Sainte-Chapelle Chapel
About Sainte-Chapelle
Sainte-Chapelle is in Paris and is located within the Palais de la Cité which was home to the King of France until the 14th century. The chapel was completed in 1248 and is famous for its tall stained-glass windows. It was also the original home of Jesus Christ’s Crown of Thorns until it later moved to Notre Dame. The Crown of Thorns was kept in Notre Dame until the terrible 2019 fire. The Crown survived the fire, thanks to a firefighter who rescued it. Today, the building surrounding Sainte-Chapelle serves as the French Palais de Justice.
The exterior of Sainte-Chapelle follows the traditional Rayonnant architecture, which includes deep buttresses and cracked gables. Inside the chapel, there are 15 large stained glass windows that are among the best in the world. There is also a large rose window that was added in 1490. The windows portray scenes from both the Old and New Testament of the Bible. Much of the chapel today has been reconstructed due to damage during the French Revolution. Still, it is spectacular, and my favorite house of worship I have ever visited.
Sainte-Chapelle Chapel - Table of Contents
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Getting to Sainte-Chapelle
Sainte-Chapelle can easily be reached by the Paris Metro. Get off at the station Cité, and walk up the street away from Notre Dame.
During my visit, I walked from Notre Dame to Sainte-Chapelle. The biggest issue visiting Sainte-Chapelle was that the queue was very slow due to enhanced security. The day prior, there had been a terrible terror attack at the airport in Brussels, and everyone inside the EU was on edge. The entry queue is shared with people entering the Palace of Justice, which added to the wait. I believe I waited over an hour to get inside the chapel.
There is no cost to enter Sainte-Chapelle as long as you are willing to wait in the line and go through a security screening.
Inside Sainte-Chapelle
Once I entered the Sainte-Chapelle, I was amazed by two things. First, it was tiny when compared to many of the other churches that I visited. Second, it had the most amazing stained glass I had ever seen. Inside Sainte-Chapelle it was very crowded. I did my best to get as many photographs as possible. Looking back, I wish I would have gone from window to window, visualizing the story that the stained glass was attempting to tell.
I visited the Chapel before I purchased my camera, and the pictures I took were only with my iPhone. The images below are nowhere near as stunning as viewing it in person.
Tours that Include Sainte-Chapelle
Self-touring Sainte-Chapelle can be easily done, and a tour is not necessary. For those that prefer to be led by a local expert, I have linked four tours below that include Sainte-Chapelle. I am an affiliate partner of Viator. If you book a tour using one of the links below, I will receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. I would greatly appreciate it if you would consider booking using one of my links.
Prices are accurate as of May 2023.
 Conciergerie, Sainte-Chapelle, and Notre Dame Cathedral Tour in Paris - $84.20 In the heart of the Ile de la Cité, this guided tour will let you discover three wonderful places: the legendary Notre Dame, the Conciergerie and the Sainte Chapelle. History, art and mysteries, from the Middle Ages to the French Revolution. |
 Heart of Paris Walking Tour: Île de la Cité, Seine Cruise, Sainte Chapelle - $43.08 Due to Covid19, until the end of 2020, this tour will be amended to ensure your safety: Group size and tour duration may be reduced. This will be amended as Covid restrictions relax in accordance with local regulations. |
 Private tour of the Sainte Chapelle with binoculars. - $158.50 The Sainte Chapelle is a beautiful place, but once you get past the wonder, it can be a rather frustrating visit. Indeed you will not see the details of the stain glass windows and will not understand anything. There are very few explanations on the spot. I have built a tour especially for those who want to understand everything in the stained glass windows of the Sainte Chapelle. I made a selection from the 1113 stained glass windows, I printed them out, so that you can see them up close. I lend you binoculars so that you can find any representation in the stained glass windows. Together we will retrace the history of the Old Testament and understand the message that King Saint Louis wanted to pass on to us. Believe it or not, I'll show you zombies, monsters and miracles. |
 Paris City : Fabulous Sainte Chapelle & Surroundings Tour - $169.04 Explore the Luxembourg Palace and gardens, a former royal residence which is now home to gorgeous greenery and statues. |
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