One of the most famous monuments in both Paris and the entire globe is the Basilica of Sacre Coeur. At the highest summit of Montmartre Hill in the 18th arrondissement, it is the crowning splendour and draws millions of tourists each year as it looms over the French city. The sight of the white stone against the blue sky is truly scintillating.
Both inside and out, Sacre Coeur is a work of architectural magnificence. The building's stone came from the Parisian Château-Landon quarries, which calcify in rainy weather and provide a natural bleach that gives the entire church its chalky appearance. Additionally, the ceiling is covered in hand-painted murals that depict biblical themes and will keep you occupied for a very long time. The inside is astounding because of the symmetry of the archways.
The view one gets after reaching the church at the top of the hill is one of the main draws. One may get sweeping views of the south and neighbouring arrondissements from this vantage point in the 18th arrondissement, which looms over the whole city of Paris. You will quickly forget how huge this city really is until you see how each one fits in with the others.
The adage 'cheap rent draws artists' is true. This results in a very relaxed, almost careless culture that permeates the landmarks. You'll observe that street performers follow after huge gatherings of people wherever they congregate in Paris.
The Sacre Coeur's exterior area has several steps that lead up and down the building. The stairs have taken on some attractiveness of their own and they are so broad that hundreds of people may use them as a type of 'cooling' ground outside the basilica at any given moment.
You must begin from the Sacre Coeur's main door if you want to visit the house for yourself. Move away from the church, which should now be behind you, as you descend the stairs. Eventually, as you descend, you'll see a sizable grassy area on the left. The sinking home is the orange structure nestled behind the hill, so stand on the lawn and look at it!
The street sellers follow the masses, much to how the street artists in Paris do. The Sacre Coeur turns into a one-stop shop for all the trinkets you would require from such an adventure, from handcrafted jewellery to branded apparel to delightful kitsch souvenirs and even the occasional crepe seller.
Nearby Attractions: Few people are aware that Le Parc de la Turlure, a grassy, open public park, is located just behind the Sacre Coeur.
Duration Required35 Rue du Chevalier-De-La-Barre, 75018 Paris France
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