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 4.7 out of 5 Star Rating

5 Star Rating We almost didn’t include during our visit but so glad we did! Stunning church with amazing history. Hard to believe just how old this church is. It was originally built to hold a portion of the crown of thorns. Just spectacular!!
Jeffrey Costellia - 2 weeks ago

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5 Star Rating Probably one of the most beautiful place to visit in Paris. Walking up the stairs and then getting into the Chapel is just breathtaking. The colours of the windows are beautiful and relates the story from Genesis to the Apocalypse. With the Paris pass, you get free entry but you will have to pay a fee to get the audio guide. We were the last entry which meant that we got to have the chapel for ourselves as they were closing it down.
Amanda - a month ago

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4 Star Rating Very beautiful but very noisy, silence should be required according to everything in a small building and even a bedroom. Overall a nice visit even if there was a very large crowd and noise There are two spaces to see, the most beautiful of course being the one at the top which has wonderful stained glass windows and is truly exceptional. Fairly quick visit, I advise you to buy your tickets online as you will save a little time.
Mohammad Ayoub - 2 months ago

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4 Star Rating Beautiful chapel inside the royal palace. It was beautiful but very crowded. Since it was for royal use before, the church itself looks very extravagant but quite small. We finished checking it in like 30-45 mins (with taking pictures and reading stuff). I went in for free as it was the first Sunday of February
Katrina D - 3 weeks ago

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5 Star Rating Small but exquisite chapel with the most amazing stained glass windows. Make sure to book at time slot in advance, avoid the weekend, go early in the day, the chapel is small so 30 minutes is all you need once you are in. It’s just one block from notre dame, easy to find with google maps but few signs. A great brief experiment as part of a walking tour of Paris. Great gift shop.
Colin Beaton - 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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