a shared respect of the location. A great start to our trip!
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Emil C.

Yelp
If you're visiting Paris, you absolutely need to make your way up to this church even if just for the hilltop view of Paris or to see the marvelous architecture! If you plan to walk, make sure to wear a comfortable pair of shoes. You can reach the top via Rue Foyatier or taking the Funiculaire rail car. Fans of the John Wick movies will recognize these stairs. Everything inside the church was beautiful and breathtaking! Pictures don't quite do it justice!
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Daniel C.

Yelp
I had a day to explore by myself and I found Basilique du Sacré-Cœur de Montmartre. They have a ton of reviews on multiple platforms so I decided to check them out. First of all, you're gonna really want to visit because there are a lot of stairs to get there. If it is a church you want to visit then it'll be a Stairway to Heaven for you, otherwise it definitely won't be. Most people were taking breaks and breathers while going up. Thankfully I'm in fairly decent shape and was able to go up all the stairs without a break. I'm kind of lazy so if I can do it, you can too! When you get to the top, there is a fence full of locks, vendors selling souvenirs, people selling water and musicians playing music for tips. I think selling souvenirs is illegal because all of a sudden, while in line to go inside, all the vendors grabbed their blanket full of souvenirs in a swoop and ran away like roaches do when the lights go on. At first no one knew what was going on but we all had an idea after a few moments. Entry is free and they ask you to be respectful by being silent. They do check bags before you enter. You can spend as much or as little time there as you would like. When you leave, you're treated to a view of the city then you make your way back down all those stairs. I'm still not sure why this church is so famous tbh but I'm glad I made time to check them out.
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Thaovi T.

Yelp
This is such a cute neighborhood! The charm of the cobblestone streets near the basilica was amazing to experience and walk through. The souvenir shops here are actually cheaper too! And the views near the basilica are stunning.
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Michael B.

Yelp
SPECTACULAR CHURCH ! On Wed, Oct 4th we had a Montmartre Food Tour lined up at 11am which had been booked by our travel agent. My wife and I met up with our food tour guide Nana and the rest of the tour group at Anvers Metro Station. FIRST UP ! The first place we visited for a photo shoot was this magnificent Roman Catholic church on top of a hill. Nana took photos of everyone in the group. After the food tour ended we came back here and took the cable car up to the top level. FOR YOUR INFO ! The funicular at Montmartre takes you from the bottom of the hill up to the Sacré Cœur in Montmartre. The journey lasts 1 minute 30 seconds and takes you to the top of the famous steps in a quick and safe way. The funicular, which opened in 1900, is run by RATP. And then we still had to climb a big flight of stairs to stand in front of the church. AN AMAZING VIEW OF PARIS ! NOTE - Of course with 20 million views of my Yelp reviews and pics world wide in 2023 I can tell you what is great !
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Kirsten K.

Yelp
The Basilica is an amazing work of architecture. There is no denying that. Unfortunately, the scene here is one big tourist trap. Vendors are every few yards hawking tacky trinkets. A busker was singing and playing pop songs on a guitar loudly and obnoxiously right on the front steps. Every inch of chain link fence was cluttered with tens of thousands of padlocks which the vendors were selling. It was unattractive and pointless and detracted from the sacred building. Because of the irreverent scene all around this area, I couldn't feel anything majestic, classic, or moving. I just wanted to get away from there and go somewhere peaceful.
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Lynda T.

Yelp
We visited the gorgeous Sacre-Coeur on a Wednesday morning, to try to avoid the crowds. (We had gone on a Saturday afternoon, and you could not even move from all of the tourists there). Sacre-Coeur actually houses many different little chapels inside!! While we were walking around, mass was in progress. You can still enter it and look around, wandering around the perimeter, during mass, or you could even take a seat and attend mass, which was being conducted in French, of course! We paid an extra 7 euros each or so to go to the top. This was a treacherous climb!!! The staircase is very small, spirals and is very narrow, with little to no room for anyone to pass you. You are completely enclosed on both sides with stone walls. The steps are stone and uneven, and there is no handrail during part of the climb. This is for physically fit people only, and they do not warn you about it! It was perfectly fine for us to climb it, but we were amazed at how there's no warnings about it. It is not for people who are claustrophobic or not in decent shape to do this climb of about 300 steps. I wonder how many people have fallen either going up or down. Anyway, once you get to the top, the views are great. We have photos from here of the Eiffel Tower, and of Sacre Coeur from the Eiffel Tower. As everyone says, beware of pickpockets and other scams. We kept our phones secured inside our jackets, and it was fine. There was a guy playing the guitar and singing at the front of the Basilica, which we listened to as we were plotting our next adventure.
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Ben C.

