Sacré-Cœur Basilica, Paris, France

The Basilica of Sacré-Cœur (French: Basilique du Sacré-Cœur) crowns the hill of Montmartre, at about 130 meters the highest point in Paris. It was built in 1875–1914 in a Romano-Byzantine style designed by Paul Abadie and consecrated in 1919. Its domes are made of travertine from Château-Landon, which releases calcite when it rains and so stays white, and its bell tower holds the Savoyarde, a bell of about 19 tonnes, one of the heaviest in the world.

Entry to the basilica is free, and it is open daily from 6:30 to 22:30. Inside, the apse is covered by one of the largest mosaics in the world, Christ in Majesty (1912–1922) by Luc-Olivier Merson. The dome can be climbed by nearly 300 steps for one of the best views of Paris (€8, shorter hours in winter). From the square in front, the steps and terraces look out over the whole city, and bronze statues of Joan of Arc and Saint Louis on horseback stand above the entrance.

To get there, take the metro to Anvers (line 2) or Abbesses (line 12), then climb the stairs or ride the Montmartre funicular, which takes a normal metro ticket. Combine the visit with Place du Tertre and its painters, a few minutes’ walk away; the area is crowded in the middle of the day, so mornings and evenings are calmer. Watch out for pickpockets and for sellers of “friendship bracelets” on the stairs.

Key points:

• Built: 1875–1914, consecrated in 1919; architect Paul Abadie.
• Entry: free, daily 6:30–22:30.
• Dome: nearly 300 steps, €8.
• Getting there: metro Anvers (line 2) or Abbesses (line 12), then the stairs or the funicular.
• Nearby: Place du Tertre, the Montmartre vineyard, the Moulin de la Galette.