Sacré-Cœur Basilica: A Serene White Sanctuary

If Notre-Dame Cathedral is the soul of Paris, then the Basilica of Sacré-Cœur, perched atop Montmartre Hill, is the city's eyes—gazing over everything with the utmost tranquility. 🕰 Opening Hours｜Daily 6:00 AM–10:30 PM (Free Entry) 📍 Location｜35 Rue du Chevalier de la Barre, 75018 Paris (About a 10-minute walk from Metro Line 2, Anvers Station) 🏞 A Worthwhile Uphill Journey! We chose to hike up from the metro station. The path is lined with charming stairways and alleys, bustling neighborhoods, and graffiti walls. Turn a corner, and you'll see the pristine white Sacré-Cœur Basilica gleaming under the blue sky. As the second-highest point in Paris (after the Eiffel Tower), the pure white structure appears like a sacred temple lifted by clouds under the sunlight—elegant and divine. Inside the church, the atmosphere is more solemn and serene compared to Notre-Dame. Despite the crowds, the space remains peaceful, with everyone showing quiet reverence. 🎨 Tips and Hidden Gems: 1️⃣ Entry to the church is free, but tickets are required for the dome and crypt (bring some coins). 2️⃣ Be sure to visit the staircase plaza in front of Sacré-Cœur. Watching the sunset paint Paris in hues of red is absolutely breathtaking 😭😭😭. 3️⃣ Beware of pickpockets and pushy vendors! A firm "no" and walking away usually suffice. 4️⃣ Below Sacré-Cœur, Place du Tertre (Artist Square) is filled with street artists and quaint shops—perfect for buying souvenirs or getting a portrait done! 5️⃣ If you prefer not to climb, you can take the "Funiculaire" cable car up the hill (on our visit, it was free to ride down due to New Year's celebrations). 6️⃣ Our itinerary for the day: Morning at Notre-Dame ➡️ City Stroll ➡️ French Cuisine ➡️ Sacré-Cœur ➡️ New Year's Fireworks Stepping out of Sacré-Cœur, watching the streets of Paris turn golden under the sunset, then transition to deep blue as night falls, was truly spectacular and beautiful. Montmartre feels more authentic, chaotic, and weathered compared to the city center, making the view from Sacré-Cœur even more tranquil. If you want to experience Paris from its most serene and elevated vantage point, Sacré-Cœur is the place to be.