Sacré-Coeur
Published on Monday, 12 August 2013 in Museums & Expos - Hôtel des Métallos
Crowning the Butte Montmartre is the Sacré-Coeur with its iconic ice-cream-scoop dome. Construction of this French–Byzantine confection was started in the 1870s on the initiative of the Catholic Church to atone for the “crimes” of the Commune. Square Willette, the space at the foot of the monumental staircase, is named after the local artist who turned out on inauguration day to shout “Long live the devil!”. Today the staircase acts as impromptu seating for visitors enjoying the views over Paris, munching on picnics and watching the street entertainers; the crowds only increase as night falls. You can also get stunning views from the top of the dome, which takes you almost as high as the Eiffel Tower.
To get there from Hotel des Métallos, Take the Metro 9 @ Oberkampf, switch train @ Nation, take Métro 2 and alight @ Anvers or Blanche.
