Sacré-Cœur & the Butte Montmartre
Montmartre is a village in the city — the 130-meter-high Butte Montmartre (18th arrondissement) was an independent village with windmills, vineyards, and farms until 1860. From the 1880s, it attracted the Bohemians: Picasso, Modigliani, Toulouse-Lautrec, Renoir, Van Gogh — they all lived and worked here. Today, Montmartre is touristy (especially around Place du Tertre), but the charm of the old village lives on in the side streets.
Basilique du Sacré-Cœur
The Basilica of Sacré-Cœur (consecrated in 1914) sits atop the highest point in Paris and is the most photographed monument in the city after the Eiffel Tower. The white travertine façade becomes whiter with rainwater (instead of darkening) — a fascinating chemical effect. From the steps and the dome, you have the most spectacular panorama over Paris — up to 40 km on a clear day.
- Interior: The huge Christ mosaic in the apse (475 m²) is one of the largest in the world. The atmosphere is meditative and solemn. Admission: free.
- Dome: 300 steps for the best 360° view over Paris — and much less visited than the Eiffel Tower. Admission: 7€.
- The Steps: 222 steps up from Rue Foyatier (or the Funiculaire de Montmartre for 2.15€/Metro ticket). In the evenings, hundreds sit on the steps with wine and music — one of the most magical places in Paris.
💡 Tipp
Come at sunset: Sit on the steps in front of Sacré-Cœur, buy a bottle of wine from the Épicier (small shop) at the bottom of the stairs, and enjoy the panorama as the sun sets behind the Eiffel Tower. Street musicians provide the soundtrack. This is Paris.
