Discover the Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Montmartre Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Paris

The Basilica of the Sacred Heart is one of the iconic monuments of Paris, attracting millions of visitors each year. Its unique architecture, fascinating history, and breathtaking view of the capital make it a must-see for anyone looking to explore Paris from a new angle.

And why not take advantage of your visit to this neighborhood for a romantic walk in Montmartre? Between cobbled streets and picturesque cafés, Montmartre is a true living picture of the capital.

History and Architecture of the Basilica of the Sacred Heart

The basilica is in the shape of a Greek cross, adorned with four domes; its central dome, 83 meters high, is topped with a lantern formed by a colonnade. The white stone used comes from the quarries of Château-Landon and Souppes-sur-Loing. The ceiling of the apse, designed by Luc-Olivier Merson, is decorated with the largest mosaic in France covering an area of 473.78 m². It represents the Sacred Heart of Jesus glorified by the Catholic Church and France. One can read the phrase in Latin: "To the most sacred heart of Jesus, fervent, penitent, and grateful France." Inside is the largest bell in France named the Savoyarde, measuring 3 meters in diameter and weighing 18,835 kg.

A Monument Erected After the War

The history of the Basilica of the Sacred Heart is deeply rooted in the tumultuous context of 19th century France. After the defeat in the Franco-Prussian War in 1870 and the bloody events of the Paris Commune in 1871, a national vow was made: to build a church in homage to the victims and to atone for the country's sins.

The project took shape in 1873 under the impetus of the National Assembly, and it was the architect Paul Abadie who was chosen to carry out this colossal work. The style of the basilica, inspired by Romano-Byzantine architecture, contrasts with other religious buildings in Paris, giving it a unique character.

Today, the basilica stands proudly at the top of Montmartre, offering a breathtaking panorama of Paris. It is indeed one of the most visited masterpieces of the capital, alongside many other Parisian monuments.

A Masterpiece of Roman-Byzantine Architecture

One of the most fascinating elements of the Basilica of the Sacred Heart is its construction from Château-Landon stone. This material has an astonishing characteristic: when in contact with water, it whitens instead of darkening, which explains why the basilica retains its immaculate shine over the decades.

Inside, the eye is immediately drawn to the great mosaic of Christ in majesty, one of the largest in Europe, covering nearly 475 m² of the vault. Every detail of the decoration is designed to remind visitors of the message of faith and peace that this iconic place carries.

The basilica is not just a tourist site; it is also a place of perpetual prayer, where since 1885, Eucharistic adoration has never ceased, day or night.

Want an unusual visit to Paris that will allow you to discover the basilica from a different angle? Many experiences allow you to explore Montmartre differently, on foot, by bike, or even by tuktuk.

What to See and Do at the Basilica of the Sacré-Cœur?

Visiting the Basilica of the Sacré-Cœur is much more than just contemplating a historical monument. With its dome offering one of the most beautiful views of Paris, its mystical crypt, and its unique spiritual atmosphere, here are the experiences not to be missed.

Visit the Interior of the Basilica

As soon as you enter, you will be captivated by the great mosaic of Christ in majesty, the largest in France at 475 m². This monumental work represents Jesus with open arms, a symbol of the message of faith and welcome of the place.

📷 Note: Photography is prohibited inside the basilica to preserve its sacred character.

Climb to the Dome: A Stunning View of Paris

For an unforgettable experience, climb the 300 steps leading to the top of the dome. At over 200 meters above the Seine, the panoramic view rivals that of the Eiffel Tower.

🎟 Dome access fee: about €6
🕒 Hours: from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM (closing earlier in winter)

Discover the Crypt and Its Treasures

Less known than the main nave, the crypt is home to statues, relics, and underground chapels, offering a fascinating immersion into the history of the basilica.

Want to explore Montmartre beyond the basilica? Check out our detailed guide on the Montmartre district to discover more hidden treasures of this part of Paris.

