Sainte-Chapelle
Sainte-Chapelle
4.5
9:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 7:00 PM
About
The Sainte-Chapelle is the finest royal chapel to be built in France and features a truly exceptional collection of stained-glass windows. It was built in the mid 13th century by Louis IX, at the heart of the royal residence, the Palais de la Cité. It was built to house the relics of the Passion of Christ. Adorned with a unique collection of fifteen glass panels and a large rose window forming a veritable wall of light,the Sainte-Chapelle is a gem of French Gothic architecture. Designated world heritage site by UNESCO. Open:> 1st March to 31st October: Monday to Friday: from 9.30 a.m. to 12.45 a.m. and to 2.15 p.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday: from 9.30 a.m. to 6 p.m.> 1st November to 29th February: Monday to Friday: from 9 a.m. to 12.45 a.m. and to 2.15 p.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday: from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Last admission 30 minutes before closing time. The best time to visit is in the morning from Tuesday to Friday. Closed:> 1st January, 1st May and 25th December and in case of negative temperatures.
Duration: < 1 hour
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The area
Address
Neighbourhood: Ile de la Cité
Two islands sit in the middle of the Seine at the very heart of Paris. The more majestic one, Ile de la Cité, sparkles with history. This is the birthplace of Paris, the home of the Gothic Sainte-Chapelle, and the site of the prison where Marie Antoinette was held before her execution. Tourists flock to see the iconic Notre Dame and the beautiful bridges that straddle the Seine. Ile Saint-Louis, the more provincial island, welcomes you with cozy traditional eateries, small boutiques, and what some people say is the best ice cream in the city. This is essential Paris from its very beginnings to its modern appeal.
How to get there
- Cité • 3 min walk
- Saint-Michel – Notre-Dame • 3 min walk
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See what travellers are saying
- Jemille WilliamsAtlanta, Georgia357 contributionsPerfectly gorgeous venue for concert with perfect acoustics!About 20 years ago I read that Rick Steves recommends everyone take in a concert in this amazing chapel. It has the largest collection of 13th-century stained glass in the world! It was a lovely chamber music program and the group was so passionate and even a little humorous at times. They were full of joy and clearly enjoyed playing together for us.Visited August 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten October 21, 2023
- Daphne MCardiff, United Kingdom259 contributionsChaotic queues but worth it!We bought a timed ticket online as recommended and arrived an hour before our allotted time and boy were we glad we did! The queues are long regardless of pre-booking, there is confusing signage and a lack of helpful staff on hand to assist. Despite all of this the visit was worth it honestly. The chapel is breathtaking! The most stunning collection of stained glass I have ever seen. Once through the airport style security, it was busy but not overwhelmingly so which meant the visit could be enjoyed. Come on Paris! You could do so much better!!!!Visited October 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten October 24, 2023
- Bernadette LeroyMontpellier, France7 contributionsBeautiful experience acfound myself in sheer amazement, taking a moment to absorb every intricate detail. The ground floor hosts a charming gift shop, while the second floor unveils the true splendor of the churchClimb a few rounds and you emerge into a literally breathtaking cavern of stained glass. The panels are incredibly high and each tells a story and but the totality of them all together overwhelms.Visited January 2023Travelled with friendsWritten October 30, 2023
- MMCT6241 contributionsTotal chaos…but worth itBeautiful church that can’t be missed. Stained glass is absolutely amazing. Only criticism is how this place is run. Since advanced times tickets are needed I was not expecting a long wait to get in- well I was wrong! The line for ticket holders stretched the entire block. To add to that, there were two lines and it was confusing to know which line to wait in. My husband and I split up- I got to front first only to be told I was in wrong line and to head to back of other line. Thank goodness he was already queued up in the other line. We had 12:30 tickets and eventually got inside a little after 1:00.Visited November 2023Travelled with familyWritten December 1, 2023
- M | NLondon, United Kingdom5 contributionsThe splendidly illuminated sacred monumenIf you're looIf you're looking for a place to be truly awe-struck, look no further. This monument is truly monumental in its splendor and will leave you illuminated! Just don't forget to bring your sunglasses!king for a place to be truly awe-struck, look no further. This monument is truly monumental in its splendor and will leave you illuminated! Just don't forget to bring your sunglasses!Visited December 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten December 6, 2023
- GAR967 contributionsBeautiful but lacks managementThe sheer beauty of the chapel demands a five star review. It’s the most beautiful stained glass I’ve ever seen, truly magnificent. The information leaflet is also really informative about the long history of the chapel. However, the management is not good. I had to queue for half an hour despite buying a timed entry ticket, and the queuing area was chaos with no clear direction as to where one was meant to actually queue. The chapel itself was also too busy because they let people buy tickets on the way as wellVisited August 2023Travelled with friendsWritten December 17, 2023
