Sainte Chapelle Tickets
Sainte-Chapelle is a breathtaking Gothic chapel in Paris, renowned for its stunning 13th-century stained glass windows that depict biblical scenes in vivid detail. Built by King Louis IX to house sacred relics, including the Crown of Thorns, it is a masterpiece of medieval architecture. Located on Île de la Cité, Sainte-Chapelle is a must-visit for history and art lovers exploring Paris.
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Visitor's guide
Must-see highlights & key info
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Go on a guided walking tour of Île de la Cité and discover renowned sites like Notre Dame, Sainte-Chapelle, the Conciergerie, and more.
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Gain entry to Sainte-Chapelle and marvel at the 13th-century stained glass and Gothic architecture commissioned by King Louis IX.
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Choose to embark on a 1-hour Seine River cruise and catch sight of the Parisian landmarks from a vantage viewpoint.
More details
-
Go on a guided walking tour of Île de la Cité and discover renowned sites like Notre Dame, Sainte-Chapelle, the Conciergerie, and more.
-
Gain entry to Sainte-Chapelle and marvel at the 13th-century stained glass and Gothic architecture commissioned by King Louis IX.
-
Choose to embark on a 1-hour Seine River cruise and catch sight of the Parisian landmarks from a vantage viewpoint.
-
Step back in history at 2 of Paris' most iconic attractions: Conciergerie and Sainte-Chapelle.
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First, explore Conciergerie, a medieval royal palace turned revolutionary prison that held important figures like Marie-Antoinette in captivity.
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Later, marvel at the gothic architecture and the breathtaking stained glass windows depicting scenes from the Bible at Sainte-Chapelle.
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Fun fact: From the altar, Saint-Louis showed the relics to the Parisians every year on Good Friday.
More details
-
Step back in history at 2 of Paris' most iconic attractions: Conciergerie and Sainte-Chapelle.
-
First, explore Conciergerie, a medieval royal palace turned revolutionary prison that held important figures like Marie-Antoinette in captivity.
-
Later, marvel at the gothic architecture and the breathtaking stained glass windows depicting scenes from the Bible at Sainte-Chapelle.
-
Fun fact: From the altar, Saint-Louis showed the relics to the Parisians every year on Good Friday.
-
Explore the Pantheon and its crypt and appreciate its architecture, and interiors decorated with mosaics, paintings, and other relics signifying French history.
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Discover the charming Ile de la Cite island in a small group, listening to fascinating commentary from an expert local guide.
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Marvel at the Gothic facade of Notre Dame, Sainte-Chapelle's stained glass windows, and the private cell of Marie Antoinette at La Conciergerie.
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Cap off your experience with a relaxing cruise on the Seine River, a great vantage point for admiring the beautiful city.
-
Fun fact: From the altar of Sainte-Chapelle, Saint-Louis showed the relics to the Parisians every year on Good Friday.
More details
-
Explore the Pantheon and its crypt and appreciate its architecture, and interiors decorated with mosaics, paintings, and other relics signifying French history.
-
Discover the charming Ile de la Cite island in a small group, listening to fascinating commentary from an expert local guide.
-
Marvel at the Gothic facade of Notre Dame, Sainte-Chapelle's stained glass windows, and the private cell of Marie Antoinette at La Conciergerie.
-
Cap off your experience with a relaxing cruise on the Seine River, a great vantage point for admiring the beautiful city.
-
Fun fact: From the altar of Sainte-Chapelle, Saint-Louis showed the relics to the Parisians every year on Good Friday.
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- Choose what works for you – the pass is valid for 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6 consecutive days. Now that's what we call flexibility.
More details
- Dive into the heart of Paris with this all-in-one city card! Bounce between 60+ attractions, guided tours, and discounts at popular eateries
- Here's a deal that'll make you happy! Save a whopping 50% on the Louvre, hop-on hop-off, cruise tours, and magical walks through Montmartre and Sacré-Cœur.