Yelp
Breathtakingly beautiful. Words cannot describe the feeling of awe and reverence captured in the stone and architecture. The manpower to have built this back in that era is unbelievable. Outside on the steps and lower balcony is a panoramic view of Paris ~ incroyable. Majestic on top of the mount, free for all to amaze.
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Janis W.

Yelp
Beautiful interiors, and a lot of amazing history. Be sure to take in the views of Paris from the front steps, and go around the corner to get a view of the Eiffel Tower. And save time to walk through the surrounding neighborhoods, lots of street art on the buildings, and local art that you can purchase.
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Erica F.

Yelp
This is recommended by my city walk tour guide as I asked if there is any church worth seeing due to Norte Dame is currently closed. This church is located up in the hill. It has great view of Paris when standing outside of the church. The church was grand and stunning (really cannot compare with Norte Dame). It was peaceful to sit in the back of the church and say a prayer.
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Marshall G.

Yelp
This is a wonderful church. We came at dusk. Didn't stay for service. Everyone was very respectful. Lots of activities out side the church
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Alan T.

Yelp
What an amazing church and amazing walk up. Yes. It's uphill. However, you can take your time and hit coffee shops and stores and places to get pastries and desserts allllll the way up. It was kinda cold so places had hot chocolate on tap. I had a few from different places and all were different and deeeeelish. Coming here is an experience that starts with the walk. The church itself is beautiful and the view of the city....yes. Worth it. The gift shop inside has so many great things in there form statues to trinkets to jewelry. What caught me was the interior decor and that old organ. Just felt so rustic and comfy. Don't be intimidated by the walk to this place. Treat it like an experience. Take your time. Enjoy the top. Hang out for a bit. Also, there is a train stop close by that's easy to use. So you don't have to walk all the way down again. Hop on the tube.
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Alexander H.

Yelp
This is definitely one of the biggest landmarks in Paris. Famous worldwide. And it's definitely an architectual masterpiece. And its history is quite a colourful one: In 1870 war broke out between France and Germany. France was defeated and partially occupied by German troops. The initiative of Alexandre Legentil and Hubert Rohault de Fleury was a spiritual one. They vowed to build a church dedicated to the Sacred Heart "as reparation" (i.e. as penance for infidelity and sin) for they held that the misfortunes of France had spiritual rather than political causes. And the finally after a long planning and building time (delayed by WWI) on 16 October 1919 : consecration of the Basilica by Cardinal Amette, Archbishop of Paris, presided by Cardinal Vico, legate of Pope Benedict XV. Coming from the main road by bus or metro you'll see the Basilika from far away. It's an impressive sight. Walking up the small hill is no problem, but for elderly or physically impaired visitors there's a funiculaire going up to the basilika. We didn't go in this time. Maybe another time. Because there were just too many people and the queue too long for us. But to explore the outside area is already a nice thing to do. A bit annyoing are not the masses of visitors (since we're part of it), but the usual guys trying to scam the tourists with their "free" bracelets. A firm "non merci" usually does the trick, but here they seem to be more agressive and even holding and touching the tourists. I don't like it, that's beyond my personal space. And then there are the vendors with all their fake brand purses. Besides that a wonderful place and definitely a must-see.
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Boon C.

Yelp
It is one of the beautiful basilica in Paris. It is easy to spot far away due to the church is located on the high ground. The three giant dome look like Taj Mahal. It is located at Montmartre area where this area has a lot of shopping mall. You can climb or take the funicular to the top. The church top side can have a great view to the city. From the bottom of the step is the step garden and the carrousel. It is a challenge to get up the step. The church interior has a beautiful sanctuary. This church is rather new in compare to many old church in Paris. The decoration also look modern. The underground floor is a gospel display. With light features. It is beautiful. The visit may take you half day if you decide to climb.
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Marianne W.

