The Basilica of Sacre Coeur was first proposed by Felix Fournier, the Bishop of Nantes, in 1870. It was designed by Paul Abadie. His Neo-Byzantine-Romanesque plan was selected from 77 proposals. Construction began in 1875 and continued for 45 years. It was completed in 1914 and was consecrated in 1919 after World War I.
Sacre Coeur stands at the summit of the butte of Montemartre. It overlooks the entire city of Paris and its suburbs. It is the second most popular tourist destination in Paris after the Eiffel Tower.
Its popularity became obvious as we got closer to Montmartre. The crowds were thick in the streets leading to the church and even worse at the top. The tiny streets surrounding the church were filled with tourists wandering and eating at all the cafes.
The interior of the church is spectacular.
I like the horses with their riders on the facade.
We walked to the area behind the church where it was much more quiet…and pretty.
The vineyard has its vines covered. The grapes must be almost ready to pick. Here is a post I wrote a few years ago…The last vineyard in Paris
This cafe is the oldest bar-cabaret in Paris and a Montmartre landmark according to a sign outside. It was immortalised by Toulouse Lautrec and Utrillo. I overheard a guide telling people Picasso could not pay his bill one night and gave a painting instead. Much later the painting later sold for a lot of money.
There are glimpses of Sacre Coeur around every corner.
On the way out we spotted this wall of vandalism. The bridges along the Seine have been cleared of the ugly locks by putting glass panels instead of wire so there is no where to attach the locks. With some luck it will happen all over Paris.
Perhaps going early in the morning might help to avoid crowds. We would normally do this, but it rained until midday so we were a bit late getting out. It was a delightful visit anyway.