Sainte Chapelle

The Sainte Chapelle is part of the Palais de la Cité, and entrance is included with the Paris Museum Pass. Visitors can purchase a combination ticket including skip-the-line access to both the chapel and the adjoining La Conciergerie, where Marie Antoinette was imprisoned.

Official Sainte Chapelle tours are conducted in French only, so book a group or private tour if you want to explore the chapel with a guide. For the best value, opt for a walking tour of the Île de la Cité, which includes visits to other attractions such as the towers of Notre Dame or a Seine River cruise.

• All visitors must go through a security check. Large bags are not allowed inside.

• Audio guides are available in 11 different languages.

• Most areas of the Sainte Chapelle are wheelchair accessible.

Sainte Chapelle is located on the Boulevard du Palais, on the Île de la Cité in the middle of the Seine River. It’s a short walk from nearby Notre Dame Cathedral, and the closest metro station is Cité (Line 4). Alternatively, ride the RER or metro (Line 4) to St.-Michel Notre-Dame and walk across the Pont Saint-Michel.

The Sainte Chapelle is open daily year-round, but it can get crowded in peak season, so opt for an early morning visit to avoid the crowds. The most impressive time to admire the stained glass windows is in the morning or late afternoon, when the sun shines directly through the glass.

The magnificent Upper Chapel is the star attraction of the Sainte Chapelle. It’s encircled by 15 gigantic stained glass windows, each towering 49 feet (15 meters) high, which depict 1,113 scenes from the Old and New Testaments. The 13th-century artworks have been painstakingly restored and are joined by the 15th-century Rose Window to create a dramatic effect, bathing the chapel in multicolored light.

Yes, tickets are necessary for entry into Sainte-Chapelle in Paris. As a popular tourist destination, tickets sell quickly, so it’s essential to reserve yours online ahead of your visit. People with disabilities and children under 18 enjoy free admission. However, they still must book a time slot in advance.

Yes, Sainte-Chapelle is worth visiting. Its spectacular stained glass windows, intricate Gothic architecture, and historical significance make it one of Paris’ most captivating gems. Witnessing the play of light through intricate designs is an experience that offers a profound appreciation for its beauty and artistry, regardless of your interest in history.

The morning hours are ideal for visiting Sainte-Chapelle. Arriving early allows you to enjoy the serene ambiance and the vibrant colors of its stained glass windows in natural light. Book your time slot in advance to ensure a peaceful and immersive experience before the crowds arrive later in the day.

No, there is no dress code for Sainte-Chapelle. The chapel has transformed into a museum and no longer hosts religious services. Nonetheless, it maintains its spiritual importance for many individuals. It's a good idea for visitors to opt for modest attire and remove hats while wandering through the interior.

The compact yet awe-inspiring interior of Sainte-Chapelle allows visitors to appreciate its stunning stained glass windows and intricate details within a relatively short visit. Walking through Sainte-Chapelle typically takes around 30 minutes to an hour, depending on crowd size and your personal interest in the more than one thousand scenes depicted in the stained glass.

Yes, photography is permitted inside Sainte-Chapelle. Guests can freely capture the beauty of the chapel’s 1,113 stained-glass windows and Gothic architectural details. Remember to be considerate of the sacred space and fellow visitors, ensuring a respectful and immersive experience of this spectacular Parisian marvel.