The Dome of the Sacré-Coeur Basilica: the view from the Butte Montmartre, practical information

Perched on the Montmartre hilltop, at an altitude of 130 metres, the 83-metre-high dome of the Sacré-Coeur is one of the most beautiful vantage points in Paris. The basilica itself, consecrated in 1919, was built in the wake of the 1870 war and the Commune, against a backdrop of religious and patriotic fervour. Inspired by Romanesque-Byzantine architecture, it is distinguished by its white stones, which retain their brilliance despite the passage of time, thanks to the cullet released by rain.

Although the monument attracts millions of visitors every year, its dome, with its colonnaded lantern, remains a sometimes little-known gem. The dome project, designed by architect Paul Abadie (winner of the 1873 competition), was intended to create a silhouette visible from all over Paris, as a spiritual sign dominating the city. The foundation stone for the Sacré-Coeur was laid in 1875, but construction of the dome itself continued into the 1910s, before the basilica's consecration in 1919.

To get there, you have to climb some 300 steps: an effort rewarded by a 360-degree circular panorama. From here, you can see the whole of the capital for 30 kilometers on a clear day: the Eiffel Tower, the Pantheon, the Montparnasse Tower in the distance, Notre-Dame Cathedral and so many others, lulled by the sound of the wind, which always seeps through the dome.

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Entrance to the dome isoutside the basilica, on the left-hand side, after the security checkpoint, as you descend into the moat. Admission costs 8 euros for adults and 5 euros for children. Visits to the basilica dome are open daily, but may be cancelled depending on weather conditions, with times varying according to the season.

You'll need to be in good health to go up, as there's no elevator, only a narrow staircase with 280 steps, which can be very slippery in wet weather.

Sacré-Cœur de Paris, the must-see basilica atop Montmartre hill
The Basilique du Sacré-Cœur is one of Paris's must-see monuments. But how much do you know about its history and treasures? We'll take you on a tour of this edifice perched atop the Butte Montmartre, and take a look at what's happening there at the moment! [Read more]