After the Franco-Prussian War of 1870, it was proposed to construct a church to the Sacred Heart on the hill of Montmartre. Although originally funded privately, in 1873, the National Assembly declared its construction to be a state undertaking. Of the 78 entries in the competition for its design, the one chosen was by the architect named Abadie. He was already well known for his restoration of the St-Front Cathedral in Périgueux.