Part of Paris First Visit Essentials
Montmartre & Sacré-Cœur
About This Place
Montmartre is a hilltop village within Paris, known for its cobbled streets, artist studios, and the white-domed Sacré-Cœur basilica at its summit. The climb up the hill is a journey through increasingly charming streets, and the view from the top stretches across the entire city.
Where It Is
Basilique du Sacré-Cœur / Montmartre - Paris, France
Things to Know
- Local etiquette
- Sacré-Cœur is an active church. Photography may be restricted inside. Keep voices low and dress respectfully.
- Tips for this place
- Place du Tertre has portrait artists and a village-square atmosphere, but it can feel touristy at peak times.
- Late afternoon is ideal — the crowds thin, the light warms, and the west-facing view from the parvis catches golden hour.
- When to visit
- The basilica is open daily from 6:30am to 10:30pm. The dome can be visited for a fee during the day. The neighbourhood streets are accessible anytime.
Message from the creator
Emma
Take the back streets up, not the main staircase. Rue Lepic, Rue Norvins, and the tiny Place du Tertre have more character. The main steps are for the view at the top — and it is genuinely one of the best in Paris.
Montmartre & Sacré-Cœur
Montmartre is a hilltop village within Paris, known for its cobbled streets, artist studios, and the white-domed Sacré-Cœur basilica at its summit. The climb up the hill is a journey through increasingly charming streets, and the view from the top stretches across the entire city.