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
The holy chapel opening hours are
9:00-19:00 from 1st april- 30 th sept 2025
9:00-17:00 1st Oct- 31 march 2026
The cost is 13€
This is a must book online only. There is no counter at the door. Usually there t gets fully book and you must plan 3/4 days at least ahead. The chapel is very small so only limited people can enter at a time. There is a downstairs chapel and the main chapel is on the first floor. This is the most beautiful stained glass windows and it is even more beautiful on sunny days when the sun light penetrates. Please note that unfortunately some renovations started in April 2025 so a small part is covered and it will take a while. But visits are as usual and a beautiful experience.
carine - a week ago
Utterly breathtaking chapel, a masterpiece of Medieval French architecture. The high ornate ceiling and fifteen stained glass windows transport you to a different reality where time stops and you just bathe in the light and history oozing from every window pane.
100% recommend to visit, it is well worth the queue.
Jommy Davi - 2 weeks ago
Located in Paris Law Courthouse, 10 Bd du Palais, 75001 Paris, France 🇫🇷.
Definitely recommend booking your ticket online, if you go without, you might not get entry.
For a guided tour -
Adult 20.50€
Under 18 years FREE admission
To explore yourself -
Adult 13.00 €
Under 18 years FREE admission
People with disabilities FREE admission
18-25 years FREE admission (European Union)
There are audio guides available if you want them.
It’s a timed ticket , but you will have to wait in the correct line for the time stamped tickets based on the time you purchased for. Don’t get confused and wait in the extra long line for people who have not purchased tickets. There’s a gift shop inside if you want to purchase souvenirs.
The glass windows are breathtaking. The craftsmanship that went into this is unbelievable. I could have sat looking at it for hours. The winding turret staircase is stunning but be careful as you climb. We weren’t there for long but it was definitely worth the visit. Would definitely recommend. Thumbs Up!!! 👍👍👍
Nerine Cummins - 2 months ago
PRO'S: Sainte-Chapelle, the private chapel in the old royal palace on the isle of Paris has a magnificent display of stained glass windows. The windows dominate the chapel's surrounding walls in a manner that is not possible in a large cathedral. Be sure and rent the audio headphones to get the full explanation.
CON'S: Arrive by Metro or taxi and buy tickets in advance to avoid an hour plus wait for admission.
SUMMARY: More intimate than cathedrals, we return often to be overwhelmed by the stained glass beauty and majesty.
Kyle Britt (Natl.ParksWineGuy) - a week ago
Magnificent stained glass windows that need to be seen in person! Pictures simply do not do them justice. The amount of detail in the glass work is a marvel. It is important to buy tickets in advance, as the lines for non tickets holders get long.
Zack Brandt - in the last week
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: szeke - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Bradley N. Weber - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: rcamboim - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Sjaak Kempe - cc license via Flickr
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