Sacré-Cœur: Dome Climb (280 Steps), Price, Hours and Access
The Sacré-Cœur Basilica in Montmartre is free to enter and open daily from 6:30am to 10:30pm; only the dome climb is paid (€8 for adults, €5 up to age 15 in October 2026), up a staircase of about 280 steps. Perched atop the hill that was once home to the old village of Montmartre, it was built after the Franco-Prussian War to wash away France's sins. It is one of the most imposing monuments in Paris. Three majestic domes crown the building, whose white silhouette has become one of the most recognizable images of France. At night, the illuminated basilica quietly overlooks the city, serving as a landmark visible from much of Paris.
Highlights
The view over the rooftops of Paris
Don't miss the magnificent view over the rooftops of Paris. It's the most beautiful panoramic view in the capital. And best of all, it's free!
The dome of the Sacré-Cœur
You can climb to the top of the dome by paying the entrance fee. It's accessible from outside the basilica via 300 steps, with no elevator.
Sunset
At sunset, the Sacré-Cœur's pure white color turns an incomparable shade of pink. The experience is just as breathtaking as visiting the basilica itself.
Dome climb: price, hours and rules
October 2026: €8 for adults, €5 up to age 15, tickets bought on site (no booking). The official site says "almost 300 steps" but specifies 280, up a narrow staircase, with no lift and no toilets; it is not recommended for people with reduced mobility or who dislike confined spaces. The official page gives opening from 10:15am to 5:30pm (last entry 5pm), but the calendar shows later closings on some days (8pm on a Monday in September 2026) and the climb can close for maintenance or bad weather: check the website calendar the day before. The entrance is outside, after the security check: go down to your left into the moat; the ticket office is about 20 metres away. If there is a queue, visit the basilica first and come back afterwards.
Masses, closures and organ
The basilica is free from 6:30am to 10:30pm and exceptionally closes at midnight on the first Thursday of every month. It is a working place of worship: masses take place several times a day (weekdays at 7am, 11am, 6:30pm and 10pm; Sundays at 7am, 11am, 6pm and 10pm). During services, avoid walking around the nave, keep quiet and dress modestly. The grand organ is being restored until the end of May 2027, and a choir organ replaces it for services (information as of October 2026, to be confirmed on the basilica's website).
Practical info
Tips
- Entry to the basilica is free; only the dome climb (nearly 300 steps, no elevator) is paid. Extend your visit with a stroll through Montmartre and a visit to the Musée de Montmartre.
- The dome in brief: €8 for adults and €5 up to age 15, ticket bought on site, 280 steps up a narrow staircase, with no lift and no toilets; allow roughly 30 to 45 minutes for the climb, the view and the way down. Without paying, the view from the forecourt of the basilica is free.
How to get there
There are three ways to get there: Get off at the Anvers metro station (line 2) and walk to the Sacré-Cœur through the garden. A funicular is available for those who don't want to climb the garden's steps on foot. Note: the garden closes its gates at 8pm, but the funicular remains in operation well after that. The funicular is part of the RATP network, so you'll need a transit ticket. Take the Montmartrobus in front of the Jules Joffrin metro station (line 12): this option is ideal for those who want to tour the Montmartre hill by vehicle and for thrill-seekers. The descent down the hill winds through narrow little streets and tight bends that rival the attractions at major theme parks. Take one of the many staircases of Montmartre that wind around the hill. For somewhere to sleep nearby, see the hotels in the Montmartre area on Booking.
Opening hours
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