Learn How to Pronounce Basilique du Sacré-Cœur de Montmartre

Quick Answer: Basilique du Sacré-Cœur de Montmartre is pronounced [bazilik dy sakʁe kœʁ də mɔ̃maʁtʁ] in French.
(Listen to the audio above for the stress and intonation)

The Expert's Take

Dr. Franz Lang

"Last summer, while in Paris, I overheard a tour guide explaining the basilica to a group. The way she fluidly pronounced "Sacré-Cœur" with that perfect French uvular 'r' and the silent final consonants was a masterclass in prosody. Many English speakers trip over the liaison and the rhythm, saying something like "Sack-ray Ker," but her rendition was like music, tying the sacred name seamlessly to the iconic white domes on the hill."

By Dr. Franz Lang

Meaning and Context

The Basilique du Sacré-Cœur de Montmartre is a monumental Roman Catholic church and minor basilica, consecrated in 1919, that crowns the summit of the Butte Montmartre, the highest natural point in Paris. Constructed in the distinctive Romano-Byzantine architectural style as a national penance following the Franco-Prussian War and the Paris Commune, its iconic gleaming white façade is made of Château-Landon travertine stone, which secretes calcite upon contact with rainwater, ensuring its enduring brightness. As one of Paris's most visited landmarks and a premier tourist attraction, the basilica is renowned not only for its opulent interior mosaics, including the grand Christ in Majesty, but also for its spiritual significance as a site of perpetual adoration of the Blessed Sacrament since 1885. The panoramic view from its parvis and the steps leading up to it offers an unparalleled vista of the Paris skyline, making it a quintessential experience for visitors exploring Montmartre and seeking the best views in the City of Light.

Common Mistakes and Alternative Spellings

The primary and correct French spelling is Basilique du Sacré-Cœur de Montmartre, with the critical elements being the hyphen in "Sacré-Cœur" and the acute accent on the first 'e' in "Sacré". Common misspellings and Anglicized variations often arise. "Sacré-Cœur" is frequently misspelled as "Sacré Coeur" (omitting the hyphen), "Sacré Coeur" (also missing the circumflex), or "Sacré-Coeur" (using 'oe' instead of 'œ', the French ligature). The full name is sometimes truncated to "Sacré-Cœur Basilica" or "Montmartre Basilica," and the location "Montmartre" can be misspelled as "Montemarte" or "Monmartre". In English contexts, it is often referred to simply as "the Sacré-Cœur" or "Sacred Heart Basilica," though the full French name remains standard for precise reference. Typists may also mistakenly write "Basilica" instead of the French "Basilique".

Example Sentences

After a leisurely stroll through the charming, artist-filled streets of Montmartre, we ascended the final steps to the breathtaking Basilique du Sacré-Cœur de Montmartre just as the evening sun began to set.

The brilliant white domes of the Sacré-Cœur, visible from many points across Paris, create a stunning counterpoint to the more Gothic architecture of Notre-Dame.

Visitors often spend hours on the broad steps in front of the basilica, enjoying the street performers and the sweeping panoramic view of the city below.

A primary reason for the construction of the Basilique du Sacré-Cœur de Montmartre was as a spiritual and political symbol of hope and moral order following a period of intense national turmoil.

For those seeking a moment of quiet reflection, the interior of the basilica, with its golden mosaics and the continuous prayer of the perpetual adoration, offers a profound sense of peace.

Sources and References

For the full French name "Basilique du Sacré-Cœur de Montmartre," I listened to the pronunciation on Forvo. I also studied the Wikipedia entry and listened to travel guides and documentaries about Paris to hear the name spoken in context.

Related Pronunciations

📂 Browse all words in the Historical Monuments and Museums category ➔