Things to do around the Sacré Coeur in Paris

Things to do around the Sacré Coeur in Paris

Updated by Vanessa M in September 2023

You’ve climbed the long stairs and you’ve finally arrived at the top of Montmartre, in front of the Sacré Coeur… You enjoy the beautiful view of Paris… but what can you do now? I made a list for you of all the things to do around the Sacré Coeur in Paris. Read on to find out!

Plunge into the artistic Montmartre: Place du Tertre

Just near to the Sacred Heart Basilica you can find an unusual place: it is the Place du Tertre. It’s a beautiful place with a lot of painters. All the styles are represented: modern style, caricaturists, watercolors… Enjoy the great atmosphere, which is typically Parisian. It’s such as you were living in the nineteenth century! That’s a great spot near to the Sacred Heart. You will love it!

Visit an unusual museum: Dali Museum

There is a special museum dedicated to the Spanish Surrealist painter, Salvador Dali. This is one of the best things to do near to the Sacré Coeur Basilica. Located in 10 rue Poulbot, just next to the Place du Tertre, you will be glad to discover (or rediscover) this famous painter. Montmartre is the place of artists and above all painters, so get a tour in this museum!

Discover the vineyard of Montmartre

No one could imagine finding a vineyard just behind the Sacred Heart! Of course it’s not big but it has a great reputation in Paris. You can buy the wine produced in Montmartre; it’s called “Le Clos Montmartre“. Walk along the vineyard, it feels like countryside! It’s a great way to experiment the unusual Paris. If you are looking for things to do near the Sacré Coeur, that’s an original way to discover Paris.

Take a break: Enjoy ‘Un Zebre a Montmartre’ restaurant

After climbing all the stairs of Montmartre, I’m sure you’ll be glad to sit in a great French restaurant. It’s called “Un zèbre à Montmartre“. Such an unusual restaurant name, don’t you think? It’s located at 38 rue Lepic. It’s a good restaurant and not very expensive! You can have typical French meals such as steak tartare, chocolate mousse or camembert au four! You will enjoy this cozy restaurant… Can you find a better thing to do near the Sacré Coeur than eating?

Here are things to do at the Sacred Heart in Paris

Enjoy a concert at Les Trois Baudets

Les Trois Baudets, founded in 1947 by Jacques Canetti, is a magical site where many great talents of the last century had their debuts, including Jaques Brel, Georges Brassens, Boris Vian, Raymond Devos, Jeanne Moreau, Boby Lapointe, and Juliette Gréco.

Les Trois Baudets, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The theater, however, fell on bad times and became just another Pigalle sex shop and erotic cabaret until it became the subject of a huge government rehabilitation project in the 1990s. It reopened in 2009 after a five-year refurbishment, reclaiming its true purpose as a breeding place for French musical talent.

Today, this massive art deco structure with its large glass façades houses a lovely 250-seat underground performance hall and an upstairs bar/restaurant, and it is the place to discover the latest trends in French music in all its forms.

Take a visit to the Gustave Moreau Museum

This amazing museum unites Symbolist painter Gustave Moreau’s (1826-98) little private room with the huge gallery he erected to display his work – laid out as a museum by the painter himself and opened in 1903. Downstairs, family photos, Grand Tour mementos, and a bedroom devoted to his unrequited love, Alexandrine Dureux, demonstrate his obsessive collector mentality.

Velvet, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Upstairs is Moreau’s fantasy realm, where writhing maidens, trance-like visages, mystical animals, and odd plants are plundering Greek mythology and biblical themes for canvases filled with writhing maidens, trance-like visages, mystical beasts, and unusual plants.

On the second floor, don’t miss the hallucinogenic masterwork Jupiter et Sémélé. The artist’s lengthy, argumentative, and insane commentary is printed on boards that you can carry around the exhibition.

Click here for the top 5 Best Spots To Admire the Sacre Coeur in Montmartre

Brief History of Sacré Coeur

The Sacré-Coeur Basilica was envisioned in the late nineteenth century following the Franco-Prussian War and the Paris Commune. This was a major confrontation between France and the German powers, particularly Prussia. It led to France’s catastrophic loss and the capture of Emperor Napoleon III. The conflict resulted in the demise of the Second French Empire and the formation of the French Third Republic. The setback shattered French national pride and sparked a sense of national catastrophe.

