A Traveler’s Guide to Sacré-Coeur in Paris and the Magic of Montmartre
The Basilica of Sacré-Coeur is one of Paris’s most iconic landmarks. The spot is perched high on Montmartre hill at the heart of Parisian culture, art, and bohemian life. The gleaming white domes of the basilica overlook the home of painters and poets, offering sweeping views of the city below. Some key films and hit shows that highlight the area’s charm include John Wick, Amélie, Emily in Paris, and, of course, The Summer I Turned Pretty. Exploring Sacré-Cœur and its surroundings means stepping into a world where history, spirituality, and creativity meet.
Visit the Basilica of Sacré-Coeur and Its Stunning Paris Views
The Basilica of Sacré-Coeur is the crown jewel of Montmartre. The church was designed in striking Romano-Byzantine style and built in the late 19th century. Its white travertine stone symbolizes purity. The limestone exudes calcite, a whitening mineral, so when it rains in Paris (which happens quite often), the basilica literally washes itself. Its immense mosaic of “Christ in Glory” is the largest in the world. La Savoyarde, the basilica’s bell, is one of the heaviest in the world. Weighing 19 tons, the bell has a ring that can be heard up to 6 miles (10 kilometers) away! THN Travel Tip: Head to the basilica’s terrace for an amazing view of Paris. Time your visit for either right before sunrise or before sunset. For an even more spectacular view (and likely less crowded), climb up the basilica dome and enjoy the 360° panoramic view, panning from the Eiffel Tower to Notre-Dame.
Discover Place du Tertre: Montmartre’s Famous Artists’ Square
Place du Tertre is a lively square just steps from Sacré-Coeur. Artists set up their easels to paint portraits and street scenes. The tiny space has long been an open-air stage where unknown artists could display their work and be discovered, alongside poets, philosophers, and musicians. Montmartre was the stomping ground and intellectual hub of Picasso, Modigliani, and Van Gogh in the early 20th century. The place’s surrounding old cafés and bistros takes visitors right back in time to the Belle Époque, the era of Toulouse-Lautrec and the quintessential can-can.
Explore the Musée de Montmartre and Renoir’s Beautiful Gardens
The Musée de Montmartre and Renoir’s Gardens are like hidden treasures on the hill. The museum traces the history of this once-rural village turned artistic hub. Renoir once lived in the 17-century building, the oldest resident building in Montmartre. Its gardens heavily inspired his famous works Le Bal du moulin de la Galette and The Swing. Suzanne Valadon’s atelier is preserved in the museum. Valadon was the first woman admitted to the Société Nationale des Beaux-Arts and one of Montmartre’s most influential female artists.
See the Secret Montmartre Vineyards and Wine Festival
The Clos Montmartre vineyard, tucked away behind Sacré-Coeur, is one of Paris’s best-kept secrets. The tiny vineyard was first planted in 1933 ro preserve the neighborhood’s winemaking tradition. It makes some of the rarest wines in the world, given the vineyard produces such a limited number of bottles due to its size. THN Travel Tip: The Clos Montmartre vineyard is typically closed to the public. However, check out views from its surrounding streets. You’ll be able to spot the neat rows of vines. The Fête des Vendanges de Montmartre (the Harvest Festival) is a good chance to see the area come to life every October. The festival includes wine tastings, decadent food stall offerings, parades, concerts, and fireworks in the heart of Montmartre.
Experience Paris Nightlife at the Moulin Rouge in Pigalle
Pigalle is a famous district just a short walk downhill from Basilica Sacré-Coeur. It has long been notorious for its nightlife. The world-famous Moulin Rouge cabaret opened there in 1889 and introduced the world to the can-can dance. This quickly became a symbol of Parisian entertainment and the Bohemian spirit. Travelers today can visit the cabaret for extravagant shows and to snap pics of its iconic unmistakable red windmill. THN Travel Tip: Moulin Rouge!, a musical romance movie, came out in 2001 and perfectly depicts a sensational version of Pigalle. The cabaret, with its bright lights and dancing, features heavily in the film that stars Nicole Kidman and Ewan McGregor.
There are so many hidden gems and quiet corners to discover in the heart of Montmartre. Visit the basilica but don’t forget to make time to aimlessly wander the cobblestone streets, taking in the ivy-covered houses and hidden staircases. Sacré-Coeur is one of Paris’s most enchanting districts, an area seemingly worlds away from central Paris. THN Travel Tip: Don’t miss Rue de l’Abreuvoir, one of Paris’s prettiest streets, and the pastel-pink café, Maison Rose.
