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Armed with my trusty unlimited Paris Metro pass – honestly, the best investment for exploring the city – I made an impromptu decision. Why not head to Montmartre, the city’s highest point, to visit the iconic Sacré-Cœur?
Continuing from my previous post where I was exploring Arc De Triomphe and strolling in one of the best shopping streets in the world – Champs Elysee, it started drizzling and I had to rush for a shelter. For a while, I stood at a souvenir store and wondered what my next plan would be. Coincidentally, I didn’t have anything planned for the rest of the day, but since I had some time before heading back to my hotel, I wanted to do something and that’s why I decided to head to Montmartre.
Join me as I share my journey through the charming streets of Montmartre, where artists, history, and stunning city views come together.
The Story of Montmarte
Perched at 130 mts, Monmarte is located away from the glitter of the city. This hilltop village was actually an independent commune until 1860! While today it’s famous for its artists and that stunning white Sacré-Cœur basilica, Montmartre’s story goes way back. The hill was once dotted with windmills (you can still spot two of them!) and vineyards.
Built between 1875 and 1914, Sacré-Cœur Basilica – Sacred Heart in French – stands as a symbol of both spiritual and political healing after some pretty tough times in French history. Over the years, Monmarte became a magnet for artists like Picasso, Van Gogh, and Renoir, who found inspiration in its winding streets and village-like atmosphere. Their legacy lives on in the bustling Place du Tertre, where artists still set up their easels daily, continuing a tradition that’s become synonymous with Montmartre’s soul.
By Vincent van Gogh – The Athenaeum: Home – info – pic, Public Domain, Link
Getting to Montmartre
From Champs-Élysées where I took the metro to Anvers station on Line 2. You can also get down at Abbesses station which is also nearby, but Anvers offers an easier route to Sacré-Cœur. As I got out of the station, I found myself on Rue de Steinkerque, a lively shopping street lined with souvenir shops and cafés. Following the crowd and looking up at the white dome of Sacré-Cœur in the distance, I knew I was heading the right way!
When you reach the base of the hill, you’ve got two options to conquer this mini-mountain. You can either channel your inner athlete and tackle the 222 steps, or do what I did – take the charming funicular. Having already logged steps for the day, I decided to treat myself to my first-ever funicular ride. Note: if you have the Navigo pass as I did, this little cable car ride is included!
The funicular experience was magical – in just 90 seconds, you glide up the hill while catching glimpses of the city unfolding below. It felt like getting a preview of the spectacular views awaiting at the top!
You can also take a bus or cab to the location.
Memorable Moments at Sacré-Cœur & A Breathtaking
While I was enjoying my ride on the funicular, we reached the top and the first thing I noticed were vendors selling “love locks” around the area. While it might seem romantic, consider that these locks often get removed to protect the historic site.
Standing before Sacré-Cœur, I instantly fell in love with its architectural grandeur. I remember during my Chicago River Cruise when someone told me that if you love architecture, visit Europe and they weren’t wrong!
The Romano-Byzantine basilica, with its pristine white travertine stone, seems to glow against the blue sky. Its distinctive design features four small domes orbiting a larger central dome, crowned by an impressive 83-meter-high tower. The brilliant white facade isn’t just for show – thanks to the calcite in the Chateau-Landon stones, the basilica actually becomes whiter with age, defying the usual weathering of time.
The real magic, though, happens when you turn around. Spread before you is a breathtaking panorama of the city that made me catch my breath. While the Eiffel Tower plays peek-a-boo from one corner of the vista, it’s the sweeping view of the city’s zinc rooftops, historic monuments, and modern buildings that create a mesmerizing urban landscape.
Though I skipped the long queue to enter the basilica’s interior, I found my own moment of peace sitting on the sun-warmed steps and watching the city. The hilltop streets surrounding Sacré-Cœur with these winding cobblestone paths turned out to be a highlight of my visit. Each corner revealed another charming café, a hidden viewpoint, or a quiet spot to soak in the authentic Montmartre atmosphere, far from the crowded basilica steps.
Note: I had an uncomfortable encounter with two persistent scammers trying to force friendship bracelets onto tourists’ wrists. When confronted by two strong men demanding “respect” and money, I had to firmly but quickly remove myself from the situation. It’s best to avoid engagement and keep walking if approached.
Is Montmarte Worth Your Time?
Despite the unexpected rain, my spontaneous trip to Montmartre turned out to be one of my most cherished memories of my Europe trip. There’s something magical about sitting on those steps, watching the city from the majestic Sacré-Cœur. Whether you’re an architecture enthusiast, a view-seeker, or simply someone who loves discovering the soul of a city, Montmartre deserves a spot on your Paris itinerary.
Do check out my other Paris blog posts to plan your trip to the City of Love. From food to things to do and places to visit, my blog posts are your best friend for your first trip to Paris.
Feel free to drop a comment for any further information or reach out to me for any assistance. Drop your thoughts in the comments below, tweet to me at @Atulmaharaj, DM on Instagram, or Get In Touch.
