Sainte-Chapelle & Conciergerie: Entry Ticket
Step back in time and see two of Paris's most historical monuments
- Sainte-Chapelle: Entry Ticket
- Conciergerie: Entry Ticket
- Histopad for the Conciergerie, available until 16:30 in French, English, Spanish, German, Italian and Chinese
Sainte-Chapelle Tickets and Information
- Sainte-Chapelle Address: 8 Boulevard du Palais, 75001, Paris
- Opening Hours: Friday: Closed. Saturday - Thursday: 09:00 - 19:00
Is Sainte-Chapelle Worth Visiting
- If you like UNESCO World Heritage Sites steeped in history, then definitely, yes.
What You See At Sainte-Chapelle
- UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Incredible architecture
- Beautiful Stained Glass Windows
Popular Tickets
About Sainte-Chapelle
Sainte-Chapelle is an amazing Gothic chapel which is famous amongst other things, for its exquisite stained glass windows and architectural grandeur.
It was built in the 13th century by King Louis IX of France (Saint Louis), who chose to build it in the heart of Paris on the ‘Île de la Cité’, which is the small island on the Seine which is also home to both Notre-Dame Cathedral and Conciergerie, amongst other famous buildings.
Sainte-Chapelle was originally constructed to house precious Christian relics which were owned by the King and included Christ’s ‘Crown of Thorns’ which Louis IX had managed to acquire in 1239, as well as a fragment of the ‘True Cross’. Both of which attracted crowds from all over Europe.
Its construction began in 1241 and was completed in 1248 and it was consecrated on April 26, 1248. The building consists of two floors - the lower and upper. The lower being the chapel and where the staff would access, and the upper level was originally reserved for the King and his guests.
The building is a prime example of Rayonnant Gothic architecture which is characterised by its tall, thin walls, large windows, and extensive use of stained glass, which are also one of the chapel’s most famous features and which cover most of the upper level.
The stained glass windows depict 1113 biblical scenes and stories from the Old and New Testaments and are in vibrant colours and are considered some of the finest examples of mediaeval stained glass in the world. On a bright sunny day, the lights they cast inside the church are quite simply mesmerising.
Given its age, Sainte-Chapelle has undergone various modifications and renovations over time and suffered damage, particularly during the French Revolution. In the 19th century, extensive restoration work was carried out to preserve and restore its architectural and artistic elements.
Today, Sainte-Chapelle is one of Paris’ most popular tourist attractions, along with other buildings on the famous island.
Popular Attractions
Sainte-Chapelle FAQs
- Is Sainte-Chapelle located on that little island in the middle of Paris?
- Yes, Sainte-Chapelle is located on Île de la Cité in Paris.
- Is Sainte-Chapelle wheelchair accessible?
- Yes, Sainte-Chapelle is wheelchair accessible.
- Do you need to book tickets in advance for Sainte-Chapelle?
- We always suggest booking tickets in advance to avoid disappointment. As one of Paris’ most popular tourist attractions, the queues at the ticket office can be very long, so buying in advance saves you time and allows you to enjoy the location more!
- What is Sainte-Chapelle?
Sainte-Chapelle is a Gothic-style royal chapel located on the Île de la Cité in Paris, France. It's famous for its stunning stained glass windows and was originally built to house precious Christian relics. - Where is Sainte-Chapelle in Paris?
- Sainte-Chapelle is on the ‘Île de la Cité’ which is the famous island in central Paris on the Seine.
- When was Sainte-Chapelle built?
- Its construction started in 1242 and it was consecrated in 1248 during the reign of King Louis IX (Saint Louis).
- Why is Sainte-Chapelle important?
- It's considered a masterpiece of the Rayonnant Gothic style and is one of the most beautiful examples of medieval stained glass architecture in the world.
- Can you still see the relics in Sainte-Chapelle?
- No, the relics were moved during the French Revolution. Many are now housed next door in Notre-Dame Cathedral.
- Is Sainte-Chapelle in Paris part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site?
- Yes, it is part of the UNESCO-designated Banks of the Seine historic site in Paris.
Sainte-Chapelle Fun Facts
- It's older than the Notre-Dame facade: Sainte-Chapelle was completed before Notre-Dame’s famous west facade was finished!
- Sainte-Chapelle was built in just 7 years: A remarkably short time for such a complex and intricate structure in the Middle Ages!
- It once held the most sacred Christian relics: Including the Crown of Thorns, believed to have been worn by Jesus.
- The stained glass windows cover 618 square meters: That’s almost the size of two tennis courts!
- The lower chapel was for servants: It’s darker and simpler compared to the radiant upper chapel.
- They used mostly blue and red in the stained glass: Giving it a distinctive and rich colour tone when sunlight shines through!
- You can find hidden royal symbols: Fleur-de-lis and castles decorate many parts which symbolise France and King Louis IX!
- It was designed like a jewel box: The architecture was meant to reflect the preciousness of the relics inside!
- The acoustics are incredible: Making it a popular venue for intimate classical concerts.
- The upper chapel is almost entirely glass: The walls are essentially just stained glass which is held in place by a delicate stone framework.
Useful Information About Sainte-Chapelle
Tips for Visiting Sainte-Chappelle
- Book Tickets Online: Its an easy and convenient way to secure your tickets.
- Combination Tickets: See our range of combination tickets for Sainte-Chapelle with options to include access to more attractions in the city. Click HERE for details.
- Visit Early or Late: Sainte-Chapelle can get very crowded, especially during peak tourist seasons. To enjoy a more peaceful visit and better photo opportunities, try to arrive early in the morning when it opens, or later in the afternoon as it can be quieter at those times.
- The Stained Glass Windows: The upper chapel is famous for its stunning stained glass windows, which depict over 1,000 scenes from the Bible, so make you lookout for them!
How To Get There
- Sainte-Chapelle, 8 Boulevard du Palais, 75001, Paris
Opening Hours
- Monday: 09:00 - 17:00
- Tuesday: 09:00 - 19:00
- Wednesday: 09:00 - 19:00
- Thursday: 09:00 - 19:00
- Friday: 09:00 - 19:00
- Saturday: 09:00 - 17:00
- Sunday: 09:00 - 17:00
