The view from the front steps
Even without the dome, the basilica's front steps are a free balcony over all Paris — loveliest at sunset.
Tonchino — CC BY-SA 3.0 · Giò Terra (Terragio67) — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Renée Kools — CC BY 4.0 · Renée Kools — CC BY 4.0
From almost anywhere in Paris, look north and you'll see its white domes glowing above Montmartre: the Sacré-Cœur, the "Sacred Heart", the highest viewpoint over the city after the Eiffel Tower. Built between 1875 and 1914 from travertine stone that whitens with every rainfall, it stays as bright as if finished yesterday. Entry to the basilica is free, and inside, one of the largest mosaics in the world spreads its gold across the apse ceiling. For the higher view still, 300 spiral steps climb to the dome, where all of Paris unrolls without a single barrier. But the Sacré-Cœur is only half the story; the other half is Montmartre itself: the artists' quarter of cobbled lanes, Place du Tertre where painters have sketched passers-by for a century, and the famous steps that a thousand films have climbed. Give the hill a full half-day — you won't regret it.
Even without the dome, the basilica's front steps are a free balcony over all Paris — loveliest at sunset.
Above the altar glitters one of the world's largest mosaics — 480 square metres of gold and coloured glass.
300 spiral steps end at a circular gallery more than 200 metres above the river level — the widest open horizon in Paris.
Descend from the basilica through Place du Tertre, the artists' lanes and Paris's last vineyard — the city's loveliest neighbourhood walk.
Top of Montmartre hill, 75018 Paris
place du TertreSteps behind Sacré-Cœur beats the old village square of Montmartre: the Place du2 minutes walk4.6
square Louise-MichelThe green carpet unrolled at Sacré-Cœur's feet: Square Louise Michel — named for2 minutes walk4.4
Musée de Montmartre and the Renoir GardensThe oldest house in Montmartre, and one of the calmest places in a quarter that 3 minutes walk4.5
Dalí Paris, MontmartreA private museum in Montmartre devoted to Salvador Dalí, steps from Place du Ter3 minutes walk4.4
Moulin RougeThe red windmill on the Boulevard de Clichy at the foot of Montmartre, and the m10 minutes walk4.3Looking for halal food near Sacré-Cœur? There are several options nearby, from Moroccan and Indian kitchens to quick casual spots and places with a view. Confirm the halal status and opening hours before you go — these can change.
Yes — entry is free for everyone throughout opening hours, as it is an active place of worship. Only the optional dome climb is charged.
From Anvers metro (line 2), walk two minutes to the funicular, which climbs to the basilica gate for a standard metro ticket. The steps are lovely going down, not up.
Before 9 am for real quiet, or an hour before sunset to catch both the daytime view and the city lights — expect bigger crowds with the second option.
Generally yes, but the base of the hill (Pigalle and around Anvers station) has pushy vendors and the famous string-bracelet hustle on the steps — decline politely and keep walking.