Sainte Chapelle
Sainte Chapelle is considered to be one of the greatest achievements of the Rayonnant period in Gothic architecture
Sainte Chapelle, The Holy Chapel, is the only building that remains of the Capetian royal palace. The Sainte Chapelle was built to house the Passion Relics of King Louis IX. The relics were carried by the king himself, barefoot and dressed as a pilgrim, for the last part of their journey from Venice. These relics included the Crown of Thorns that was placed on Christ's head at his crucifixion.
The Sainte Chapelle is considered to be one of the greatest achievements of the Rayonnant period in Gothic architecture. It is designed to appear weightless and elegant. Visitors entering from the courtyard are greeted by the impressive sight of the grand ceremonial staircase and the eastern wing of Sainte Chapelle. A truly magnificent sight indeed. The name of the actual designer is up for debate. For many years it was considered to be the work of Pierre de Montreuil. This has since been revised and it is now debated whether it is the work of Jean de Chelles, Thomas de Cormont or an unidentified master mason from Amiens.
If this is not enough of an attraction, you will also be able to see one of the largest and most extensive collections of stained glass from the 13th century that is still in its original position. There are fifteen massive stained glass windows that fill the nave and apse and a rose window on the western wall. The glass depicts various scenes from both the New and Old Testaments of the Bible. There is also a depiction of how the Passion relics came to be in the Sainte Chapelle and the various miracles that they were involved in.
The Sainte Chapelle was damaged a number of times and has been lovingly restored an equal number of times. It is likely that this magnificent building will stand for many years to come. It is an ideal tourist attraction for those who love magnificent Gothic architecture as well as for those who marvel at stained glass or would just like to see the home of one of the most extensive Christian relic collections in history.
Nearby attractions: Notre Dame Cathedral and The Latin Quarter
Facts For Your Visit
Fee:Sainte Chapelle Hours:
Opening hours may differ on holidays
- Monday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Thursday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Saturday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Sunday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Address: 10 Bd du Palais, 75001 Paris, France
Phone: 01 53 40 60 80
Official Website: Sainte Chapelle
Sainte Chapelle Reviews
Rated out of 5
Beautiful stained glass windows!!
Remember even if you have a time stamped ticket, you still have to wait in line. Make sure you stand in the correct line for time stamped tickets based on the time you purchased for. Don’t wait in the super long line for people who have not purchased tickets.
Super quick experience and they have a cute little gift shop inside.
Kevin Dederick - a month ago
It's really a beautiful place! It is difficult not to be inspired by the painstaking attention to detail to create this cathedral! Truly master craftsman. Awe, inspiring! If there is a line, make sure you check the signs at the front for the correct line. One line is if your tour starts on the hour, one line on the half hour, and one to purchase your tickets. Also, if the official site does not have tickets, check third-party vendors' sites.
Joseph Elmer - a month ago
Sainte-Chapelle is a stunning Gothic gem, famous for its breathtaking stained glass windows that create a magical ambiance inside. However, the entry process can be tricky—simply purchasing tickets or having a Paris Museum Pass does *not* grant access to the reservation line. A timed entry slot must be booked well in advance. Without one, we had to wait around 45-50 minutes in an uncovered queue, which was especially inconvenient as it was drizzling. If you're planning a visit, reserving a time slot ahead of time is highly recommended to avoid long waits and unpredictable weather.
Unfortunately, there was no shade in the waiting line, and with a light drizzle, it became a bit uncomfortable.
kalpna sharma - in the last week
A friend's recommendation to go see this amazing church, we can't thank her enough... To think we could have missed this absolute gem.... Nothing prepares you for what you're about to see as you climb the winding turret staircase... Absolutely speechless.... Simply Breathtaking... On a really sunny day it must be majestic..... This was a definite highlight of our Paris trip..... Go see yourself....
Matt Tritschler - 2 weeks ago
The only thing that you can do is watching stained glass, but that’s everything. It’s just breathtaking.
However, even if I bought a ticket for 1pm, I could enter 1:20pm.
Lifecast Photos - a week ago
Directions
| Metro / RER Line | Nearest Station | Walking Time |
|---|---|---|
| M4 | Saint-Michel | 4 minutes |
| M1, 7, 11, or 14 | Châtelet | 6 minutes |
| RER B or C | Saint-Michel - Notre-Dame | 3 minutes |
How to get to Sainte Chapelle by Metro / RER
By Metro: From Metro Line 4 exit at Saint-Michel Station and cross the road to your right and walk north straight across the Saint-Michel Bridge and continue straight ahead to the entrance your left. From Metro Line 1, 7, 11, or 14 exit at Châtelet Station and follow Rue Saint-Denis south crossing the bridge over the River Seine. Keep walking south on Blvd du Palais to the entrance on your right a just little south of the Palace of Justice.
By RER: Take RER B or C to Saint-Michel - Notre-Dame Station; walk north across the Saint-Michel Bridge continuing to the entrance on your left.
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Accommodations near Sainte Chapelle:
Photo Gallery
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Sainte Chapelle boasts some of the most beautiful stained glass in the world cc licensed photo by Eric Borda -
Photo Credit: Jose Losada Foto - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Jose Losada Foto - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: szeke - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Sjaak Kempe - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Bradley N. Weber - cc license via Flickr
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