Overview
Nestled on the Ile de la Cité in the middle of the river Seine, the Sainte-Chapelle is among finest examples of French Gothic architecture. Built in the 13th century, this monument is famous for its stained glass windows that depict narratives from the Old and New Testaments of the Bible. Initially, King Louis IX had commissioned the construction of this magnificent site to store his impressive collection of holy relics, including the Crown of Thorns.
Today, however, Sainte-Chapelle does not house any of these relics and does not even function as a church. It is still counted among the most important and beautiful structures in Paris and is famed for both its history and its distinct architecture. It is also home to the world's largest collection of 13th-century stained glass.
Plan Your Visit to Sainte Chapelle
- By Train:
Metro-1, Metro-14, or Metro-4 can take you to Sainte-Chapelle. Métro Line 4 is the most convenient, taking you to the Cité stop. After arriving at the stop, proceed one block up the Rue de Lutèce to the Sainte-Chapelle.
- By Bus:
To get to Sainte-Chapelle, use buses with board numbers 21, 24, 27, 85, or 96. You can also take the Batobus, which stops on the Left Bank across from Notre Dame.
- By Car:
To get to this chapel by car, simply follow the banks of the Seine river to Châtelet or Saint-Michel, and then the Boulevard du Palais.
Tips to Visit Sainte Chapelle
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Book your entry ticket to Sainte Chapelle online in advance to skip the long lines at the ticket office and get more time to tour the monument.
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The chapel is closed from 1 PM to 2 PM, so arrange your day appropriately.
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Sainte-Chappel and Justice Palace share the same security checkpoint and entrance. Hence, you can use the same ticket to see both monuments.
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To avoid the long queues, you should visit Sainte-Chapelle and the Conciergerie, which are only 100 metres apart. Conciergerie charges 12.50 Euros per adult for a dual ticket.
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Visit Sainte Chapelle during sunset or when there is ample daylight available to catch spectacular images of this iconic Parisian building.
FAQs
What are Sainte Chapelle hours?
Sainte Chapelle remains open to visitors from 9 AM to 5 PM between October and March. From April to September, it is open from 9 AM to 7 PM.
What is the best time to visit Sainte Chapelle?
The best time to visit Sainte Chapelle is an hour before sunset. At this time, the sun rays touch the stained glass windows at a nice angle, beautifully illuminating them.
What is the best way to get to Sainte Chapelle?
Among the many ways to reach Sainte-Chapelle is via Metro line 4. It directly takes you to the Cite stop from where Sainte-Chapelle is only a block away.
How do you get to the Sainte-Chapelle in Paris?
If you’re wondering how to reach Sainte-Chapelle, board Metro line 1, 14, or 4. You can also travel here by bus by boarding buses with route numbers 21, 24, 27, 85, or 96.
How much time does it take to visit Sainte Chapelle?
It will take approximately an hour for you to explore Sainte-Chapelle fully.
Can you take pictures in Sainte-Chapelle?
Yes, you can take photographs inside Sainte-Chapelle. However, flash photography is prohibited.
How tall is the Sainte-Chapelle window?
The iconic stained glass windows of Sainte-Chapelle are 15 metres high.