The famous Sacré-Cœur cathedral in Paris is one of the many tourist destinations left deserted after France imposed a country-wide lockdown to slow the spread of COVID-19.

The Sacré-Cœur Basilica, which is the second most visited monument in Paris, is usually bustling with visitors taking photos and visiting the cathedral. 

But today, only runners can be seen, as the country is under a national lockdown and only those with valid reasons are allowed outside. Those who can't justify being outside risk being fined by French police.

Other popular tourist destinations including the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre museum and Disneyland Paris are also closed under these unprecedented measures. 

The impact of the coronavirus outbreak on France's economy has particularly affected the tourism sector.

French tourism authorities say there could be a shortfall of 10 billion euros ($11 billion) in the first four months of this year alone.

France now has more than 20,000 confirmed cases of coronavirus and the death toll stands at around 860.