How to Visit Sacré-Cœur Basilica – Paris, France
About the Sacre-Cœur Basilica
On September 4, 1870, which was the first day of the French Third Republic, a bishop explained his reasoning for building Sacré-Cœur. The bishop felt that the French had been in moral decline for over a century and that it was necessary to build a new church. Construction on Sacré-Cœur would begin in 1875, and the basilica was completed in 1914. The church would be officially dedicated to the 58,000 French soldiers who lost their lives in World War I.
The official name of Paris’ Sacré-Cœur is the Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Sitting atop a large hill, visitors to the church can see a grand view of suburban Paris. Despite being one of the newer of the famous churches in Europe, I thought Sacré-Cœur was spectacular.
Visitors coming to Sacré-Cœur can climb the stairs to the top of the dome for an even more stunning view. During my visit to Sacré-Cœur, there was a worship service inside, and the dome was closed. Although I did not get to see the view from the dome, I did get to hear the pipe organ.
To get to Sacré-Cœur, I took the Metro 12 Line to Abbesses station. From there, I had the choice of walking up the hill or taking the Funiculaire. I chose to take the Funiculaire, which at the time cost one metro ticket.
Sacre-Cœur Basilica - Table of Contents
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Inside the Sacre-Cœur Basilica
During my visit, there was a service going on. The usher assured me that taking pictures was acceptable, so I took as many as I could. Without disturbing the worshippers I tried to capture pictures to show what the inside of the Basilica looked like. My favorite part of church was the giant painting of Jesus directly over the altar. As I was leaving, the organists started playing a hymn right as I walked under the organ to take a picture. Hearing the organ play was definitely the highlight of my time at Sacré-Cœur.
The Hill Surrounding Sacre-Cœur Basilica
I felt a magical feeling standing on the hill near Sacré-Cœur. The surrounding area just felt so French. It was like being in a French movie. Despite being less than 100 years old, Sacré-Cœur was one of my favorite destinations in Paris and the one I still remember the best.
When I took these pictures, I had not purchased my camera. They were taken on my iPhone without a tripod. I need to go back to Paris so I can revisit the basilica and take better photos.
Tours that Stop at Sacre-Cœur
I did not take a tour of Sacre Cœur. If you prefer to take a tour of the church, instead of visiting on your own, I have included links to four tours below. Please note that I am an affiliate of Viator. If you book using my link, I will receive a small commission. This commission will be at no additional cost to you.
Prices are accurate as of June 2023.
 Private Walking Tour: Skip-the-Line Musée d'Orsay, Montmartre and Sacre-Coeur - $269.92 Follow in the footsteps of the Impressionists on this private tour of Montmartre and the Musée d’Orsay. See the places that inspired Impressionist painters such as Van Gogh and Monet as you wander Paris' charming bohemian neighborhood of Montmartre, stopping at Moulin Rouge, Le Clos vineyard and Basilique du Sacré Coeur for sweeping city views. Then enjoy skip-the-line entry to the Musée d'Orsay for a guided tour of the museum’s fantastic collection of 19th-century art. |
 Semi-Private Tour: Montmartre, Sacre-Coeur and Musee d’Orsay Guided Tour - $269.92 Follow in the footsteps of Picasso, Monet, Renoir, Cézanne and other famous Impressionist painters on this small-group Paris tour combining an Impressionist walk through Montmartre, and a skip-the-line tour of the Musée d'Orsay. See the historic sights, cabarets and artist studios of Montmartre, including Moulin Rouge and Basilique du Sacré-Coeur, then skip the line at the Musée d’Orsay for a guided tour of Paris' largest collection of Impressionist works. |
 Paris Montmartre District and Sacre Coeur Private Walking Tour - 112.89 Take a stroll through the picturesque district of Montmartre, home to cabarets, windmills, and sweeping views of Paris. This 2.5 hour private walking tour will explore the people and places that marked the Belle Epoque period, when the City of Light sparkled more than ever. Your tour will pair you with one of our guides who share their favorite stories and personalities that define the Montmartre neighborhood. |
 Legal Prague Segway Tour around Sacre Coeur - $57.20 Get acquainted with the city with a Segway intro tour! It will takes you to up the Petrin hill to the nice views. Swap your 2 feet for 2 wheels and see more of Prague than you ever imagined. |
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