Yelp
The Basilica of Sacré Coeur de Montmartre (Sacred Heart of Montmartre), commonly known as Sacré-Cœur Basilica is a must see. This is a Roman Catholic Church dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. I recommend when you go that you make sure you set aside enough time for yourself! When I went to Paris I made that mistake. I saw the front and I'm sad to say my daughter and I were just passing by on our way elsewhere. This historic church is on the top of my to go list if I ever return to Paris! I'm not sure I have a photo or not. I'll definitely look!
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Rod S.

Yelp
Holy cow there's a lot of steps to get here. It kicked our old butts. It's so hard not to see this as anything other than the tourist sight it's become. I'd hate to be here when it's crowded. It was a zoo already. I could see past the tourists at the other big sites, but it was really hard to do here. Inside the church was the only place to escape the people. It is a great view of the city, and I supposed you have to do it, but I see no reason to be back again. If it's going to be tough for you to get to, it's OK to skip it.
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Luigi B.

Yelp
Love the going up 222 steps then another 292 steps to-go-to-church vibe! I usually need to put on suncreen and get invited to step in (with a fire extinguisher on stand by). Knew the risks. Walked in anyway. Left with 2nd degree burns. Thankfully, I was wearing long sleeves. Dark Oakley Ballistic Sunglasses. No one could see the burns, but the Americans right behind me saw the smoke. Shhhh. Talked John Wick 4. The only stairwell that I felt good clearing. Woohoo!
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John L.

Yelp
#SentimentalSunday Standing atop the highest point of Montmartre, La Basilique du Sacré-Cœur de Montmartre can be easily identified even from outside Paris' 18th arrondissement. As one of the most popular landmarks in Paris, it attracts around 11.5 million visitors per year. From the Anvers Métro station, we walked our way up on Rue de Steinkerque to get to Place Saint-Pierre. On the left side was the Carrousel de Montmartre, but the spectacle right in front - the church and Square Louise-Michel (https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/spIGAtquYQ0S7xai5eJSuA?select=FrEUMxoCw3qAxzYMIPNQiw) - was the one to take note of. There were clouds that day so the scene was even more exceptional. We continued our way through the square where there were plenty of picturesque locations; we just needed to pick our spots. After 270 steps, we finally made it to the top. A closer observation of the basilica was admirable along with the phenomenal view of the city. Inside the church was even more gratifying. The main highlight was the huge mosaic on the apse - mostly in blue and gold - depicting Jesus Christ with a radiant gold heart. As much as I like taking pictures, no photography was allowed inside the church so I had to respect and obey. We did not take the tour, but we spent some time to soak it all in. Just like every Catholic church we visited, it was customary for us to say a little prayer. On the way down, we decided to take the funicular just for the fun of it. We've done enough sightseeing on the way up anyway so the fastest way back was the better option. Why? Because we could already hear lunch a-calling... Have a blessed Sunday everyone!!!
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Vickie W.

Yelp
What a beautiful church and definitely recommend coming here for the views even if you don't go inside. A few tips: -A gorgeous photo of the church without crowds can be taken if you walk to the back of the church. -We took the metro 4 to Chateau Rouge and I was delighted at the prospect of avoiding multiple steps. Unfortunately the walk from this metro stop is still a steep uphill walk but it's quiet and much more residential (and also leads you the to the back of the church). -Avoid engaging with the scammers. This includes people with clipboards asking for your signature, or those who want to tie strings on your wrists and you'll have to pay. I understand everyone needs to make a living but they were quite aggressive, physically blocking us from walking down steps and grabbing our wrists multiple times.
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Ryan A.

Yelp
To be honest I've stopped here more so for the views than heading inside with friends and family. Let's start out that this is a jaunt and a half if you are walking it, especially during a hot and or miserable weather day. I always opt for the lift to take me to the top, much easier. While everyone usually flocks to the church, I opt to grab a coffee and take in the views for the top which is honestly the best view in the entire city! Be aware that there will always be a ton of individuals at this site, I've never seen it quiet no matter the time of the year. One recommendation is to explore the various nearby neighborhoods for their amazing wine and food selections.
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Cassandra P.

