Sacré Coeur and Montmartre
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Click here for your worksheet. The Basilica of Sacré Coeur (Sacred Heart) is situated in Montmartre. Montmartre was a little village on the outskirts of the city of Paris until it was discovered by artists in the nineteenth century. Sacré Coeur is a modern church, started in 1870 and completed in 1914, and is best known for its beautiful white domes which grace the Paris skyline. |
Saint Denis carries his head down the steep hill of Montmartre to his final resting place. |
People argue about the origin of the name Montmortre. Originally, the Romans had a temple built to the god Mars on the top of the hill and called it Mons Martius. (Mars Hill). The Christian, Saint Denis met an unhappy end when he was beheaded on the hill top, in front of the temple, for his Christian beliefs in the 4th century. Legend says that he picked up his head and carried it to the bottom of the hill to a spot where he was eventually buried. Christians changed the name to Mont du Martyre or Martyr's Hill. You can see a big fountain with a statue of St. Denis carrying his head in a park near Sacré Coeur. |
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Montmartre is one of the few hills in Paris, and the views from the church square are magnificent. In fact, next to the Eiffel Tower, Sacré Coeur is the second highest point in Paris. However you want to arrive at the Basilica, you have to climb the steep hill. The streets are steep, winding and narrow. In fact, most streets are linked to each other by steep steps (see the picture on the right) which makes it easier and quicker for people on foot. |
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By car, you can reach Sacré Coeur through a narrow one way street which winds through the old houses to the top of the hill. By foot, you can use the steep steps which lead up the hill. Or you can take the funicular railway which travels up the steep hill side, and which is part of the Métro system. There are gardens and parks on the hill side, but these are closed at dusk. |
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Here you can see the special funicular railway that runs for the last part of the journey up the steep slope to Sacré Coeur. Although the track is on a steep slope, the carriage is specially designed to remain horizontal. The cost to take the Funicular Railway is the regular ticket price on the Métro, but it is worth the trip, since there are excellent views through the windows on the journey up. |
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Montmartre still retains its village qualities. Old houses jostle together in its narrow lanes. In the 19th century, artists liked the quality of light on this hill, out of the smoke, grime and noise ofthe centre of Paris. Many famous painters lived and worked here, Van Gogh, Lautrec, Seurat, Monet etc. It is still the haunt of artists but today these are painters who provide the tourist market with souvenirs. The Place du Tertre at the foot of the hill comes to life with artists' easels during the afternoons. It is also reputed to be the place in Paris where you are most likely to have your pocket picked .... so be careful when you visit! |
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The streets surrounding Sacré Coeur and Montmartre come to life in the evening. The police presence keeps a watchful eye. Close by is the Moulin Rouge, the high class night club, with world class dancing and shows. The Place Pigalle has a reputation for being the "red light" district of Paris |
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