Sacre-Coeur, Montmartre

Consecrated in 1919 after decades of construction, the Sacre-Coeur basilica crowns the Montmartre hill at about 130 metres above the city, one of the highest points in Paris. Its white Chateau-Landon stone renews itself in the rain, which is why the facade has never needed cleaning. The steps and terrace in front of the basilica give a wide, free, open view south over the rooftops of Paris, with the Eiffel Tower visible on the skyline; for a small fee, the dome itself adds a 360-degree panorama. It fills with visitors and street musicians at sunset.