The church where adoring the Eucharist has never stopped
- Aimee Boudreaux MacIver
- 10 hours ago
- 4 min read
Holy Thursday marks the institution of the Eucharist. When Jesus said, "This is my body given up for you," He meant it forever. In Paris, you can pray in the place where someone has been adoring His body every minute for 140 continuous years: the Basilica of Sacre Coeur.
Most visitors who climb the 222 steps up Montmartre to Sacre Coeur come for the view. The view is indeed exquisite: all of Paris unfolds below like pieces of chalk pastels catching pink light, the city laid out like a glowing map. It's one of my favorite views of Paris.
But under the white domes something even more beautiful and miraculous has been happening without interruption since August 1, 1885. Every hour of every day of each one of those years—through two World Wars, through Nazi occupation, even through pandemic lockdowns that closed the basilica doors for the first time in its history—someone has been kneeling before the Eucharist inside Sacre Coeur, adoring.
“The adoration hasn’t stopped even for a minute, including during the two world wars,”said Sister Cécile-Marie, one of the Benedictine Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Montmartre currently responsible for maintaining perpetual adoration. "We never leave the Lord alone."
The history of Sacre Coeur and the saints
Sacre Coeur was born of grief and repentance. After France's devastating defeat in the Franco-Prussian War of 1870, many people pointed to the dramatic weakening of faith that had happened under the French Revolution. Two Catholic laymen made a vow to build a church dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus as an act of reparation. A plea for mercy. A visible sign that the Church's eldest daughter had not entirely turned away.
They chose Montmartre ("mount of the martyrs"), the place where many third-century Christians gave their lives for the Faith, including St Denis, the patron of Paris. Construction began in 1875 and continued until 1914. But adoration began before the building was finished. With the walls still rising, people began kneeling.
In 1887, St Thérèse of Lisieux attended Mass and adoration at Sacre Coeur with her family. She donated her own gold bracelet to help make the monstrance. Her bracelet was melted with other necklaces, rings, and brooches to become a precious throne.
What to see at Sacre Coeur
Limestone exterior: One of my favorite features at Sacre Coeur is its stone, which has the rare and highly symbolic property of whitening rather than darkening when wet. With every rainfall, Sacre Coeur has been getting brighter and brighter for 150 years.
Mosaics: The domes and vaults support glorious mosaics throughout the upper church. The apse mosaic is the largest in France, depicting Christ in majesty. P.S. See if you can spot a host of French saints present there, including St Jeanne d'Arc, St Denis, St Martin, St Genevieve, St Bernard of Clairvaux, St Louis King of France, St Francis de Sales, St Vincent de Paul, St Marguerite-Marie Alacoque, St John Eudes, and St Madeleine Sophie Barat.
Domes: The four smaller domes surrounding the central dome represent the apostles. The central dome represents Christ. The architecture itself forms a visible theology.
Stained glass chapels: Multiple side chapels and vibrant stained glass windows illustrate detailed biblical scenes.
Crypt: Below the main upper church, a crypt houses statues, religious artifacts, and tombs of notable figures.
Bell: The largest bell in France hangs in the tower. In perhaps the most charming custom of all time, French church bells are usually named; this bell is called Francoise-Marguerite but goes by her nickname, "La Savoyarde."
What to do at Sacre Coeur
Adoration: Along with participating in the regular schedule of Liturgy of the Hours and Mass, you can join perpetual adoration any time during daily hours. After hours, you can register in the night of adoration program here.
Confession: Sacre Coeur's other major apostolate is Divine Mercy and reconciliation. A priest is always on duty for confession. You can check the schedule here.
Dome climb: If you're up for it, you can climb 300 narrow steps to gain one of the highest vantage points in Paris (make sure you're committed—there's no elevator!).
Gift shop: I love the gift shop at Sacre Coeur more than the ones at Notre-Dame or Sainte-Chapelle. You'll find beautiful, unique medals, artwork, ornaments, and postcards painted by the sisters.
Terrace: Paris is for people watching, and the Sacre Coeur plaza staircase offers an ideal late-afternoon hang out.
Take photos: I always guide people to visit Sacre Coeur at sunset and plan to take photos. Everyone looks fantastic in that pink Sacre Coeur magic.
How to visit Sacre Coeur
Location: 35 Rue du Chevalier de la Barre, Paris
Basilica hours: The basilica is open daily 6:30 a.m.–10:30 p.m.
Dome hours: The dome is open 10:15 a.m.–7:00 p.m. You can check seasonal changes to the schedue here. Dome climbs cost 5€ for children and 8€ for adults.
Adoration: All night for registered adorers. Register here.
Admission: Free; consider donating a small pilgrim tithe
Metro access: Metro Line 2 to Anvers, then climb up the hill or take the funicular (the funicular uses a standard metro ticket). Metro Line 12 to Abbesses is another good option, plus you will be able to pass by the famous "I Love You" wall.
Recommended time: 1-2 hours
Recommended ages: All ages (see our nine tips for taking young people to visit churches here)
A note: Photography is welcome throughout most of the basilica, but not during Mass or in the central nave.
If you're planning a trip to France (or anywhere!), I'd love to help you go differently. This is my favorite thing to do. Let's talk!
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