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Sainte-Chapelle : a magnificent hidden gem of Paris

Last updated on September 4, 2017 by Claire / this article contains affiliate links (Info)

Hidden inside a bigger building, the Sainte-Chapelle looks just like another church from the outside. However when you reach the second floor you discover this is one of the absolute gems of Paris.

Guide to visit Sainte-Chapelle church Paris France

Navigate back to the complete Paris Travel Guide


INFO & PLANNING TIPS - Sainte-Chapelle church

Sainte-Chapelle was built in the 12th century upon the order of King Saint-Louis to house the relics of the Crucifixion. 

The church is a gothic structure with 2 levels. The upper chapel is covered in 600 m² of stained-glass windows, of which two thirds are authentic. They have just be renovated and are magnificent.

It was consacrated​ in 1248.

TIPS FOR TRAVEL PLANNING ADDICTS

Getting to the Sainte-Chapelle

  • On Ile de la Cité, a short walk from Notre-Dame Cathedral
  • Inside the Law Courts building (Palais de Justice)
  • Entrance via Boulevard du Palais

Visiting the Sainte-Chapelle

  • As of September 2015, the entry price is 8.50 euros
  • Check the opening hours on the Paris info website
  • Choose a sunny day so that the stained glass reveal all its beauty
  • If you are coming just at opening wait a little for them to open the door to the terrace
  • The second floor as description of all the stained glasses in 6 languages
  • A lift is available for disabled people

For more architectural information, check out this page dedicated to the Sainte Chapelle

Description of the stained glasses at Sainte Chapelle, Paris

I love it so much that I have included in many of my suggestions of 3 days itineraries for Paris.


Sainte-Chapelle from the outside

I asked around and the Sainte-Chapelle is not really well-known by French people. I personnaly had not idea it existed. I was walking around after visiting Notre-Dame when I saw a queue of tourists. During lunch break I read about it and decided to join the queue. I don't regret for a second, this is my second favorite place in Paris so far after the top of the Saint Jacques Tower.

From the street, you can only see the top of the Sainte-Chapelleabove the rest of the Law Courts building.

From the street, view of of Sainte-Chapelle, Paris

Once inside the Law Courts building, you can see one side of the church and already notice the different proportions from classic churches.

Outside view of Sainte-Chapelle, Paris 1
Outside view of Sainte-Chapelle, Paris 2

This is the facade. The size of the rosace is promising...

Facade of Sainte-Chapelle, Paris

There are gargoyles all around and there shapes are really intriguing:

Outside view of Sainte-Chapelle, Paris 3
Outside view of Sainte-Chapelle, Paris 4

Inside theyre is a screen where you can discover better the building and its history

Drawing of Sainte-Chapelle, Paris

Lower chapel of Sainte Chapelle church

The ground level was dedicated to parish services.

Entrance of Sainte-Chapelle, Paris
Door of Sainte-Chapelle, Paris

As you enter the first level of Sainte-Chapelle, you realise right away that is it not a typical church. The first level has a low ceiling. The rock is covered with Blue and gold decoration.

Ground level of Sainte-Chapelle, Paris 1
Ground level of Sainte-Chapelle, Paris 2
Ground level of Sainte-Chapelle, Paris 3
Ground level of Sainte-Chapelle, Paris 4

Every single inch is heavily decorated

Ornaments on Ground level of Sainte-Chapelle, Paris 1
Ornaments on Ground level of Sainte-Chapelle, Paris 2

Then it is time to discover the upper chapel:

Stairs to first level of Sainte-Chapelle, Paris

Second floor: the WOW moment

After climbing few steps, everyone arriving in the upper chapel shouts WOW!!!!! I am not kidding and stayed near the staircase to feel the amazement of the people.

The whole place is covered in stained glasses:

Stained glasses of Sainte-Chapelle, Paris 9
Stained glasses of Sainte-Chapelle, Paris 3
Stained glasses of Sainte-Chapelle, Paris 2
Stained glasses of Sainte-Chapelle, Paris 4
Stained glasses of Sainte-Chapelle, Paris 5
Stained glasses of Sainte-Chapelle, Paris 7

The floor is also very colorful:

Stained glasses of Sainte-Chapelle, Paris 11
Stained glasses of Sainte-Chapelle, Paris 8
Stained glasses of Sainte-Chapelle, Paris 12

The rosace of Sainte Chapelle

When you turn around you discover the sumptous rosace and its delicate scenes in the stained glass:

Stained glasses of Sainte-Chapelle, Paris 10
Rosace of Sainte-Chapelle, Paris 1
Rosace of Sainte-Chapelle, Paris 2
Rosace of Sainte-Chapelle, Paris 3

The terrace

The doors to the terrace have nice details

Stained glasses of Sainte-Chapelle, Paris 6

And here is the view from the terrace with the double door arch heavily sculpted:

Terrace of Sainte-Chapelle, Paris
Carvings at Terrace of Sainte-Chapelle, Paris 1
Carvings at Terrace of Sainte-Chapelle, Paris 2
Carvings at Terrace of Sainte-Chapelle, Paris 3
Carvings at Terrace of Sainte-Chapelle, Paris 4
Terrace of Sainte-Chapelle, Paris 2

I sat there and inside for a lot of time just soaking the atmosphere.


Want to see MORE of PARIS?

Discover more things to do with planning information and photos in my online Paris Travel Guide.

  

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Magnificent, don't you think?

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Britt says

    October 17, 2015 at 6:24 AM

    This place looks great!

    I especially like the ‘travel tips for planning addicts’!

    That’s me.

    Reply
    • Claire Robinson says

      October 17, 2015 at 3:27 PM

      Thanks for your comment Britt. I see that you are heading to Europe soon. Drop me an email when you are in paris!

      Reply
  2. Melinda says

    January 13, 2016 at 12:34 AM

    Beautiful photos Claire – and my favourite place in Paris also.

    I attended an evening concert here last September which was just magical and a good way to avoid the queue! But I do think the stained glass windows have to be seen with the daytime sunshine streaming through!

    Reply
    • Claire Robinson says

      January 13, 2016 at 10:54 AM

      Thanks Melinda. I am thinking of booking a concert ticket. The mix of music and architecture must make the experience incredible.

      Reply

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