- SMLikestoTravelBengaluru, India391 contributionsBeautiful but poorly managedWe reached here early in the morning having booked entry slot for 8:30 am . Though this meant that we had a very early start to our day, it was worth the effort because we managed to get inside without very long queues. Once inside, we got the audio guide and then went upstairs. This is where it started to go downhill. The entire area was filled with crowds. There was no control on how much time one can spend here or how many people can be allowed at once. Seriously, they should learn a tip or two from the likes of Borghese Gallery in Rome. It was not very intuitive to find out the numbering of the stained glass panels as being referred to in the audio guide. So, until we finally figured it out, we were staring at the wrong panels while hearing the description of another panel altogether. The number of descriptive cards in English were very limited so we never got to read one as it was always in use by other groups.Visited May 2023Travelled with familyWritten January 13, 2024
- Marta KārkliņaVentspils, Latvia307 contributionsImpressive but should be taken care of more!I think it would be better if they would limit the amount of people than can go in at the same time even more because it felt a bit crowded which can make it less enjoyable to appreciate all the beauty around you. Also given that the tickets are not exactly cheap it's a shame that they don't take better care of it because the security check room felt small and outdated and the Chapelle was quite dusty and the windows seemed dirty. But those are just small things compared to the fact that the Sainte Chapelle was just as impressive as I imagined to be!Visited January 2024Travelled with friendsWritten January 24, 2024
- Victoria188 contributionsChapel of lightThis chapel was built by King Louis IX to display the Crown of Thorns that Jesus wore. Its most impressive feature? Those stunning stained glass windows that soar high into the air. There's more glass than wall here, that's for sure. The chapel is located right next to the French courts, so security is tight. Lines to the chapel can get long, so you may want to purchase tickets in advance, or come here first thing in the morning. If you didn't purchase tickets in advance, you'll have to go through security first before proceeding to the chapel to buy your tickets. You can buy a combination ticket for the nearby Conciergerie, so if you plan on visiting that site as well, get the combination ticket.Visited February 2024Travelled soloWritten February 18, 2024
- AlbryBangor, United Kingdom1 contributionA truly heavenly experienceSunlight streams through a kaleidoscope of colors at Sa Sainte-Chapelle, a breathtaking jewel box in Paris. Each stained glass panel tells a biblical story, bathing the interior in a luminous glow. Prepare to be awestruck by the sheer artistry and historical significance of this architectural masterpiece. Don't miss the chance to walk among the clouds at the top chapel - a truly heavenly experience!Visited February 2024Travelled with familyWritten February 20, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
28,043 reviews
Excellent
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Very good
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1,423
Poor
352
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227
JoanneGruodiene
Maidstone, UK172 contributions
Jan 2020 • Couples
We pre booked tickets for this chapel, since Notre Dame is closed following the unfortunate fire, we were informed that this was the next best thing.
The stained glass windows were simply beautiful, the pictures do not do it justice. It does get overcrowded and they clearly let too many people in at once considering it is not the biggest of places.
Note: go to the left hand side when you go to the entrance and also if you’ve brought skip the line tickets then go to the entrance of the chapel once you get pass security as otherwise you could be queuing a while. We made this mistake. It’s not very clear if you don’t go to look.
The stained glass windows were simply beautiful, the pictures do not do it justice. It does get overcrowded and they clearly let too many people in at once considering it is not the biggest of places.
Note: go to the left hand side when you go to the entrance and also if you’ve brought skip the line tickets then go to the entrance of the chapel once you get pass security as otherwise you could be queuing a while. We made this mistake. It’s not very clear if you don’t go to look.
Written January 27, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Matt K
Bryan, TX11 contributions
Mar 2020
Sainte-Chapelle is unlike any of the dozens of churches/cathedrals I've seen in Europe. If you love stained glass or unique spaces, it's a must see, especially while nearby Notre Dame is out of commission. The admission is a bit steep (about 12 Euros) for what is probably a 20-30 minute activity for most people, but I'm glad I saw it.
Written March 14, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Doug W
8 contributions
Nov 2019
Beforre Notre Dame burned this lesser known gem was not a primary site for first time visitors in Paris. The high sunlight stained glass windows are best in the afternoon of a Sunny Paris day. November was dreary, but I enjoyed the history and as a repeat visitor would recommend Sainte-Chapelle to most people.
