Sacre Coeur

Coleen said...

Set on the highest point in Paris (420 feet), the Sacre-Coeur (sacred heart) Basilica has a panoramic view of the city. The Roman-Byzantine-looking structure took 44 years to build (1875-1919). For an unobstructed view, climb 260 feet up the spiral stairs to the top of the dome.

The church is open daily from 7am-11pm and is free. Climbing to the dome is 5E.

Take the Metro to the Anvers stop. If the 'funicular' is open, a metro ticket buys your way of so you can avoid the stairs.

Closer, but less scenic is the Abbesses stop. You still have to hike up to the church.

My friend Louise loves this place. It's in the Montmartre neighborhood that also includes such sights as Moulin Rouge (kind of a 'red light' area) and a flea market (Puces St. Ouen closed Tue-Fri).