Saw related question on navigating the stairs at Notre Dame and Arc de Triomphe. How about Sacre Cour? Many small, winding steps? Level of difficulty? Thanks for your help!
Posted by
victoria, Canada
11507 posts
Donna, I did them a few weeks ago. The first part is narrow and spiral, but then they winden a bit and become straight flights, then a few external flights( this part was a bit harder for me because of my fear of heights) I then recall a few more spirals.. They had me huffing and puffing a bit when I arrived,, but I am not as fit as I used to be.. I personally think most people of decent fitness and not too old , could do them, but once you hit a certain age I would probaly not recommend.. and unfortunately that age is different for everyone so can't put a number on it. The one advantage of the stairs of SC over ND is that at least at SC there are a few more places to step aside and rest( after initial spiral flights) ,, ND stairs are definately a bit harder in my opinion.
At the Arc you can always take the elevator.
Posted by
London, United Kingdom
4684 posts
I think the OP is asking about the stairs to the towers within the building rather than the funicular or stairs up and down the hill.
Posted by
OP
Ohio
2161 posts
Hi everyone, thanks for your responses. Yes, I'm interested in taking the steps inside of Sacre Cour to get to the rooftop. Hoping to get some good photos. My issue is with small spaces (winding steps) but it sounds like I'll be able to handle the ones at Sacre Cour.
Posted by
Frankfurt, Germany
9220 posts
The best part about climbing the steps to the top of the church, is that not that many people do it, so you don't have the problems with crowds. We found plenty of spots to rest, and took some unique photos. The view from the top is spectacular and climbing up here was probably our favorite thing that we did in Paris, except for the Bastille Day party by the Eiffel Tower.