The foundations of this pilgrimage basilica were laid in 1875 at the highest point in Paris. It was financed by public subscription and completed in 1912.

« When hackneys were leaving the pavement and hit the cobblestone, their fresh and sad clattering echoing in the streets was like the rolling of the sea, the tolling of a bell, the growing crescendo of good news. »

 Léon Paul Fargue