Chapelle Expiatoire
Chapelle Expiatoire
4
10:00 AM - 12:30 PM, 1:30 PM - 6:30 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 12:30 PM
1:30 PM - 6:30 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 12:30 PM
1:30 PM - 6:30 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 12:30 PM
1:30 PM - 6:30 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 12:30 PM
1:30 PM - 6:30 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 12:30 PM
1:30 PM - 6:30 PM
About
In the tranquil setting of Square Louis XVI, lies a marvel of late neo-classical architecture: the Chapelle Expiatoire. The expiatory chapel was built in 1815 on the orders of the late king’s brother, Louis XVIII. On the exact spot beheaded sovereigns were buried in 1793 along with many other illustrious victims of the Revolution, including Marie-Antoinette. The chapel is dedicated to the memory of the royal family.Open:> All the year, on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Closed:> 1st January, 1st May and 25th December. Admission fees: Adults : 5,5€; Concessions (18 to 25) = 4€; Free admission: minors under 18*; Free admission: 18-25 years old* (citizens of one of the 27 countries of the EU or are non-European permanent residents of France) * excluding school groups
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Address
Neighbourhood: 8th Arr. - Élysée
How to get there
- Saint-Augustin • 3 min walk
- Saint-Lazare • 5 min walk
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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
4.0
111 reviews
Excellent
33
Very good
55
Average
19
Poor
4
Terrible
0
Fred M
Summerville, SC1,989 contributions
Jun 2019
Chapelle Expiatoire dates to 1816 by King Charles X. It sits somewhat hidden on a small Paris street. The architecture is beautiful and the chapel extremely well maintained. Suggest studying the history of King Louis and Queen Marie Antoinette prior to your visit. (Our actual visit was in late May 2019)
Written May 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.
lnscout
New York City, NY272 contributions
May 2012 • Solo
Paris is a happy city. There is nothing ugly anywhere, everything is beautifully presented. The food, flowers, clothes, everyone is beautiful. This place is beautiful too, but very sad. It's an attempt at redemption by the city for having put the King and Queen to the guillotine. The white rose bushes are lovely, the dome is lovely, the little cat in the cloister is lovely, the memory of the Revolution, maybe not so lovely...but it did pave the way for modern France and that's a great thing.
Written February 18, 2013
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.
Ronak S
Paris, France2,014 contributions
Apr 2018 • Solo
A chapel built by Louis XVIII to commemorate the place where the mortal remains of Louis XVI and his wife Marie Antoinette were kept for 21 after they were guillotines (their bodies were later buried at Basilica of Saint-Denis).
Located in Square Louis XVI, off Boulevard Haussmann and very close to Church of Saint-Augustin and the stores Printemps and Galeries Lafayette, the chapel itself is small but nice. The building is raised and is reached by a entrance (that now houses the ticket office and a bookshop), that is rather bland and is designed so to disguise the inside. Once you enter, you can see the chapel and on either side a row of cenotaph. The chapel is pretty. There is a central dome, one opposite the entrance, and two domes on the sides, each dome having an oculus for light. On either side are beautiful marble statues of the King and Queen and with plaques reading out their will and last words. Below the chapel are the crypts and on either side, are pillared rows which sit below the cenotaphs.
While the chapel is a nice visit, it is definitely not a must-see and not worth the €6 admission. Check it out if you have a museum pass. Recommended time is about 30 mins. There are rarely many people here, so you can walk and read and take photos without being disturbed by people. On purchase of this ticket, you get a reduction on the tickets to La Conciergerie, Basilique Saint-Denis, and Château de Rambouillet, all parts of monuments connected with Marie Antoinette.
The closest metro is Saint-Augustin on line 9, although Havre-Caumartin and Saint-Lazare aren't that far.
Located in Square Louis XVI, off Boulevard Haussmann and very close to Church of Saint-Augustin and the stores Printemps and Galeries Lafayette, the chapel itself is small but nice. The building is raised and is reached by a entrance (that now houses the ticket office and a bookshop), that is rather bland and is designed so to disguise the inside. Once you enter, you can see the chapel and on either side a row of cenotaph. The chapel is pretty. There is a central dome, one opposite the entrance, and two domes on the sides, each dome having an oculus for light. On either side are beautiful marble statues of the King and Queen and with plaques reading out their will and last words. Below the chapel are the crypts and on either side, are pillared rows which sit below the cenotaphs.
While the chapel is a nice visit, it is definitely not a must-see and not worth the €6 admission. Check it out if you have a museum pass. Recommended time is about 30 mins. There are rarely many people here, so you can walk and read and take photos without being disturbed by people. On purchase of this ticket, you get a reduction on the tickets to La Conciergerie, Basilique Saint-Denis, and Château de Rambouillet, all parts of monuments connected with Marie Antoinette.
The closest metro is Saint-Augustin on line 9, although Havre-Caumartin and Saint-Lazare aren't that far.
Written April 5, 2018
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.
Linda_22003
Williamsburg, VA65 contributions
We visited the Chappelle Expiatoire because we happened to be strolling by it down the Boulevard Haussmann. It was built in the 1820s on the site of the old Madeleine cemetery, where victims of the guillotine were buried, including Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette.
