Sacré-Cœur Guided Tours

Sacré-Cœur in Paris, France - Pictures and History

It doesn't matter if you come to Paris by train, plane or car, the Basilica of the Sacré Coeur, at the top of the Montmartre's hill, 35 rue du Chevalier de la Barre (close to Anvers station), is the first to be seen. A sacred hill since the time of the Gauls, Montmartre means 'hill of the martyrs', because tradition attaches to this place the martyrdom of Saint-Denis, the first Parisian bishop, who lived at the end of the 3rd century. A great Benedictine abbey occupied the entire hill until it was destroyed during the French Revolution.

Visiting the basilica of the Sacré Coeur, a monument of the 19^th century

In 1873, after France was defeated by Prussia, the construction of a basilica, devoted to the Heart of Jesus, was planned and was considered as a “national vow” in 1871. All dressed in white, shaped like a greek cross and decorated with 4 Roman-Byzantine domes, it nowadays receives over 10 million pilgrims and visitors each year, being second only to the Notre-Dame cathedral in terms of visits in France. The courtyard of the Sacred Heart is often filled, especially during Lent (around February, March or April) when several pilgrimages are organized. The Sacré Coeur also offers a mass every Sunday. You can go to the basilica by getting down the metro at the Anvers station. At the entrance, you will find practical information on both the crypt of the basilica and the lectures on the history and architecture of this national monument.

With its 80 meters of height and mosaic-adorned ceiling, it looks magnificent from close range and from afar alike. The Sacré-Coeur also has a huge square bell tower that protects an 18-ton bell, the biggest of France, whose name is the “Savoyarde bell”. Although for a time, it was described as a meringue by its detractors, the basilica of the Sacred Heart has become one of the favorite monuments of Parisians and tourists. Nonetheless, it continues to be a place of worship: the faithful follow one another continuously, 24 hours a day, to pray continually to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. If you are religious, you can enjoy on-site accommodation and dedicate part of your night to prayer.

A magic view from the Sacre Coeur basilica

From its belvedere, we can enjoy one of the most beautiful sights of the capital, with the emerging Eiffel Tower and the golden Dôme des Invalides. In all seasons, tourists and Parisians flock to the esplanade and the lawns that border them to enjoy the sun and the magnificent view that opens to them. You can reach the Sacré Coeur by taking the funicular. The journey, 1m30 long, offers a unique experience: children (young and old) love it!

At the lap of the hill, we find the famous Place du Tertre, next to the Sacre Coeur basilica ere painters work to earn a living -as Picasso did back in the day, the picturesque 'Abbesses' district and, not to forget, the unmissable Moulin Rouge. Visit the Basilica of the Sacred Heart with Pariscityvision.com in an excursion comprising both Montmartre and the Louvre.