Yelp
We could see this beautiful structure from our hotel so new we had to visit. We decided against the Funiculaire de Montmartre, although it's the same price as a metro ticket and took the 300 stairs to the top. The Esplanade of the Basilica is open from 6.30 am to 10.30 pm. And they even hold Mass seven days a week, so check for times. We arrived sometime around 10 am and while crowded there was an incredibly short wait to enter. Upon entering through the giant bronze door into the chapel, you are welcomed by a quiet stream of rainbows, almost like a soft brocade drifting down from the stained-glass windows on to the Romano-Byzantine style architecture, which is unique when comparing it to Notre Dame.  The stained-glass windows on their own are quiet spectacular, all installed in 1946 as the original ones were sadly destroyed during the war. What I wouldn't have given to get up close to view the The Apse Mosaic, the 475m mosaic is stunning, and even from far below quite detailed. And the Grand Organ would have been quiet the thing to hear as it is most impressive in size, one of the largest I have ever seen. I would highly recommend visiting, and will be doing so myself again.
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Stephanie S.

Yelp
Great stop in Paris! It's a must. It's definitely a good idea to get there when it opens because the tour groups start to pile up and it gets crowded. We also climbed the basilica which was awesome and had a stunning view of Paris. Highly recommend!
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Linda A.

Yelp
This is a must visit in Paris. Exit at Metro Anvers and walk towards the merry-go-rounds up the hill. You can either walk up the stairs to get some exercise or take a short tram on the left side of Basilique du Sacre-Coeur de Montmartre.
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Sophie N.

Yelp
Our tour guide took us to the Montmartre, and we walked till we got to the Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Paris. It's an amazing experience to be there. On our way back we got in the Funiculaire de Montmartre which took us from the hilltop to the bottom of the hill. It's going up and down since 1900.
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Chun P.

Yelp
5 years later I'm back again...and its still free! As a life long practicing atheist, I can still appreciate this bright, bold, beautiful church that overlooks Paris from its hilltop. Inside its a bit more modern, and a bit more humble than the typical over the top gaudy European church that overflows with gold, silver, and marble. The mosaics are magnificent! Unfortunately its awesomeness means it attracts a lot of people, so be prepared to wait in line to get in. The church should charge a €2 or €5 entry fee, and donate the proceeds to charitable causes.
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Tim K.

Yelp
A Paris landmark worth visiting. You've seen this from a distance, why not enjoy it up close and take in Paris from here? We loved the walk (hike) up, taking advantage of the good exercise after a lovely dinner nearby. There's also a funicular if you don't want to make the steep trek on foot. It was Friday evening, an hour or so before sunset, the place was a little crowded, lively. Lots of people apparently awaiting sunset. Several people offering bottled cold Heineken for sale. Each section of the staircase had a street performer playing live music for tips. The place was vibrant with sights and sounds worthy of both a date night or tourist destination. Expansive views of Paris, including the Eiffel Tower off in the distance. Pack a picnic or some drinks and plan to stay a while, making use of the giant staircases for sitting or lounging. If you're a dog lover, there's also a dog park in the immediate area where you can watch some four-legged friends frolic and play. Don't miss out!
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Donna B.

Yelp
After more than a week in Paris, I have a love-hate relationship with the Sacré Coeur. This very popular Paris landmark in the 18th Arrondissement stands at the summit of the butte Montmartre, the highest point in the city. After walking to it and around it a half dozen times, it's higher than you think. The view from the front steps is massive. The basilica was built with a specific stone. The travertine stone came from quarries in Souppes, in Seine-et-Marne French. It is very resistant and the water does not infiltrate. When it rains, the stones releases calcite that cleans the stone and keeps it white. It's Roman Byzantine inspired architecture. Inside the high arches draw your eyes to the blue and gold mosaic of Jesus over the alter. The central dome allows the light the stream in. The best view, in my opinion, is at night from the bottom. The way it is lit up, it glows as it towers over the park in front.
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Jpb T.

