Sacre Coeur

Sacre Coeur in Montmartre

The Sacre Coeur is one of the best known Paris monuments. The Sacre Coeur is also the flagship sight of Montmartre, a lovely and hilly Paris district.

The Sacre Coeur is a holy place and a vibrant place of devotion to the Holy Virgin, animated 24 hours a day by the Benedictines du Sacre Coeur de Montmartre.

The animated staircases in front of Sacre Coeur's entrance provide one of the best views of Paris.

Visit Sacre Coeur

Visit Sacre Coeur as part of a walking tour in Montmartre. See our Montmartre walking tour.

If you are in Paris for the first time, we advise you to visit the Sacre Coeur on a Paris guided tour.

It is a good idea to book your hotel in Montmartre. The visit of Sacre Coeur will then be quite easy.

Sacre Coeur history

The Sacre Coeur was the result of a national vow by the Catholic Church in the aftermath of the tragic events of the 1870 Paris uprising (La Commune).

Entirely paid for by private donations, the Sacre Coeur was built between 1875 and 1919, amidst intense controversy with secularists and radicals.

Architect Paul Abadie designed the Sacre Coeur in a Romano Bysantine style. Five architects continued the project after his death in 1885.

Sacre Coeur facts and information

Paris metro: Abbesses station on line 12. Be prepared for a short and nice walk up Montmartre hill.

Locate Sacre Coeur on Paris map.

The Sacre Coeur is opened from 6.45am to 11pm. More information on Sacre Coeur web site.

Sacre Coeur web site and mass times