Written February 16, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
abbey a
19 contributions
Dec 2019
The Sainte-Chapelle was absoloutely gorgeous inside, the lower level was a little underwhelming and the entry price was unexpected as all other churches and chapels we visited were completely free. The stained glass windows were just stunning, it was an incredible sight. While it was a long wait, I do recommend going, the glass on the upper level were just gorgeous! I have never seen something so beautiful.
Written February 11, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
hiddenyum
Boston, MA26 contributions
Jun 2019
Breathtaking and beautiful church. Definitely a must see if visiting Paris and you have a little bit more time after hitting the classic sights like the Eiffel Tower. The sunlight coming through the stained glass windows is absolutely stunning and I believe the entrance fee is pretty cheap and can be paired with other sights.
Written February 11, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Maira Toledo
Sao Paulo, SP277 contributions
Dec 2019 • Solo
In some months of the year there are classical music concerts at night, mostly during the Christmas season. It’s an unforgettable experience to listen to Bach while admiring the stained glasses windows. The tickets can be bought online.
For regular visits during the day also buy online to avoid lines and program your visit for the morning to avoid crowds. The earliest in the morning the better.
For regular visits during the day also buy online to avoid lines and program your visit for the morning to avoid crowds. The earliest in the morning the better.
Written February 19, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
mlbpafan
Loveland, CO1,612 contributions
Oct 2019
Wow, this place is gorgeous! Not at all what I expected. After going through security, you are herded around the corner to the ticket line. The line was a little wait, but we had pre-purchased tickets online so we didn't wait. When you first get in, you are in the lower area with the gift shop. The main attraction is up the stairs to the left. Going upstairs to where the royalty worshiped you see the stained glass that has made this place famous. The guards here aren't as strict as the ones at the Sistine Chapel, but they will tell you to be quiet if it gets too noisy! It does get crowded up top and the stairs down are a little tight, but take your time and it does calm down occasionally. A must see for me and well worth the visit.
Written February 11, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hugh D
London, UK80 contributions
Sept 2022 • Solo
An absolutely stunning example of stain glass windows from the time of King Louis, really awe-inspiring. Would highly recommending using the QR code at the start to download the app for full information about each window (I used the hard sheet version at the start which gave far less information). Busy with lots of tourists but it is a small area so that is to be expected. Buy a timed ticket online as this saves a huge amount of time queueing and made the process much easier and note there is security to go in so don’t take anything you wouldn’t be able to take onto a plane with you (except water). Would recommend getting the combined ticket with the Conciergerie next door as that was really interesting as well.
Written September 7, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Philippe B
Toulouse, France5,947 contributions
Sept 2020 • Solo
This Church can’t be seen from the street because it’s set within Paris Courthouse. Built during the 13th century by Louis 9th to host holly relics, this church is strangely designed in two different stages. On the ground floor a low chapel dedicated to the staff of the former Palace, on the first floor the main chapel where the King and the Queen were the only authorized worshipers.
The Church has been fully renovated at the beginning of the decade. The result is amazing with first class sculptures, paintings and, first of all, stained glasses.
Due to the pandemic it’s mandatory to book online but you can do it in front of the access door by scanning a QR code. 11€50 for a short visit (45’) + 3€ for the audio guide. It worths every cent.
A must see in Paris.
The Church has been fully renovated at the beginning of the decade. The result is amazing with first class sculptures, paintings and, first of all, stained glasses.
Due to the pandemic it’s mandatory to book online but you can do it in front of the access door by scanning a QR code. 11€50 for a short visit (45’) + 3€ for the audio guide. It worths every cent.
A must see in Paris.
Written September 4, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MJ P
5 contributions
Dec 2019
The short, tight spiral-staircase climb to the upper chapel, where the stained-glass windows are, is worth it, but just be aware that you will probably only need about ten minutes to feel you have seen the place, and it is super crowded so you won't necessarily have a spiritual feeling the way the pictures of the empty chapel make you think you will.
This ticket is combined with the Conciergerie, a former prison next door to it, so I will review that as well. Conciergerie is essentially a tourist trap. It has Marie Antoinette's prison cell, but it doesn't look like a prison cell or have anything in it reminiscent of her. If you want to see Marie Antoinette memorabilia, Schonbrunn Palace in Vienna has many items from her childhood. While we were at Conciergerie in December 2019, there was a Marie Antoinette temporary exhibition that I did quite like.
This ticket is combined with the Conciergerie, a former prison next door to it, so I will review that as well. Conciergerie is essentially a tourist trap. It has Marie Antoinette's prison cell, but it doesn't look like a prison cell or have anything in it reminiscent of her. If you want to see Marie Antoinette memorabilia, Schonbrunn Palace in Vienna has many items from her childhood. While we were at Conciergerie in December 2019, there was a Marie Antoinette temporary exhibition that I did quite like.
