The Sacré-Cœur Basilica (Basilique du Sacré-Cœur de Montmartre) is one of Paris’s most unforgettable viewpoints and one of the city’s most recognizable landmarks. Perched on the Butte Montmartre, it’s both a working church and a major visitor spot—meaning you can experience real Parisian life here: pilgrims praying quietly inside, locals picnicking on the steps, and travelers chasing that “Paris from above” panorama.
This guide is built to be practical: how to get there, opening hours, tickets/prices, and the mistakes that ruin the visit (so you don’t make them).
Why the Sacré-Cœur Basilica is worth your time ✅
Even if you’re not a “church person,” the Sacré-Cœur Basilica delivers three big wins:
- 📍 A top city view from the steps and the forecourt (free).
- 🕯️ A unique interior atmosphere (quiet, prayer-focused, not a “museum vibe”).
- 🗺️ A perfect starting point for Montmartre: cafés, small streets, Place du Tertre, artists, and sunset walks.
Sacré-Cœur Basilica hours and rules (what to know before you go) ⏱️⚠️
Basilica opening hours
The basilica is open every day of the year and is generally open 6:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.
Respectful-visit rules (this matters here)
Sacré-Cœur is first a place of worship. Inside, expect a quiet environment:
- 🤫 Keep your voice low / silence is expected
- 👕 Dress appropriately
- 📵 Photos are not allowed in the nave (the main worship area)
Accessibility (important detail)
There is elevator access for visitors with reduced mobility via the back entrance (35, rue du Chevalier de la Barre), with stated hours 8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Tickets and prices (what’s free, what’s paid) 💳
Basilica entry: FREE
Admission to the basilica is free for everyone.
The Dome Tour (the paid “wow” upgrade) 🏙️
If you want the biggest panoramic payoff, do the dome. Official details:
- Adults (16+): €8
- Children (up to 15): €5
- Groups (20+): €6
Dome hours: Officially listed as 10:15 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., with last admission at 5:00 p.m. (hours can vary by season and weather; check the day before).
Stairs reality check (don’t underestimate):
- 280 steps via a narrow staircase
- No elevator access
Not recommended for anyone with mobility issues or people who dislike tight stairwells.
Where to enter for the dome: The entrance is outside, after the security check; the ticket office is nearby (official directions are posted on-site).
Also: no restrooms on the dome tour route.
How to get to Sacré-Cœur Basilica 🚇🚌🚶♂️
Best metro options
There are two classic approaches—pick based on your walking preference:
Option A (popular & straightforward): Metro Line 2 → Anvers
- Get off at Anvers and walk toward the hill / funicular area.
This is often the “simplest” tourist approach.
Option B (in the heart of Montmartre): Metro Line 12 → Abbesses
- Abbesses (Line 12) is highlighted by RATP as the closest metro for Montmartre access.
This puts you deeper into Montmartre’s streets—but you’ll still walk uphill.
Use the Montmartre funicular (save your legs) 🚋
The Funiculaire de Montmartre links the bottom of the hill to the top, right by Sacré-Cœur, and is run by RATP.
Ticket tip (2026 update):
The Metro-Train-RER ticket is valid on funicular lines, and costs €2.55 (full fare) from 1 January 2026.
Île-de-France Mobilités notes that using the ticket on the Montmartre funicular is allowed, but without transfers to other modes.
Buses (easy, but slower)
Paris Je t’aime lists buses that serve Montmartre (useful if you’re already nearby and want fewer stairs).
✈️ Airport Connections to Sacré-Cœur Basilica
From CDG (Charles de Gaulle) → Sacré-Cœur Basilica
- RER B from CDG into Paris (key stations include Gare du Nord and Châtelet).
Paris Aéroport lists a €14 single ticket and service from 4:50 a.m. to 11:50 p.m. from CDG 2 station. - From Gare du Nord, take Metro Line 2 to Anvers (then walk/funicular), or route to Line 12 depending on where you end up.
Pro tip: If you arrive with luggage, the Anvers approach + funicular is usually easier than navigating steep Montmartre streets.
From ORY (Orly) → Sacré-Cœur Basilica
Paris Aéroport confirms Metro Line 14 connects Orly to central Paris, with travel time to Châtelet ~26 minutes.
From central Paris, connect to Line 2 (Anvers) or Line 12 (Abbesses).
Suggested visit plan (so it feels smooth, not chaotic) 🗺️✅
60–90 minutes (fast, best “value per time”)
- Arrive (metro + walk or funicular)
- Enjoy the forecourt + steps view
- Go inside the basilica (quiet + quick look)
- Leave via Montmartre streets for a coffee
2–3 hours (the “complete” Sacré-Cœur Basilica visit)
- Everything above
- Add the Dome Tour (if stairs are fine for you)
- Wander Montmartre (Place du Tertre / small lanes)
Tips and common mistakes (read this before you go) ⚠️✅
1) Going at the worst time
Midday can be packed. For a better vibe:
- Early morning = calmer interior
- Late afternoon/evening = beautiful light on the city (especially from the steps)
2) Not planning your “legs strategy” 🦵
If you want to minimize uphill walking:
- Use Metro → Anvers → funicular, then walk down later.
3) Expecting “tourist freedom” inside
Remember: photos aren’t allowed in the nave, and silence is expected.
If you want interior photos, do it outside and around the building instead.
4) Underestimating the dome stairs
280 narrow steps, no elevator—this is not a casual climb.
If you’re unsure, skip it and enjoy the steps view (still excellent).
5) Not checking dome availability
The dome can close due to weather/maintenance—officially you’re advised to check the day before.
FAQ: Sacré-Cœur Basilica
Is Sacré-Cœur Basilica free to enter?
Yes. The basilica itself is free for everyone.
Do I need tickets in advance?
For the dome, tickets are purchased on-site and advance booking is not required per the official dome info.
What are the Sacré-Cœur Basilica opening hours?
The basilica is typically open 6:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. daily.
How much is the Sacré-Cœur dome?
Adults €8, children (up to 15) €5.
Which metro stop is best for Sacré-Cœur?
Anvers (Line 2) is a classic approach for the funicular/steps route, while Abbesses (Line 12) puts you deeper into Montmartre.
Conclusion
The Sacré-Cœur Basilica is one of those Paris sights that works for almost every traveler: it’s free to enter, easy to reach by metro, and delivers a skyline view that feels genuinely “Paris.” If you want the full experience, add the dome—just be honest with yourself about the stairs. Either way, plan your arrival (Anvers vs Abbesses), use the funicular if you want to save your legs, and remember you’re visiting an active place of worship—quiet and respect go a long way here.
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