Car service from Charles de Gaulle airport to Montmartre Sacred Heart Basilica

History and visit Sacred Heart Basilica in Paris

The Sacred Heart Church, or Basilique du Sacré-Cœur, stands atop Montmartre Hill and is one of the most iconic landmarks in Paris. Constructed between 1875 and 1914, the basilica was built as a symbol of hope and reconciliation following France’s defeat in the Franco-Prussian War. Designed in Romano-Byzantine style by architect Paul Abadie, it features a striking white façade made of travertine stone, which maintains its brightness even after years of weathering.

Inside, visitors are greeted by an immense mosaic titled “Christ in Glory,” one of the largest in the world. The serene interior invites reflection, while the panoramic view from the basilica’s dome offers a breathtaking 360-degree perspective of the city below. The church is not only a place of worship but also a key historical monument representing France’s religious and political journey.

Montmartre itself adds to the spiritual and cultural allure of the Sacred Heart. Once the haunt of artists like Picasso and Toulouse-Lautrec, this vibrant district still echoes with creativity. A walk through its cobbled streets brings you past quaint cafés, galleries, and the legendary Place du Tertre, where painters continue to display their works.

To access Montmartre and the basilica from the airport or a train station, many travelers choose a reliable transfer service in Paris, offering comfort and efficiency, especially after a long journey. This ensures a seamless start to discovering one of the city’s most emblematic and inspiring sites.

The Sacred Heart church and its surroundings

The French capital is full of magnificent sites spread over its 20 districts. Some attract hundreds of millions of visitors each year, others do not welcome so many tourists but also have their fame. Among these are Montmartre : an artistic and historical place not to miss.

Sacred Heart

The most visited monument of this district is Sacred Heart. The basilica built on the hill Montmartre was completed in 1914. Its Dome rising from its 80 m and bell tower of 100 m dominate the neighborhood of poets and artists of this small Parisian village. Besides the panoramic view that the Dome offers, the interior of the basilica also contains interesting elements such as the splendid mosaic of the Byzantine style, the vaulted Crypt, etc.

The Place du Tertre

After this visit to this historic site, take a walk to the Place du Tertre where works by the portrait painters of the capital are exhibited. A few steps away, discover also the remains of the church of Saint-Pierre-de Montmartre. All art aficionados know the works of Salvadore Dali. The museum dedicated to this Catalan painter with surprising talent is located about thirty meters from the Place du Tertre. The museum houses an important collection of paintings, lithographs, silkscreens … Still around the Place du Tertre, another museum that offers a trip back in time is also worth visiting : the museum of Montmartre where the story is exposed from this neighborhood until today.

Some essentials

At the bottom of the hill, discover also the museum of erotism near the white metro station. Note that the visit of all these museums is not free. Other places like the Clos de Montmartre and the mills of La Galette are also worth a visit. Even if the wine production of this district is derisory, its harvest festival attracts many visitors every month of October. We also recommend a trip to the Montmartre cemetery where many celebrities such as :

• Dalida,
• Stendhal,
• Zola,
• Michel Berger … rest.

For information, the tomb of the singer presents an impressive sculpture in real size. Finally, during your visit to this borough, do not forget to bring some souvenirs. There you will find many fabric stores as well as St. Peter’s Market.