This Roman Catholic church is located at the summit of butte Montmartre. You should visit here for the stunning views of the city as well as to visit the Sacré Coeur, as it is the second highest point in the city.
Based in the 18th district, it is not the easiest monument to get to, though it is well worth the effort.
Metro:
Line 2 Anvers (closest and best approach)
Lines 2, 4, Barbès Rochechouart
Based in the 18th district, it is not the easiest monument to get to, though it is well worth the effort.
Metro:
Line 2 Anvers (closest and best approach)
Lines 2, 4, Barbès Rochechouart
Sacré Cœur - Butte Montmartre
The foundation stone for the Sacré Coeur was laid in 1875, with completion around 1914! The original architect, Paul Abadie, died before the completion of the project so the work was continued by a number of other architects until completion.
We think the best way to appreciate the Sacré Coeur is to approach it from the Metro Anvers, walking up rue de Steinkerque. You should then walk lazily up the winding path, through the gardens leading up to the Sacré Coeur.
We have taken some 360 panoramic photos of the Sacré Coeur on our way up to visit him. There are benches to rest along the way if you have difficulty. Alternatively, there are stairs that go direct for those of you with strong legs and there is a small train that will take you to the top for the price of a standard metro ticket (free if you have a metro day pass etc) called Le Funiculaire de Montmartre, running from the bottom to the top. You may find you will have to queue to use it though.
We have taken some 360 panoramic photos of the Sacré Coeur on our way up to visit him. There are benches to rest along the way if you have difficulty. Alternatively, there are stairs that go direct for those of you with strong legs and there is a small train that will take you to the top for the price of a standard metro ticket (free if you have a metro day pass etc) called Le Funiculaire de Montmartre, running from the bottom to the top. You may find you will have to queue to use it though.
As we stated earlier, the view from the top of Montmartre is great. Well worth the visit. It is also worth visiting the surrounding area of the Sacré Coeur. Check back soon for our page on the surrounding area of the Sacré Coeur.
Being such an iconic church in Paris, the area around it has featured in many films. One of the most famous films recently was Le Fabuleux Destin d'Amélie Poulain (Amélie) starring Audrey Tautou.
Whilst the outside area of the Sacré Coeur seems to be more relaxed and nicer to sit for a picnic than Notre Dame, the church itself is a lot more formal inside, with strict rules regarding photography, pets, wearing hats etc. It is much quieter than the extremely touristic Notre Dame and certainly a place you can go to worship in relative peace. You should still expect a lot of tourists though.
Whilst the outside area of the Sacré Coeur seems to be more relaxed and nicer to sit for a picnic than Notre Dame, the church itself is a lot more formal inside, with strict rules regarding photography, pets, wearing hats etc. It is much quieter than the extremely touristic Notre Dame and certainly a place you can go to worship in relative peace. You should still expect a lot of tourists though.
The interior of the Sacré Coeur is stunningly beautiful, perhaps more beautiful than the interior of Notre Dame, especially when you see the dome (below).
Though people worship in the Sacré Coeur and Notre Dame, it seems quieter and more respectful in the Sacré Coeur.
Though people worship in the Sacré Coeur and Notre Dame, it seems quieter and more respectful in the Sacré Coeur.
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