Sacre Coeur Paris: A Magestic Basilica Atop Montmarte
This Catholic basilica sits at the apex of the Montmartre knoll area in the 18th arrondissement of Paris, north of downtown on the right bank of the Seine. Sacre Coeur is the highest point in Paris, visible far and wide thanks to its white dome, resembling a solid cloud in the sky.
An old, long-established neighbourhood, Montmartre is a hugely popular site for tourists, many of which also visit the “statement” basilica. Consecrated in 1909, Sacre Coeur is known for its rather garish decor. While most houses of God are decked out with a few refinements, Sacre Coeur is famous for being over the top with an abundance of gold mosaic on its interior.
When we were there, a tourist said the interior reminded him of Liberace’s living room in Las Vegas. Despite its overkill, Sacre Coeur (sacred heart) has a beautiful, sweeping terrace with excellent views of Paris.