Basilique du Sacré-Coeur

The Basics

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.

Things to Know Before You Go

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.

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When to Get There

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.

A Walking Tour of Montmartre

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.

Recent reviews from experiences in Paris

Worth every second

Grace_S, Sep 2021

Montmartre & Sacre Coeur Interior Guided Walking Tour - Private Tour

It was wonderful! I cannot speak for my friend, but I enjoyed every minute. Ivana, our tour guide, was at the meeting place early. She is very knowledgeable & answered all the questions asked.

Friendly private tour

Katharina_S, Sep 2021

Guided Tour of Sacré-Coeur and Montmartre

We had a special private tour. So we had the full attention of the tour guide. He was very friendly and showed us secret places where it's best to eat and what we can expect at which place.

One of the best tours I’ve experienced!

Ginger_W, Sep 2021

Montmartre and Moulin Rouge and Sacré Coeur Walking Tour

Our guide was wonderful and very knowledgeable! My husband and I signed up for the small group and it ended up just being the 2 of us so we essentially had a private tour! We learned so much about the artists and monuments and she was so helpful providing info regarding transportation and restaurant recommendations.

Fun and interesting

Pilar_M, Aug 2021

The history and the color of her stories She added her own perspective as well based on her deep knowledge and education

Great Experience

Kyle_T, Jul 2021

Montmartre and Sacre Coeur Walking Tour in Paris

Our guide was very knowledgeable and gave great history and information about Montmartre. Be prepared to walk a lot and up steep hills.

Great walking tour

Andrea_F, Jan 2020

Montmartre Walking Tour to the Sacre Coeur & Skip-the-Line to Musée d'Orsay

Francois was awesome!! He was very knowledgeable about the area. He also provided great tips on places to visit. Very enjoyable tour!

Fabulous tour and unparalleled tour guide! HIGHLY reccommend!

kimandtim09, Jan 2020

We absolutely LOVED this tour of Montmartre! Our extraordinary tour guide - Marie - is an art history major who provided wonderful stories and tidbits about artists personalities to accompany the landscape and landmarks. Kim is returning to Paris with her mother and sister and will be doing this tour with Marie again!

Montmartre & Sacre Coeure evening

Christine_T, Dec 2019

Montmartre & Sacre Coeur Interior Guided Walking Tour - Semi-Private 8ppl Max

This tour was a winner! Educational, historical, with beautiful back street sites you’d likely not find on your own. Our guide was passionate, humorous and very kind. Highly recommend!

Excellent and well informed guide

SinenciaAdona_M, Dec 2019

Our guide was efficient. She came on time,she had her research and supported her presentations with her laptop research. She was funny and witty and take good photos as well. Our tour was exclusive to our family of 4 . It was so personalised.

Knowledge

Olga_L, Nov 2019

It was a wonderful tour. A little too much walking for me, I’m 72. The tour guide did a great job. Learned slot of history.

Excellent!

Lisa_O, Aug 2021

Marcel was a wonderful guide! Gave us wonderful insights into the beautiful neighborhood of Monmatre….. thoroughly enjoyed! Cannot recommend Marcel or the tour enough!!

Fabulous

Bernadette_O, Oct 2019

Montmartre & Sacré Coeur Private Historical 2-Hour Walking Tour in Paris

Our "Italian" guide was fabulous He was most charming! Although the tour was somewhat strenous for our group of 11 seniors, we all thoroughly enjoyed it. His knowledge and stories of the area were wonderful and entertaining. Would highly recommend.