Photo by Dietmar Rabich on Wikimedia Commons

The late nineteenth century in France was characterized by political schisms and many conservative Catholics were concerned about the secularization of French society and the influence of anti-clerical groups. They were worried that France was abandoning its Catholic roots and religious values. Following these horrific events, some Catholics believed France required spiritual and moral salvation. They envisioned the building of a great basilica consecrated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus as a way to seek heavenly forgiveness and atone for the nation’s crimes and moral decay. It was interpreted as a call to return to traditional Catholic beliefs.

The basilica’s construction began in 1875 and took nearly four decades to finish. The project was fully supported by private donations with the goal of erecting a religious monument as a symbol of hope for France’s future. Paul Abadie designed the Basilica of the Sacred Heart. Its eclectic architectural style was inspired by Romanesque and Byzantine architecture as well as the Saint-Front de Périgueux Cathedral. The basilica is shaped like a Greek cross and has four domes. Its 83-meter-high central dome is topped by a skylight made by a colonnade. The apse ceiling, designed by Luc-Olivier Merson, is covered with the largest mosaic in France, covering 473.78 square meters.

Ulemas7, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

In the late nineteenth and early twentieth century Montmartre was a bustling artistic and bohemian enclave. It was home to artists like as Pablo Picasso, Vincent van Gogh, Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, and Amedeo Modigliani, among others. Their work and presence in the area had a profound impact on the evolution of art. The Sacré-Coeur Basilica, often known as the Sacred Heart of Paris Basilica, is a stunning architectural and religious monument. Its pure white domes contrast with Montmartre’s artistic and bohemian spirit, making it a spiritual and cultural emblem. It was built in the late nineteenth century as a penance for the Franco-Prussian War and the Paris Commune. It remains a site of religious pilgrimage and cultural interest for both residents and tourists.

Lab0, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Many visitors choose to appreciate the majestic facade and the panoramic view of Paris from the outer terraces rather than venture inside the basilica. If you want a better perspective of Paris from the Sacre Coeur, including the Eiffel Tower and many other landmarks (and you have binoculars), you should climb the 300 steps to the top of the Dome. They are accessible by an entryway on the left side of the basilica, and admission rates vary.

Here are 20 Things to Do in Montmartre

How to avoid scam artists and tourist traps

Research in advance: Before you go, do some study on the area around Sacré-Coeur to detect common tourist traps and scams. Read travel forums and reviews to get a sense of what to expect and what to avoid.

Ignore unofficial guides: Scammers frequently act as unofficial tour guides and offer their services. Accepting unsolicited offers for guided tours is a bad idea. Use trustworthy tour companies or qualified guides if you want a guided tour.

Maksym Kozlenko, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Avoid “friendship” bracelets: Scammers may approach you and offer to wrap a “friendship” bracelet around your wrist before demanding payment. If this is attempted, politely decline and continue walking.

Watch out for pickpockets: Pickpocketers love to congregate in tourist locations. Use a money belt, keep your stuff secure, and be aware of your surroundings. Carry no big sums of money or valuable goods with you.

Avoid street games and scams: Some scammers and street entertainers may utilize diversion techniques to steal from tourists. Keep your valuables protected and be cautious around street games or performances.

Use public transportation: When necessary, use official taxis or ride-sharing services such as Uber. Avoid using unlicensed or unofficial transportation.

Photo by Steven Arenas from Pexels

Be wary of street vendors: Souvenirs sold by street vendors near Sacré-Coeur may be overpriced. Before making a purchase, compare pricing at other stalls. Don’t feel compelled to buy anything you don’t desire or need.

Learn some fundamental French phrases: Knowing a few simple French words can come in handy. It demonstrates respect for the local culture and may make you less vulnerable to scammers.

Use trustworthy maps and navigation apps: Use trustworthy navigation applications to help you navigate your way around unfamiliar regions and lessen your chances of getting lost.

Moulin Rouge to the Sacre Coeur: The Perfect Walking Route Through Montmartre (with a map)

You now know some of the things to do around the Sacré Coeur in Paris! There’s obviously so much more to do in the neighborhood. To fully explore the area, consider joining our Montmartre tour for free (tips only). A local guide will lead throughout the best places of Montmartre, show you all the highlights and introduce to the history of the area. Then, there’s also a few other articles you might find interesting:

• A walk in Montmartre;
• Top 5 fun facts about Montmartre;
• Top 10 fun facts about the Sacre-Coeur;
• and Best restaurants near the Sacré-Coeur Basilica.

Don’t hesitate to contact us if you need further information about anything! I hope to see you in one of our tours!

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