My Grandad, or Pop as I affectionately called him, was a great storyteller, and some of his best stories were about his travels. One of his favourites was his visit to the Sacré-Cœur Basilica in Paris, and while climbing its dome, finding a dog living up there!
So when I found myself in Paris on a trip, one of places on my list was the basilica.
LOCATION
Sitting atop Paris’ highest point in the 18e arrondissement Montmartre, Sacré-Cœur offers its visitors sublime views over the entire city.
I set off one gorgeous morning in my Pop’s footsteps for Montmartre, which has been a haven for artists, like Picasso and Renoir. As you walk in its winding cobblestoned streets you can still feel its bohemian spirit. There’s lots of really great eateries to stop in and grab a baguette to keep you fuelled, like I did.
A wonderful place to eat the baguette, catch your breath from the hilly climb, and people watch is from in-front of the Sacré-Cœur in Square Louise Michel. There’s also a great carousel there that is good to take photos of.
THE SACRÉ-CŒUR BASILICA
The famous basilica is famous for its stunning white domes and beautiful Romanesque-Byzantine architecture.
Construction of this iconic basilica began in 1875, shortly after the Franco-Prussian War, and it was completed in 1914. The basilica was erected as a symbol of penance and remembrance for the turmoil and division that had shaken France during this period. It was intended to honor the memory of those who had perished and to provide spiritual healing to the nation.
Inside the basilica, there’s exquisite stained glass windows depicting various scenes, and the interior of the dome is beautifully ornate. There are amazing mosaics and detailed designs, but in my opinion the best part of your visit is the dome climb.
DOME CLIMB
Entrance to the dome is outside to the left of the basilica. You’re also able to access the crypt at the same place.
The Sacré-Cœur Basilica is generally open from 6:00 AM to 10:30 PM, and the dome’s last admission is usually 45 minutes before closing time. I went around mid-morning and didn’t come across too many people at that time.
To the best of my knowledge, prices to climb the dome are:
Adults: €6, Students (18-25yrs) €4.50, and Under 18’s are Free.
The steps up are a bit of a workout, and are spirally, steep and narrow in places. Just take it at your own pace, and honestly the view at the top is worth every calorie burned! As you go up, small windows offer different views of Montmartre & Paris, and give you a tantalising preview of what awaits you at the top.
Once you reach the dome’s terrace, you’ll be greeted by one of the most breathtaking views of the city. You’ll have an unobstructed 360-degree view of Paris, including landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, Louvre, and Notre-Dame.
I thoroughly loved my moment on top of the basilica looking over Paris, breathing in the air, and just trying to commit the moment to memory.
Sacré-Cœur captured my heart with all of its beautiful architecture, mosaics, stairs and gargoyles hanging out on ledges! Unfortunately, I didn’t come across any dogs in my climb!
WHILE IN THE AREA
Montmartre even has a secret vineyard called Clos Montmartre, one of the city’s last vineyards, where they make a small amount of local wine every year. In the Square Jehan Rictus, there is the “I Love You Wall” with “I love you” written in over 250 languages. It’s a beautiful symbol of love’s universal language. If you’re hungry, you can have a fantastic meal at Le Refuge, a cozy restaurant in Montmartre. It serves authentic French cuisine and has a warm, intimate ambiance that captures the essence of this artistic neighborhood.
There are private tours that you can go on that explore the Sacré-Cœur and Montmartre neighbourhood, such as this one here.
Bookmark or save this page for your visit to Sacre-Coeur, and let me know how you found it!
Lore & Tempo is where motherhood meets adventure. I’m Ren – storyteller, explorer, and single mum in Wellington, New Zealand. I’ve been lucky enough to wander through 45 countries. 15 of them with my +1, Kaydes, either strapped to my front, on my hip, or running ahead on her own adventures. I created this space to share single parent life, travel tips, and the joy of exploring the world.
