Sainte Chapelle

Sainte Chapelle is considered to be one of the greatest achievements of the Rayonnant period in Gothic architecture

Sainte Chapelle
Sainte Chapelle cc licensed ( BY ND ) flickr photo by ayelienne

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 4.6 out of 5 Star Rating

5 Star Rating This is a must see if visiting Paris. What is very unassuming from the outside, is an amazing world of stain glass on the inside. The large open cathedral tells the entire Bible in stain glass. It was cereal to stand in the middle of the room and see such intricate and detailed stain glass work completely surrounding you. Clearly a hidden gem of Paris. Book ahead to ensure there is availability.
Timothy Carmon - a week ago

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5 Star Rating 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 tethered is a line make.sure you check the signs for the correct line. One 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 - 2 weeks ago

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4 Star Rating While the church is beautiful, they could do a much better job with crowd management. As you can see when we showed up it was impossible to tell which line was for which type of entrance. For a weekday during shoulder season, the line moved much slower than expected too. I’d recommend getting tickets in advance.
Nicholas Jenson - 2 weeks ago

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5 Star Rating It's also a must-see, in my opinion. The stories made into the glass-mosaics are very detailed and astonishing. A bit crowded at times, but worth it. Book tickets in advance or go early enough if you just have the museum pass as you might not be let in anymore otherwise (they only let a limited amount of people on and only of you got the tickets in advance you are surely getting in)
Niklas Gatz - a week ago

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5 Star Rating Wow, it was an amazing experience! I loved it. When you go inside, it's a different feeling altogether. You have to look at each line from the bottom up, as each line has a separate story to tell. You also have to go to the upper level to see the stunning glass walls. And the best part? Entry is free with the Paris Museum Pass. Be sure to keep it with you wherever you go in Paris, it comes in handy!
Jay Wijayaweera - 3 months ago

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Directions

Metro / RER Line Nearest Station Walking Time
M4Saint-Michel4 minutes
M1, 7, 11, or 14Châtelet6 minutes
RER B or CSaint-Michel - Notre-Dame3 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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