The Basilica of the Sacred Heart

Though one of the most famous tourist attractions in Paris, the church is consciously scaled back, the cavernous interior meant to generate humility, not majesty. It was also a statement against the excesses of the Baroque style that was still popular at the time when construction on the Basilique de Sacre Couer began. Nevertheless, it still features one or two ornate touches – from the yawning stained glass installations (reconstructed after World War II) to one of the largest mosaics in the world. Located in the apse, Christ’s magnanimous arms stretch from one side to the other. Another standard was set by the church’s enormous bell tower - built to contain a 19 ton bell, it is one of the world’s largest.

The Basilica of the Sacred Heart is open every day until 11 pm (one of the more convenient tourist attractions in Paris), and still holds mass on Sundays. Just get off the Metro at Pigalle station, walk the stone stairway up to the church, and take in the great view of one of the most beautiful cities imaginable.