Written January 14, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
How do you book a timed entry ticket when you are using the free options? Thankyou
Written October 7, 2024
Can you bring a mobility scooter in Saints Chapelle, Eiffel Tower(2nd floor) and the Louvre?
Written September 15, 2024
I don't think scooters are allowed in Saint Chapelle. . I don't remember seeing any elevators. Plus there is very tight quarters. I would definitely think in the Louvre, it is allowed because there is so much space.
Written November 1, 2024
If Sainte Chapelle is sold out for the days I will be in Paris, can I still walk up and buy a ticket? Or do they not even sell tickets to walk ups once slots are sold out online?
Written March 21, 2024
I am not sure. But if you had no other plans, I would probably risk it because even if you don’t manage to get inside, the views from outside the Chapel are fantastic and the surrounding neighborhood is also really interesting to wander around.
Written March 21, 2024
Purchasing tickets on the website and it says that -18 years of age is free. Confirming this is for non-resident -18 people?
Written March 18, 2024
Best if you buy tickets for the first time it's open during the day. We bought tickets for afternoon, 3:30 p.m, advertised as reserved no waiting. We waited over 45 minutes in the "no wait" line. It's a small chapel and they can only let a limited number of people in at a time. So later in the day, you'll wait even if you have a reserved time.
Written March 18, 2024
Do I need to pre-book an elevator escort
Written June 10, 2023
Hope the following information will help you:
Wheelchair Access at the Sainte-Chapelle Church
Wheelchair Access at the Sainte-Chapelle – The Sainte-Chapelle is a gothic church with some of the most outstanding stained glass windows in Europe. It is only 500 meters away from Notre-Dame which makes visiting both churches on the same day a good idea. Wheelchair access at the Sainte-Chapelle lower chapel is via a small ramp. The main attraction is the upper chapel and is accessible by using an elevator in the adjacent building. You will have to be escorted to use it.
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If there is a long line on the sidewalk at the entrance, you may be able to go to the front to get escorted. You are supposed to make a reservation for assistance in advance, but I was able to get an escort to the elevator without it. According to one source, the elevator is not available on the weekends so plan your visit to occur during the week just to be safe. The bathrooms are accessible.
Is there an accessible entrance? Yes, on Boulevard du Palais, southeast side of building
Are there steps to get into the building? Yes
Is it just a single step, a few, or many? Many
Is there a ramp or elevator to get around the steps? Elevator, staff will show you where it is
Is the door push/pull, revolving, automated by a button, or motion activated? Staff will open it for you
Where is the closest place that cars/taxis can drop-off people? On Boulevard du Palais in front of the building.
Are there cobblestones or hills leading to the entrance? There is a courtyard leading to the elevator that is flat with cobblestones.
What percentage of the attraction can be viewed without having to go up steps? 100%
Which parts are not accessible? None
Are there loaner wheelchairs? No
Is there an accessible bathroom? Yes
Is door wide enough? Yes
Are there grab bars? Yes
Is there a space to position a wheelchair next to the toilet? Yes
Are there guided tours that don’t have to go up steps? Guided tours are everyday at 11:00 and 15:00 (I think these are in French)
Written June 12, 2023
I am going to Paris at the weekend. I was hoping to visit the sainte-chapelle. All the time slots are sold out online. Can I buy a ticket at the door? Thanks
Written April 3, 2023
Sorry, did not see this in time for your trip - we did not buy online, just bought the ticket in the venue but then, we visited during winter so was not so busy
Written April 18, 2024
I’m trying to get a timed entry for May 6th, but the calendar on the Sainte-Chapelle website only allows me to pick Mach and April days. When will May open up?
Written March 17, 2023
Don't exactly know when advance tickets go on sale. However, I bought a no-wait tour online here in the States from the French Tourist Office in Paris. That was great and I can only recommend it. And the French Tourist office is very good to work with. Good luck and safe travels.
Written March 22, 2023
How far in advance can you book tickets for Sainte-Chapelle?
Written February 1, 2023
We got ours the day before. Sorry to not be more help
Written February 3, 2023
I am planning on buying the Paris Museum Pass but when I look on the prices and ticket page for Sainte+Chapelle it says that the ticket price for ‘partnerships’ (which includes the Paris Museum Pass) is 9 euros. Shouldn’t it be free? Can anyone shed any light on how I am supposed to get my tickets if I have the Paris MUseum Pass. Many Thanks.
Written October 4, 2022
Go to museum pass site and see if your question is answered there
Written October 5, 2022
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*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.
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