The Sacré-Cœur Basilica sits on the summit of Montmartre, the highest natural point in Paris, and its white domes are visible from much of the city. Entry to the basilica itself is free, the steps in front give one of the widest views over Paris, and the surrounding streets of Montmartre make it easy to turn a short visit into a half day. This guide covers the metro stations to use, what you pay for, when to go and what is worth seeing nearby.
Why visit Sacré-Cœur Basilica
Construction began in 1875 to a design by the architect Paul Abadie, and the church was finished in 1914, though its consecration was delayed until 1919 because of the First World War. The stone came from quarries at Château-Landon, and it whitens as it weathers, which is why the building still looks pale after more than a century of city air.
Inside, the main attraction is the huge apse mosaic of Christ in Majesty, one of the largest mosaics in France. The basilica is still an active place of worship, and prayer has continued day and night here since the late nineteenth century. Visitors are welcome, but expect a quiet atmosphere, staff asking for silence, and restrictions on photography in parts of the interior.
Getting to Sacré-Cœur Basilica by metro: Abbesses or Anvers
Two stations serve the hill, and which one you pick shapes the walk.
- Anvers (Line 2) is the most direct. Walk north up Rue de Steinkerque, a short street lined with souvenir shops, to Square Louise-Michel at the foot of the basilica. From there you either climb the stairs through the gardens or take the Montmartre funicular, which accepts a standard metro ticket.
- Abbesses (Line 12) drops you in the village side of Montmartre. The station is one of the deepest in Paris, so take the lift if it is running rather than the long spiral staircase. At street level you will see one of the few surviving Art Nouveau glass canopy entrances designed by Hector Guimard. From the square, it is an uphill walk of around ten to fifteen minutes through quieter streets to the basilica.
A practical approach is to arrive at Anvers, ride the funicular up, then wander downhill through Montmartre and leave from Abbesses. You can browse other spots near both stations on our Paris metro guide.
Tickets: what is free and what is paid
Entering the basilica costs nothing and does not need a reservation, though there may be a security check and a queue at busy times. The dome and, when open, the crypt have separate paid entry. The dome climb is a few hundred steps up narrow spiral stairs with no lift, so it is not suitable for everyone. The reward is a 360-degree view that, on a clear day, reaches well beyond the city edge.
Prices and opening times for the dome change with the season, so check the official Sacré-Cœur de Montmartre website before you go. Mass times are also listed there, and access for sightseeing can be limited during services.
Best time to visit Sacré-Cœur Basilica
Early morning is the calmest time on the steps and inside the basilica. Late afternoon and sunset are the most popular moments, when the view west across the rooftops lights up, and the steps become crowded with people sitting and watching. Weekends and summer evenings are the busiest.
Allow about 30 to 45 minutes for the basilica and the view, plus another 45 minutes or so if you climb the dome. Combined with a walk around Montmartre, plan on two to four hours.
A few practical notes:
- Dress modestly, as this is a church, and take hats off inside.
- Large bags may be refused, so travel light.
- The area around the steps is known for pickpockets and for people offering string bracelets. A polite "no thank you" and keeping walking works best.
What to see at and around the basilica
Inside
Spend time with the apse mosaic, the side chapels, and the stained glass, which was replaced after windows were damaged in the Second World War. The great bell, known as La Savoyarde, hangs in the campanile and is among the heaviest in France.
Outside
The terrace in front of the main doors and the steps down through the gardens give the classic view of Paris. On the west side, look for the equestrian statues of Joan of Arc and Saint Louis above the entrance porch.
Nearby on the same metro stops
Montmartre rewards slow walking. Within a few minutes of the basilica you will find:
- Place du Tertre, the square where painters set up easels and offer portraits.
- Musée de Montmartre, in one of the oldest houses on the hill, once home to artists including Suzanne Valadon and Maurice Utrillo.
- The Montmartre vineyard (Clos Montmartre) on Rue des Saules, which holds a harvest festival each autumn.
- The Wall of Love (Le Mur des je t'aime) in a small garden on Place des Abbesses, right by Abbesses station, with "I love you" written in hundreds of languages.
- Cafés and bakeries along Rue des Abbesses and Rue Lepic.
For opening details, nearby cafés and what else is within walking distance, see the Sacré-Cœur page on Around the Metro.