The distinctive outline of the Basilique du Sacré Coeur can be seen, silhouetted against the sky, from viewpoints all over Paris.  Once you start to climb towards the basilica from Barbès, Abbesses or Pigalle the clustered domes and towers disappear behind nearby buildings. You’d think it would be difficult to lose such a large landmark but the small direction markers, chalked helpfully on walls and pavements, suggest otherwise.

 

basilica sacré coeur street art paris

 

Glimpsed views through the narrow streets of Montmartre often frame a single dome or tower of the basilica.

 

 

Seen over nearby rooftops the different towers can appear to belong to separate churches.

 

 

The grand north facade faces out over a steeply sloping park towards the centre of Paris.  This is the iconic view that tourists from all over the world come to see.