Yelp
I took the stairs to the top twice on a recent trip to Paris. I'm a 44 year old male in decent shape and was able to easily handle the stairs. This is a working Roman Catholic Church that you can attend a mass at. There was always entertainment in front of the church.
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Anco M.

Yelp
We walked straight across town from the Quartier Latin to Montmartre. The last part with the Funiculair brought us to the Sacre Coeur. A lovely building, nice interior but also a great outdoors with magnificent views over the city.
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Sanjay G.

Yelp
The Sacre-Coeur basilica was to be dedicated to the Heart of the Christ. It is located at the top of the Montmartre Hill (130 meter high) the highest summit in the city. The Sacre-Coeur is the second most visited religious monument, right behind the Notre-Dame cathedral. View from the top of Montmartre is breathtaking. (No you cannot see Eiffel tower from here) Inside, it is absolutely stunning, with its white stones and the painting of the Christ inside the Heart. The sanctuary is illuminated with many candles, which provide a contrast to the dark, somber space. Painted glass adds beauty to this church. It is not very old, in fact, it's completed in 1914. it is in Montmartre which has long been popular with artists, and many famous artists ( Van Gogh, Picasso) had their studios in this area. Do check out this area, it was my fav area in the whole of Paris. You would love that And guess what- it's free. The Sacre-Coeur Basilica is open every day with no exceptions, from 6 am to 10:30 pm and the entrance is free. Fun Fact: its nice name is wedding cake (From far away, it looks like one, that's why)
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Renee N.

Yelp
The Basilica is located on the high hill in the 18th arrondissement in the village of Montmartre'. It is the highest point in the city and we were so excited to visit and tour this sacred place of worship. It is also the second most visited landmark in the city of Paris. We climbed the 300 steps to the top and took in the most incredible views. As you climb the stairs, it is a small passage so not recommended for everyone. So fun to view Paris from the top and see exactly how the city is laid out. There is a small fee to climb to the top but to enter the church is free. No picture taking inside and wish more tourists would respect that when is stated "No Pictures" they mean it so be respectful. The basilica was completed in 1914 and consecrated in 1919 after WWI ended. It stands 272 feet high and is built of travertine stone. The architecture is breathtaking and so beautiful. There are two equestrian statues of two french saints - Joan of Arc and King Saint Louis IX. There is also a garden with a fountain as well on the property. The activity around the basilica is not all that desirable with lots of people sitting on the stairs so as always when you are in a large city, hold tight to your belongings. Be sure to make time to visit here.
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Leah S.

Yelp
Beautiful experience. If you are fit don't miss going up to the dome. It is truly a beautiful view of Paris. Such a picturesque basilica.

Margaret L.

Yelp
Denied access I have shorts on that are above my knees, well past my arms and hands straight down. I was denied entrance because I was not "covered enough". Then the man at the security entrance proceeded to let in an Asian girl with spandex shorts that barely cover her behind. Then 2 plump 20 year olds were admitted, one in shorts 1/4 the length of mine, the other in a short skirt with her cellulite rear end hanging out. The sign in front stated to dress respectfully, no swimsuits. It has a drawing of shorts and Tshirt, exactly what I have on. Why was I denied entrance after standing in a long line? Why wasn't anyone else held to the same standards? When we asked the same man, he miraculously and suddenly did not speak any English, despite asking me if I had anything to cover up in minutes before.
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Gabrielle B.

Yelp
Giant garden with many stairs up to the church. I recommend taking the funicular up to save some stairs, especially if you're going to go to the Basilique's dome. 300 stairs from bottom to top to reach the dome. Definitely one of the best panoramic views of the city. Only 7€! The stairs go quickly and you don't realize that you're at the top. Some tight passages, so be aware that you can't just pass people on the stairs, and if you want to go up, that's it, no turning back. Lots of street peddlers around the area so be wary of your belongings. Easy access to the Montmartre tourist train (cute, I recommend that too). You can visit inside the Church for free, it is very large and beautiful. Lots of interesting stone and metallic statues. You can light a candle and pray for saints/ loved ones. You can sit and pray in the pews as well. No pictures inside the Church, but is say that 75% of guests were breaking that rule. Visiting the Sacre Coure is a must-do for tourists, and I strongly recommend visiting the dome if your body can handle it.
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Charlie K.

