The Basilica of the Sacré-Cœur (Sacred Heart)
THE SACRÉ-CŒUR ⛪
The white silhouette of Montmartre
Perched at the top of the Montmartre hill, 130 metres above the city, the Sacré-Cœur overlooks Paris with its unmistakable white silhouette.
Construction of the basilica began in 1875, a few years after the Franco-Prussian War and the Paris Commune. Designed by architect Paul Abadie in a Romano-Byzantine style, it took several decades to build before being completed in the early 20th century and consecrated in 1919.
Its distinctive colour comes from Château-Landon stone, chosen for its durability and its ability to retain its pale appearance over time. When it rains, this limestone releases calcite, helping to preserve the building’s characteristic whiteness.
With its immense dome and spectacular views over the rooftops of the capital, the Sacré-Cœur is now inseparable from Montmartre, the historic neighbourhood of artists, cabarets and Parisian bohemian life.
Visible from many parts of the city, it has become one of the most iconic silhouettes of the Parisian skyline.
At the very top of Montmartre, a touch of white above the rooftops of Paris.
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A NOTE FROM THE CREATOR 💌 The Sacré-Cœur feels a little like my own corner of Paris. My partner lives in Montmartre and, over time, the neighbourhood has become a place where we’ve developed our own little routines, favourite spots and walks. We regularly wander around the area, both during the day and in the evening, and I never get tired of looking up at the basilica — especially at night, when it lights up above Paris. And after taking in the view, our favourite ritual is to walk back down via Rue des Abbesses and have dinner at Bouillon Pigalle. It’s this version of Paris — lively, familiar and a little magical — that I love the most.
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