Sacré-Cœur Basilica
Logistics Guide

How do I get to the top of Montmartre without using the stairs?

The only viable step-free route to the summit is via the Funiculaire de Montmartre. Located at the base of the hill near Place Saint-Pierre, the Funiculaire features a modern Schindler elevator that takes you from the street level to the boarding platform. The cabins themselves are 100% level-access. Once at the top, you exit via another flush platform. This route bypasses the 300 steps of the main staircase. From the top funicular station, there is a smooth paved path leading directly to the side entrance of the Basilica, which features a permanent ramp and automated heavy-duty doors.

Is the interior of the Sacré-Cœur accessible for power chairs?

Yes, the main nave and the choir are fully accessible via the side entrance located on the left side of the building (North entrance). The internal flooring is smooth polished stone with 0Hz vibration. However, please note that the Dome and the Crypt are strictly accessible by stairs only due to the 19th-century architecture and narrow spiral stone casings. For power-chair users, the main sanctuary offers wide aisles and high-visibility signage. The transition from the outdoor parvis to the interior is 100% flush, with no vertical thresholds greater than 5mm.

Where is the best taxi drop-off to avoid the hill climb?

If the funicular is out of service, instruct your taxi to drop you at the rear of the Basilica at the intersection of Rue du Cardinal Guibert and Rue Chevalier de la Barre (48.887150, 2.343150). This point is at the same elevation as the church entrance, allowing for a completely level roll of about 100 meters. Avoid being dropped at the bottom in Anvers, as the walk up the hill involves high-vibration cobblestones (50Hz) and a 12% gradient. The rear drop-off point ensures you arrive on a stable, flat asphalt surface directly adjacent to the accessible side door.

What is the vibration and sensory experience of the Funiculaire?

The Funiculaire operates on a cable-pulled system. You will feel a subtle 5Hz vibration through the floor of the cabin during the 90-second ascent. The sensation is smooth and linear, with no sudden vertical jolts. Sensorial, the experience is dominated by the steep visual angle of the hill. If you have motion sensitivity, face away from the windows. Inside the Basilica, the atmosphere is hushed with a 6-second acoustic reverb. The smell of beeswax and incense is prominent. The flooring is very stable, offering high traction for rubber wheelchair tires even in humid weather.

When is the best time for a quiet, accessible visit to Montmartre?

Monday or Tuesday mornings at 07:30 are the only times to experience Montmartre without the overwhelming crowds. At this hour, the Funiculaire is empty, allowing for immediate boarding of the Schindler lifts. You can navigate the parvis toward the Basilica without having to weave through hundreds of tourists, which is critical for manual wheelchair users who need to maintain a straight line of travel on the stone surfaces. The morning light also provides high contrast on the stairs and ramps, making navigation safer for those with low vision or spatial awareness challenges.

How do I find the accessible entrance at the Basilica?

Look for the 'Accès Handicapés' signs on the left side of the building (facing the front). If the door is not open, there is a silver intercom button at a height of 90cm. Press it and say: “Bonjour, je voudrais accéder à l'intérieur de la Basilique sans marches, s'il vous plaît.” A member of the security team will remotely open the heavy doors or meet you to assist with the ramp. They are very accustomed to PMR visitors and will direct you to the dedicated viewing areas within the nave that offer the best visibility of the mosaics while remaining on the level floor.