The Sacré-Cœur dome at a glance
The dome climb is the one part of Sacré-Cœur that costs money. You pay €8 from the age of 16 or €5 up to 15 at the desk or machine on site, and there is no advance booking. The ascent starts outside the church, so you can do it without entering the nave.
You climb a narrow stair, with no lift, to the gallery under the central dome. The climb is just under 300 steps, or 280 by some counts, so plan for a climb of that size. At the top, you get a 360° view over Paris. The view depends on the weather, and nothing guarantees clear air.
Our picks: up to the dome
One tour includes the dome ticket; the walk has the panoramic view only as a bookable option.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in euros (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Sacré-Cœur dome climb with a guide
- Dome ticket
- Local guide
- Introduction to the basilica
A local guide, the dome ticket and an introduction to the basilica, then commentary up on the dome. The climb has about 300 steps and no lift; on your own, the dome ticket costs €8 on site.
Check availability →Montmartre walk with a panoramic view option
- Guided walk
- Panoramic view entry with option
A guided walk from Abbesses. Panoramic view entry at Sacré-Cœur is only included if you book that option, so check the option before you pay.
Check availability →Sacré-Cœur dome climbs and Montmartre tours
Dome climbs with a local guide and walking tours of Montmartre, with live prices and availability. Check that the dome ticket is in the included list.
How the Sacré-Cœur dome climb works
Four things to know before you start.
The entrance is outside
After a check, you take the entrance on the left, in the ditch beside the building. The church itself needs no ticket.
Tickets and prices →The stair is narrow
There is no lift to the dome. The basilica advises against the climb for people with mobility problems or fragile health, and strollers and wheelchairs cannot be assumed to work.
Getting there →The gallery view
The gallery looks over the roofs of Paris in every direction. On a clear day, you can pick out landmarks across the city.
Best time to visit →Hours can change
The dome is open daily from 10:15 to 17:30, with the last entry at 17:00. Season, works and weather can change that, and a midday break is possible without a fixed time.
Opening hours →Sacré-Cœur dome tickets and hours
Dome tickets are €8 from 16 years and €5 up to 15 in 2026. Groups of 20 or more pay €6 per person, and child groups of 20 or more €4 per person. The price list has no free rate for small children. You pay at the desk or machine on site.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Hours | Daily 10:15–17:30, last entry 17:00 |
| Extended hours | 10:00–18:30 on some days, subject to change |
| Steps | 280 to 300, depending on the count |
| Lift | None |
| Booking | On site only, no advance booking |
| View | 360° over Paris, weather permitting |
On some days the hours run from 10:00 to 18:30. Treat 10:15 to 17:00 as the safe window for your last entry, and check the board at the entrance on the day.
Weather, queues and the right moment to climb
In a storm or other bad weather, the dome can close, so keep a second plan for the day. The wait at the church entrance is about 10 to 15 minutes in the busy hours between 10:30 and 17:00.
A good way to use the climb is to choose a clear day and arrive in the morning, soon after the dome opens. Late in the day, remember that the last entry is at 17:00, which is earlier than the church closes.
If you only want a view, the forecourt in front of the basilica looks over Paris without a dome ticket. For a second climb across the city, the Notre-Dame towers have their own guide.
Before you climb: what to bring and what to avoid
The ascent is on a narrow stair, so travel light. Large bags slow the check at the start, and a small bag is easier on the stairs. Wear shoes with grip, because stone steps can be slippery after rain. Take your time on the way up, and step aside at the wider spots to let others pass.
On the way to the entrance, you pass the Square Louise-Michel gardens. At their entrance, visitors have been stopped by people who tie a bracelet to the wrist and ask for money. Keep your hands free, say no and walk on. The same calm rule applies on the steps and on the terrace.
If you travel with children, the €5 rate covers every child up to 15, and there is no free rate for small ones. Decide before you pay whether a child can manage 280 to 300 steps up and the same down. If not, the free forecourt view and the free church visit are still worth the trip.
Sacré-Cœur dome: frequently asked questions
How many steps are there to the top of the dome?
The climb is just under 300 steps, or 280 by some counts, so plan for a climb of that size, with no lift.
How much does the dome cost?
€8 from 16 years and €5 up to 15 in 2026, with €6 per person for groups of 20 or more and €4 per person for child groups of 20 or more. You pay on site.
What are the dome hours?
Daily from 10:15 to 17:30, with the last entry at 17:00. Some days run from 10:00 to 18:30, and times can change with the season, works and weather.
Can I climb with a stroller or in a wheelchair?
There is no lift to the dome and the stair is narrow, so plan on no. The basilica advises against the climb for people with mobility problems or fragile health. The church itself has a separate rear entrance with a lift, at 35 rue du Chevalier de la Barre.
Can I book the dome in advance?
Dome tickets are sold at the desk or machine on site. There is no advance booking, so arrive early on a clear day.
Does the dome close in bad weather?
It can. In a storm or other bad weather, the dome may close for the day. Check at the entrance, and keep a second plan.