Sacre Couer on the hill of Monmartre provides the best 360 degree views of the city of Paris,…read moreparticularly if you venture to climb the 300 steps to the top dome (for 7 euros).
Entrance to the basilica is free, and it's opened from 6am until 10:30pm.
It was built with the "self cleaning" Chateau-Lando stone from France, and the rain and weathering keeps it white.
Crowds linger on the steps and around the overlook areas. Vendors try to sell you cheap locks to put on the surrounding fencing (the locks covering the fences-even with signs saying "no locks permitted" are an eyesore and should be removed).
Security line checks are long and in February 2026 we waited about 30 or 40 mins to enter. I can only imagine what chaos it is in the high season.
The basicalla is beautful inside and well worth checking out, although quiet and repect are required as there are masses going on.
For this visit the crypt was not available to enter, which was highly disappointing
There is also a small train trolly like vehicle right outside that will take you on a 30 minute ride around Monmartre for 12 euros. We thought it was a bit cheesey and touristy at first, but it really was worth it!
Sacre couer is majestically beautiful!