Sacre Coeur - Paris France



The Basilica

 When I took my trip to Paris the very first night we took a trip up to Sacre Coeur, which I have to admit was a nice place, but by the time that we got there we were all so tired that we couldn't enjoy it all that much. We had just spent all night on a plane and walking in the rain. So my very first piece of advice when visiting this landmark is to make sure that you don't go when you are tired or right after you get to Paris if you are flying a long overnight flight.

The first thing that I did when I had some free time was go back to this place on my own so that I could view it on a beautiful day when I wasn't so tired. Therefore the next thing that I would tell any visitor is to make sure that you visit on a nice day. There are many things that you can see but The Basilica is what most people picture in their minds when they think of Sacre Coeur. And while most people will see The Basilica and then leave it's important to know that you can see some wonderful views of the city while at the top of the hill.

View of Paris

Be prepared to walk a good bit, when you are at the top of the hill you will do a lot of walking if you wish to see all the views that this place has to offer. Not only will you walk once you get to the top but you will also walk to get to the top, in fact there are a lot of stairs that you will have to climb to see the Basilica and to see the view of Paris. Make sure that you wear comfortable shoes that you can walk in. I did not get to explore the area as well as I would have liked but I did have a wonderful time walking and just enjoying the view of Paris and the fresh air. I have to admit it was one of my favorite views of the city that I experienced while I was in Paris.

Make sure to plan your trip in advance as there are opening and closing hours that you need to make sure that you know. The last thing that you want to do is get all the way there and then find out that the top of the dome is closed. Another thing that you need to make sure of is that you show respect, while this is a landmark and something that many people visit each year, it's also a place of worship and a place that should be respected.

Hours of operation:
The Basilica is open every day 6am-10:30pm (last entry at about 10:15)
Climb to the top of the Dome 9am-7pm (in the winter 6pm)
The crypt can also be viewed but opening times will vary
The shop is open every day except Mondays from 9:15-5:45

The address is:
BASILIQUE DU SACRE-CŒUR DE MONTMARTRE
ADORATION EUCHARISTIQUE JOUR ET NUIT
35, RUE DU CHEVALIER-DE-LA-BARRE
75018 PARIS