- Turn Paris into your playground with the free Museum Pass! Swing by the magnificent Arc de Triomphe, Panthéon, and Centre Pompidou, at no extra cost.
- Experience Paris the smart way. Your digital pass zooms into your inbox in seconds and with one tap you're good to go.
- Choose what works for you – the pass is valid for 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6 consecutive days. Now that's what we call flexibility.
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About Sainte Chapelle
Uncover the historical gem of Sainte-Chapelle in Paris, constructed by Louis IX in the 13th century. Nestled on Île de la Cité, this royal chapel epitomizes the Rayonnant Gothic architectural style. Hosting Christian relics such as the Crown of Thorns, its upper chapel, reserved for the royals, features 1,100 vibrant stained glass windows depicting biblical tales. Constructed in just seven years, Sainte-Chapelle is a symbol of monarchy and a testament to High Gothic architecture. Book your tickets for a captivating journey through time.
The upper chapel appears incredibly light and delicate, but it’s actually supported by hidden iron reinforcements within its slender stone columns, an architectural marvel for its time.
In 2015, a $10 million restoration revitalized the iconic stained glass windows of Sainte Chapelle, coinciding with the 800th birth anniversary celebration of King Louis IX.
When sunlight streams through the stained glass, the chapel is transformed into a dazzling kaleidoscope of colors, often leaving visitors speechless at its beauty.
Since 1862, Sainte Chapelle has held the prestigious status of a National Historic Monument in France, underscoring its cultural and historical significance within the country's heritage.
Originally possessing 22 relics, including fragments of the cross, a nail, and the crown of thorns, Sainte Chapelle now houses only three relics. These remnants form part of the Notre-Dame de Paris treasure.
Why visit Sainte Chapelle?
Highlights
The Interior Decoration
The lavish interiors of Sainte Chapelle glorify Christ, adorned with stained glass windows capturing attention. Below, the Dado showcases intricate motifs and rich textile hangings, complemented by statues of the twelve apostles and Saint Peter, exemplifying medieval Parisian sculpting.
The Two Chapels
Sainte Chapelle is divided into upper and lower chapels, the former reserved for the King and family, while the latter served the royal staff. The lower chapel, with gilded architecture and a somber atmosphere, features Paris's oldest wall painting—the 13th-century Annunciation fresco. The upper chapel boasts high stained glass windows and an arched ceiling, standing as the cathedral's highlight.
The Stained Glass
Fifteen tall stained glass windows surround Sainte Chapelle, illustrating 1,134 biblical figures dominated by red and blue hues. Panels narrate Old and New Testament stories and depict Louis IX's acquisition of Passion relics. The western rose window, especially striking at sunset, portrays the Apocalypse of St. John.
The Vault Design
Sainte Chapelle's remarkable architecture is defined by its vaults. In the upper chapel, rib-like cages support the roof on slender columns, featuring deep blue vaults with golden stars representing heaven. The lower level's blue vaults, adorned with fleur-de-lys, symbolize the French royal heritage.
The Grand Shrine
The upper chapel focal point is a stunning golden shrine once housing Passion relics acquired from Constantinople Emperor Baldwin II for 135,000 livres. The collection included the Crown of Thorns and a Holy Cross fragment. Today, the shrine is empty, with relics transferred to the nearby Notre Dame Cathedral.
Plan your visit
Last entry: 30 minutes before closing time
Closed on: January 1, May 1 and December 25
Exceptional closing: July 26, 2024
Early closing:
- Sunday 24 December at 4pm
- Sunday 1 January at 4pm
Sainte Chapelle provides free WiFi.
The toilets are not located inside the Sainte-Chapelle itself, but rather in the courtyard of the Palais de Justice, which is right next door. To find them, exit the Sainte-Chapelle through the gift shop and turn right. You'll see a sign for the toilets just a few steps ahead.
Free parking is available at Sainte Chapelle on Sundays.
The various ramps at the attraction provide wheelchair accessibility.
Service animals are given access to Sainte Chapelle.
The elevator in the adjacent building provides elevator access to the upper chapel.
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