In a nutshell
- The Basilica of Sacré-Cœur is one of the most visited attractions in Paris, sitting right at the top of Montmartre Hill in the charming Montmartre neighborhood.
- Entry to the church is completely free — and the view of Paris from the hill is seriously breathtaking.
- Want more? You can also climb the dome or explore the crypt — tickets are available on-site, no advance booking needed. We especially love the dome: it’s the most affordable panorama in Paris!
- Don’t leave without taking a stroll through Montmartre — the neighborhood around Sacré-Cœur is absolutely worth your time.
What Do You Need to Know About the Basilica of Sacré-Cœur?
- Sacré-Cœur is a Roman Catholic pilgrimage church built between 1875 and 1914.
- It attracts more visitors annually than the Eiffel Tower.
- The Montmartre hill on which the church stands is 430 feet high — and there’s even a cable car to take you up.
- From the hill you get a stunning view of Paris. It’s something you simply have to experience!
- You can easily combine a visit to the hill and the basilica with a stroll through the artists’ neighborhood of Montmartre.
What Can You See at Sacré-Cœur?
Sacré-Cœur has a ton to offer. Here are some of the highlights outside and inside:
What can you see outside?
- Ornate façade made of Château-Landon stone
- 16-foot equestrian statues of France’s patron saints
- Viewing platform overlooking Paris
What can you see inside?
- Ceiling mosaic above the altar — depicting Jesus Christ with a golden heart, and at 5,100 square feet one of the largest ceiling mosaics in the world
- Many works of art
- Bell tower with the famous bell “Savoyarde”
- Church organ by Aristide Cavaillé-Coll
- Crypt with relics and cardinals’ tombs — ticket required
- Dome with panoramic views — ticket required
Sacré-Cœur Tickets & Admission
How much does admission to Sacré-Cœur cost?
Admission to the interior of Sacré-Cœur is free. You can visit the basilica even on the tightest travel budget.
You only need to pay if you also want to visit the dome or the crypt.
Admission to the dome with its panoramic view of Paris costs €8 for adults and €6 for children.
Admission to the crypt costs €4 for adults and €3 for children.
Where is the best place to buy your Sacré-Cœur tickets?
You can buy tickets for the dome and crypt on-site at the ticket counter on the left side of the church.
You don’t need to book anything in advance — there’s no online sales option anyway.
What ticket options are available at Sacré-Cœur Paris?
On-site, there are two tickets available:
- Dome ticket: Gives you access to the large dome with a 360-degree panoramic view. Our personal recommendation!
- Crypt ticket: Gives you access to the underground crypt with cardinals’ tombs and relics
Both are optional add-ons — you don’t need either one to visit the church itself.
Online, this alternative is also available:
- Montmartre and Sacré-Cœur walking tour: On this tour with a knowledgeable local guide, you’ll explore not just Sacré-Cœur but also the charming Parisian neighborhood of Montmartre surrounding it.
Sacré-Cœur Ticket: Our Recommendation
The freely accessible part of the Basilica of Sacré-Cœur is already gorgeous. But honestly, don’t skip the Sacré-Cœur dome.
Here’s the thing: very few visitors even know the dome can be visited. That means the crowd at the side entrance is minimal — you can usually head straight up after buying your ticket.
A spiral staircase with 300 steps takes you up to the dome at a height of 180 feet, sitting on top of the hill’s already impressive 430 feet.
From up there, you get a breathtaking 360° view of Paris — seriously one of the most beautiful vantage points in the entire city.
And at just €8, the dome of Sacré-Cœur is the most affordable panorama in Paris. Admission to the Eiffel Tower and the Arc de Triomphe both cost more.
Visiting Sacré-Cœur & Opening Hours
Opening hours of Sacré-Cœur Paris
Basilica: Daily 6:30 AM to 10:30 PM
Dome & Crypt: May through September 8:30 AM to 8:00 PM & October through April 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
How do you get to Sacré-Cœur Paris?
The easiest way to reach Sacré-Cœur is by Metro. The stops Anvers and Abbesses are both at the base of Montmartre hill — from there, you climb the stairs up to the basilica.
Alternatively, you can ride the Funiculaire de Montmartre cable car up the hill. The fare is included in day passes for the Paris Metro, or you can buy a ticket at the on-site machine for just under €2.
How long is the wait time at Sacré-Cœur?
Sacré-Cœur is one of the few Paris attractions with little to no wait time.
Most of the time you can walk right in. Any wait is usually just due to the bag check at the entrance — and even that is no more than ten minutes.
Basilica of Sacré-Cœur Viewing Platform
You can get a taste of the panorama from the platform in front of the basilica as well.
Standing on the Montmartre hill, you look out directly over the Paris city center. It’s especially beautiful at sunrise and sunset — or if you want to see Paris at night.
To spot the Eiffel Tower, though, you’ll need to walk around the corner a bit.
One heads-up: the square in front of the church is always extremely crowded. Everyone wants to soak in that view at least once. But you can truly enjoy it even more from the dome above.
Because the square in front of Sacré-Cœur is often packed, pickpockets are very active here. Keep a close eye on your valuables!
Sacré-Cœur Neighborhood: Montmartre
The neighborhood around the Basilica of Sacré-Cœur is called Montmartre — known as both an artists’ quarter and a lively nightlife district.
So while you’re visiting Sacré-Cœur, it’s super easy to combine it with a wander through Montmartre.
Our tip: After visiting the church, make a detour to Place du Tertre. You’ll find charming little cafés, street musicians, and artists painting on the spot. It’s totally authentic and really lovely.
3 Great Hotels Near Sacré-Cœur
Want to stay near Sacré-Cœur? Here are three great hotel picks for you:
Looking for more places to stay in Paris? Check this out:
Frequently Asked Questions About Sacré-Cœur Paris
Is the Sacré-Cœur accessible?
Yes. The Basilique du Sacré-Cœur is wheelchair accessible.
You can take the accessible cable car Funiculaire de Montmartre up and down the hill.
There is also a wheelchair entrance at the rear of the basilica.
What makes Sacré-Cœur special?
Besides its dramatic hilltop location in Montmartre, what really sets Sacré-Cœur apart is its façade.
It’s built from Château-Landon stone — and this stone is responsible for the basilica’s brilliant white color, which makes it visible from up to 25 miles away on a clear day.
Here’s the kicker: the façade actually gets brighter the longer it’s exposed to the elements. Pretty wild!
Can you see the Eiffel Tower from Sacré-Cœur?
Yes! You can see the Eiffel Tower from the Montmartre hill where the church stands.
For an even better view of Paris and the Eiffel Tower, grab a ticket on-site for the Sacré-Cœur dome and climb an additional 55 meters higher up.
How much time should you plan for Sacré-Cœur?
Plan about two hours for your visit to Sacré-Cœur.
That gives you enough time to walk up the hill, tour the basilica, take in the view, and possibly head up to the dome or down to the crypt — then make your way back down or take the funicular.
The full experience, basically.
Afterward, we also recommend a stroll through the Montmartre neighborhood.
When do services take place at Sacré-Cœur?
Services at Sacré-Cœur take place Monday through Friday at 7:00 AM, 11:15 AM, 3:00 PM (Fridays only), 6:30 PM, and 10:00 PM.
Did the Sacré-Cœur ever burn down?
No. The Basilica of Sacré-Cœur has never burned down. You may be thinking of Notre-Dame de Paris Cathedral, which was severely damaged by fire in 2019.
The good news: Notre-Dame has been restored and has been open to visitors again since December 2024.