Yelp
The Sacre-Coeur (Sacred Heart) basilica is located a bit north of the city center, and easily accessible by Metro or bus. This is a must-see if you're in Paris, as there are many things going on in the neighborhood on the ascent up. Don't forget to bring your own lock if you and your significant other want to leave your mark on the wall of love locks. There is also a tram that takes you to the summit if you do not have the capacity to walk up the steps; the viewpoints from the top are spectacular where many people are taking in the views. Best, Charlie
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Denise W.

Yelp
This is definitely one of the hot spots to visits when in Paris. We came to the Basilique du Sacre-Coeur de Montmartre. It is a beautiful architectural building on the mountain. To travel there was not easy. We needed to hike up many stairs after getting off the metro. It was definitely worth it. The view at the Basilique du Sacre-Coeur was spectacular. It oversee the entire Paris from the church. The glass pane in the church are very pretty. There are lots of history at this church. Yes this is a tourist attraction spots for many. The church was completed in the 1900 but the construction started in the late 1800.
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Rabia J.

Yelp
Sacré-Cœur Basilica is a must while visiting Paris. I wanted to update this review from my few years ago review. This past trip I went to Paris, I wanted to make sure I went to this basilica again. The biggest tip is to take the funicular. This funicular takes you from the bottom of the hill and up to the basilica in Montmartre. (In less than 2 minutes). Last visit I walked the gazillion steps. Yes, it's fun to walk those steps but you save so much time using the funicular. If you really want to walk the steps, I suggest you walk the steps inside to the dome. The views are most gorgeous from this part of the city. You see Paris at the height of its beauty from this point. The Sacred Heart basilica is beautiful inside as well, take a look. Aside from the views, I really liked the two statues of Joan of Arc and King Saint Louis. Side Note: A few streets away are cute cafes and artwork sold by locals.
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Claudia P.

Yelp
As a Catholic I've seen many grandeur churches, some more amazing than others, this one is pretty good. I have visited many around Mexico and they are so amazing, huge, one of my favorite ones is Catedral Metropolitana of Guadalajara Mexico, it is a sight to see, La Basilica de Guadalupe in Mexico City is nice too, anyways, if you are a Catholic you know that this cathedral is a nice small one, to the many majestic ones we've seen in our lifetime around the world. To get here you can pay to get up the hill by tram or you can walk-up like I did, it was tiring but fun. At the end, you feel accomplished. Outside the cathedral you see vendors and the day I went there was a small line that went pretty fast to go inside for free of course. You can either pray, go to confession, or just stroll around to see the symbolisms, adornments, sculptures and art that is typical to the catholic churches, how else would you conquer the masses? It is a beautiful architectural building with a beautiful view of Paris, you can even see the Eifel Tower from here, just go by the dog park which is right in front, almost next to it. After you take some pictures by the stairs or/and in front of the cathedral you can go right to the back and walk Montmartre, the streets of Saint Denis whose statue you will find by Dalida's house passing Picasso's first studio. It is an artsy and cute town.
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Saira K.

Yelp
Sacré-Coeur is in the 18th arrondissement on top of the butte of Montmartre. It's the symbol of Montmartre, maybe the best attraction in Montmartre, depending on your opinion. It's a Roman Catholic basilica, designed by Abadie. It took almost 40 decades to build, and was opened after World War I. The architecture is Romanesque-Byzantine and it's made of really pretty white travertine stone. You can climb over 200 steps from Square Louis Michel. Don't miss the funicular! Probably the best part of your visit is the view of Paris, since you're at the highest point of the city. Don't miss the back, and don't miss the inside where you'll find the biggest mosaic in France. Also, don't miss the gable in the front with Joan of Arc on a horse. It's really amazing that the cost was entirely covered by private citizens! The basilica is open daily from 6 to 10:30. Take a lot of time to visit! The gardens are so pretty!