Sainte-Chapelle in Paris Visit and Tickets
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What to expect
Nestled in the heart of Île de la Cité, the Sainte-Chapelle in Paris is a significant historical site in France. Built in the 13th century by King Louis IX, better known as Saint-Louis, it was originally intended to house the relics of the Passion of Christ and its most prominent treasure, the Crown of Thorns. From the outside, Sainte-Chapelle appears to be surrounded by the buildings of Paris, but its interior is nothing short of breathtaking. The Upper Chapel is a one-of-a-kind space that seems to defy the laws of physics. The sparkle of its immense stained glass windows fills the space beneath vaults reaching over 20 meters in height. The Sainte-Chapelle is a true architectural gem that should not be missed under any circumstances!
By choosing to book your visit to Sainte-Chapelle with Come to Paris, you will enjoy an exceptional and hassle-free experience. With our combined tickets, you can take advantage of exclusive discounts that will allow you to admire the chapel's beauty even more serenely.
Below, you'll find detailed information about the history of Sainte-Chapelle, our combination tickets, as well as photos and videos to give you a preview of what you'll see during your visit. We take pride in offering a high-quality experience to visitors of Sainte-Chapelle in Paris, and we hope you'll choose Come to Paris for your visit.
Sainte Chapelle Opening Times
January 2nd to March 31st : every day, from 9 am to 5 pm
April 1st to October 31st : every day, from 9 am to 6 pm
**November 1st to December 31st ** : every day, from 9 am to 5 pm
The Sainte-Chapelle is closed on January 1st, May 1st and December 25th.
It is recommended that you visit in the morning.
No access between 1 pm and 2.15 pm from Monday to Friday.
Late opening on Wednesdays until 9.30 pm from mid-May to mid-September.
Free entry
- Under 18s (with family and excluding school groups)
- 18-25 year olds (European Union residents and non-European residents living in France)
- Disabled persons and their carer
- Unemployed persons, upon presentation of a certificate of less than 6 months
- Culture card - ICOM card
- For all, the first Sunday of each month, from November 1st to March 31st
A little history
Notre-Dame Cathedral is world-famous and attracts visitors in considerable numbers, but the Sainte-Chapelle remains relatively little-known. It has a fascinating tale to tell, however, of the formidable passion and piety of a king, Louis IX, who was commonly known as Saint Louis due to his religious zeal. It was he who ordered the building of a chapel in the heart of his palace as he wished it to house his collection of Passion relics, in particular Christ’s Crown of Thorns, which he purchased in 1239 from Baldwin II, the Emperor of Constantinople. The devout and powerful king wanted to venerate his relics in a private sanctuary entirely dedicated to their worship, protecting them in an immense reliquary as if it were a glass case. At this time, the mid-13th century, Paris was the intellectual capital of the Christian world. The Sainte-Chapelle would become one of its showpieces.
Following the French Revolution, the relics of the Sainte-Chapelle were dispersed, with some being preserved at Notre Dame, but the building has nonetheless retained its soul. It is comprised of two superimposed chapels, which you enter by the lower chapel. In the time of Saint Louis this housed the offices of the nobility and the employees of the palace. Conceived as a crypt, it is marked with the seal of the king: the Fleur de Lys and the Chateau of Castille in homage to the king’s mother, Blanche de Castille.
To reach the light, you have to enter the space that was once reserved for the king; the upper chapel, a kingdom of colour. In this place of multi-hued light, the glorious stained glass windows soar heavenwards to the extent that it seems the architects made the stone all but disappear. You will wonder how these colossal windows and their huge arches can stand unsupported. The Sainte-Chapelle was the most accomplished expression of all the arts and sciences of its time.
Would you like to know more about the Sainte-Chapelle’s history?
Did you know?
While the stained glass primarily depicts major biblical episodes, several scenes are not from the Holy Book but from the Bible of Saint Louis, one of the most beautiful works of the Middle Ages. It shows the sovereign as a prophet or carrying the Ark of the Covenant. The message is highly political, with Sainte-Chapelle serving the royal ideology of Saint Louis.
By using our website to book your visit to the Sainte Chapelle in Paris, you can be sure of having an exceptional experience and enjoying one of the most beautiful gems of Gothic architecture in France. Reserve your visit now and discover the beauty of Sainte Chapelle!
Customer Reviews
4.8/5191 reviews
The entry was seamless with the pre paid and printed ticket. Just security to go through.
Well worth getting in advance.
Absolutely gorgeous and amazing chapel
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Map
75001 Paris
Cité
Châtelet
Saint-Michel Notre-Dame
Chatelet les Halles
Cite - Palais De Justice
