General Information

Located near the Square Louise Michel on the highest point of the city, the basilica is one of the most popular tourist attractions.

History: Highlights

The church was designed by Paul Abadie who won a competition over 77 other architects. The edifice was built using travertine stone. Construction cost about 7 million French francs and was founded entirely from private donations.

Additional Information

It is 85 metres wide and 35 metres long. The highest point, which is the north tower, reaches 83 metres.

Location

Montmartre hill is 129 metres high and gives the name to the surrounding district – the 18th arrondissement of Paris.

Location explained

In the front of the church there is the Square Louise Michel. It is situated 200 metres from Anvers metro station that is supported by M2 line. (…) They are located in different parts of the district but the distance between each one of them and the church is always about one kilometre.

History: Explained

The church was conceived by two industrialist during Franco-Prussian War. They decided that they would build a basilica dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus if Paris was not damaged during the war. The city emerged unharmed so the idea was implemented. The basilica was only consecrated 5 years after being finished because of World War I.

Paris Seen From Sacré-Coeur

The view is amazing: the sober temple is surrounded by a cemetery seeming a collection of art rather than a sad place, commemorating the dead. The Neo-classical cathedral sharply contrasts with the Gothic style of the medieval churches. From here, Paris is reduced to a panorama of the world in a post card, swarming of life. It is a Lego game in which a naughty child has put some odd pieces.