There are several options for exploring the grand basilica. See it as part of a Paris city tour or on a walking tour of the atmospheric Montmartre neighborhood. You can also book a guided tour of the lavish interiors to see highlights such as the apse mosaic, the grand organ, and the crypt. Visitors can also climb the 234-step spiral staircase to the top of the dome for panoramic views of the entire city, including the Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame Cathedral.
Access to the basilica is free, but you’ll have to pay an admission fee to visit the Dome.
There are no official guided tours of the basilica as it is a place of silent prayer.
There is a step-free entrance at the back of the basilica, and the church is wheelchair accessible except for the dome and the crypt.
The Basilique du Sacré-Coeur is located on Rue du Chevalier de la Barre in the Montmartre district of Paris. To get there by metro, take line 2 to Anvers station, then walk up Montmartre hill or ride the funicular.
The basilica is open daily all year round, but it can get crowded in peak season, so opt for an early morning visit to avoid the crowds. For budding photographers wanting to capture the views, the most flattering light happens just before sunset, although note that it can be busy at this time.
The Basilique du Sacré-Coeur is one of the most memorable sights of Montmartre, but the bohemian ‘village’ has plenty of other attractions. A walking tour means you can explore like a local, stopping by famous landmarks such as the Moulin Rouge and the Artists’ Square; follow in the footsteps of artists like van Gogh, Monet, and Picasso; and explore the many shops, galleries, restaurants, and cafés.