💡 Stay tuned… In the next part, we will reveal the upcoming significant events around the Basilica of the Sacré-Cœur, as well as our tips for a perfect visit!

How to Access the Basilica of the Sacred Heart?

Located at the top of the Montmartre hill, the Basilica of the Sacred Heart dominates Paris from its height of 130 meters. While this iconic site is well worth the effort of the ascent, it is essential to know the best options for easy access.

By Public Transport

The simplest way to reach the basilica is to use Parisian public transport:

Metro:

• Line 2 – Station Anvers, then a walk or funicular ride up.
• Line 12 – Station Abbesses, offering a lovely walk through Montmartre.

Bus: Lines 30, 31, 54, and 85, stop Anvers or Jules Joffrin.

Montmartre Funicular:

• Ideal alternative to avoid climbing the 222 steps leading to the basilica.
• Fare: equivalent to a standard metro ticket.

On Foot or by Bike

If you enjoy walking, take the famous Montmartre stairs, which offer a picturesque ascent. For a more leisurely approach, small alleys wind their way to the top, allowing you to discover the bohemian spirit of the neighborhood.

For those who prefer biking, be cautious of the cobbled streets and steep slopes! Montmartre remains a pleasant area to explore by electric bike.

By Car: Is It a Good Idea?

Driving to the Basilica of the Sacred Heart is far from recommended. Montmartre is a very busy area with few parking spaces. If you are driving, prefer the parking lots located below:

• Parking Anvers (41 boulevard de Rochechouart)
• Parking Montmartre (31 rue Clignancourt)

🚶 Tip: For a more immersive experience, prefer the metro + walking option, which will allow you to discover the neighborhood at a leisurely pace.

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Events and News around the Basilica of the Sacred Heart

Montmartre is a vibrant neighborhood, filled with cultural and festive events throughout the year.

If you are planning a visit to the Basilica of the Sacred Heart, why not take the opportunity to attend one of the many festivities that animate this mythical neighborhood?

Recent Events around the Sacred Heart

Among the notable events that have taken place recently, we find:

🎨 Exhibition "Jacques Prévert, dreamer of images" at the Montmartre Museum (until February 2025): an immersion into the world of the iconic poet and screenwriter.

🎤 Reopening of the cabaret "Chez Michou": revived in 2024, this legendary cabaret on Rue des Martyrs has found new life under the influence of a famous comedian.

Upcoming Events around the Sacred Heart

Are you looking for a special occasion to visit Montmartre? Here are some dates to mark in your calendar:

🎶 Montmartre Festival 2025 (from July 2 to 7): a unique blend of concerts, artistic performances, and exhibitions.

🍷 Montmartre Grape Harvest Festival 2025 (from October 8 to 12): a new edition that promises even more delicious and cultural discoveries.

🌱 "Balcony Vegetable Garden" Workshop at the Montmartre Museum (April 13, 2025): an unusual activity to learn how to grow plants in the city.

To go further: Montmartre is full of surprises and is one of the 10 most romantic places in Paris. Why not combine your visit with a stroll through its picturesque streets?

FAQ: All Your Questions About the Basilica of the Sacred Heart

To help you plan your visit, here are the answers to the most frequently asked questions about the Basilica of the Sacred Heart.

Is entry to the Basilica of the Sacred Heart free?

Yes, entry to the basilica is completely free. However, access to the dome and the crypt is paid.

Can you take photos inside?

No, photos and videos are prohibited inside the basilica to preserve the sacred nature of the place.

How many steps are there to reach the dome?

You need to climb 300 steps to reach the top of the dome, but the effort is rewarded with an exceptional panoramic view of Paris.

What are the opening hours of the Basilica of the Sacred Heart?

• Basilica: open every day from 6:00 AM to 10:30 PM.
• Dome: open from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM (reduced hours in winter).

Can you attend a mass?

Yes, masses take place every day. You can check the schedule directly on the official website of the basilica.

How can you avoid the crowd during the visit?

Prefer a visit early in the morning or late in the evening, times when attendance is lower.