When the monarchy was restored, Louis' brother, Charles X, had the king and queen's bodies resurrected and moved to the Basilica St. Denis, where French monarchs were traditionally buried. He had the "Expiatory Chapel" built on the site, presumably as expiation for France's sin in killing their monarchs.
There is an altar inside, and huge statues of Louis and Marie Antoinette. Downstairs there is a sepulchre which marks the spot where their bodies were found, and funeral banners representing cities in France, which were carried in the procession which took the bodies to St. Denis for reburial.
During the various republics, there were arguments about tearing the chapel down, but (being French), the arguments went on without any action being taken. The chapel is now being restored and seems to be a permanent, odd little fixture in Paris.
When the monarchy was restored, Louis' brother, Charles X, had the king and queen's bodies resurrected and moved to the Basilica St. Denis, where French monarchs were traditionally buried. He had the "Expiatory Chapel" built on the site, presumably as expiation for France's sin in killing their monarchs.
There is an altar inside, and huge statues of Louis and Marie Antoinette. Downstairs there is a sepulchre which marks the spot where their bodies were found, and funeral banners representing cities in France, which were carried in the procession which took the bodies to St. Denis for reburial.
During the various republics, there were arguments about tearing the chapel down, but (being French), the arguments went on without any action being taken. The chapel is now being restored and seems to be a permanent, odd little fixture in Paris.
Written March 9, 2010
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.
BeckyBooBird
Fort Myers Beach, FL501 contributions
Jun 2015 • Solo
The Expiatory Chapel was built to show atonement for the regicide of the French monarchy. It is located in the eighth arrondissement in a charming little park, Square-Louis XVI. It was built by Louis XVIII and is dedicated to the memory of his brother, Louis XVI, and his queen, Marie-Antoinette, who were executed in 1793 during the French Revolution. The chapel was built on the site of a former revolutionary mass graveyard, where 3,000 victims of the Revolution were buried; thus, the inner garden of the courtyard is hallowed ground. The park is a cool and peaceful oasis in the middle of a busy city and is frequented by many Parisians.
The chapel itself cannot be fully seen from the entrance on Rue Pasquier because it is surrounded by an open colonnade. These arched side galleries isolate the chapel from the outside world, giving the impression of a peaceful burial place. You go in through the stark exterior façade of the entrance building and go up a flight of steps that leads from the vestibule to the inner garden of the courtyard. The nine arches of the colonnade on each side of the inner garden hold the symbolic gravestones of the Swiss guards who died trying to protect the king when he was arrested at the Tuileries in 1792.
The chapel itself is in the form of a Greek cross, with arms of equal length. There is a main dome at the center of the chapel and three half-domes with circular openings which allow natural light to enter the chapel. Besides the main altar, there are two white marble sculptures of the king and queen. The sculpture of the king in coronation robes shows Louis XVI supported by an angel. The angel points to heaven, signaling the king’s salvation. The sculpture of the queen shows Marie-Antoinette kneeling in front of “Religion,” into whose hands she puts herself. Both sculptures were meant to convey the idea that the king and queen had received Christian mercy and forgiven their enemies, beliefs promoting national conciliation. There are stairs at the back of the side chapels, which give you access to a black and white marble altar, intended to mark the place where the royal remains were found.
The information regarding the chapel’s opening hours has been confusing. It is open from 11:00 - 6:00 PM on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. I went at 1:00 on Saturday afternoon, and, by chance, the curator was there. He assured me that the chapel would be open according to the hours on the chapel web site and for three days of the week. You have the curator’s word on this. The chapel web site is: www.chapelle-expiatoire.monuments-nationaux.fr. The chapel is a ten-minute walk from Église Madeleine. Facing the Madeleine, go down Boulevard Malesherbes and turn right on Rue Pasquier. The Chapelle Expiatoire is a very lovely and meaningful monument; it represents a historical event as well as a politically significant issue of the Restoration era. The entrance fee is 5 ½ euros. I highly recommend that you visit this unique, lovely and serene monument.
The chapel itself cannot be fully seen from the entrance on Rue Pasquier because it is surrounded by an open colonnade. These arched side galleries isolate the chapel from the outside world, giving the impression of a peaceful burial place. You go in through the stark exterior façade of the entrance building and go up a flight of steps that leads from the vestibule to the inner garden of the courtyard. The nine arches of the colonnade on each side of the inner garden hold the symbolic gravestones of the Swiss guards who died trying to protect the king when he was arrested at the Tuileries in 1792.
The chapel itself is in the form of a Greek cross, with arms of equal length. There is a main dome at the center of the chapel and three half-domes with circular openings which allow natural light to enter the chapel. Besides the main altar, there are two white marble sculptures of the king and queen. The sculpture of the king in coronation robes shows Louis XVI supported by an angel. The angel points to heaven, signaling the king’s salvation. The sculpture of the queen shows Marie-Antoinette kneeling in front of “Religion,” into whose hands she puts herself. Both sculptures were meant to convey the idea that the king and queen had received Christian mercy and forgiven their enemies, beliefs promoting national conciliation. There are stairs at the back of the side chapels, which give you access to a black and white marble altar, intended to mark the place where the royal remains were found.
The information regarding the chapel’s opening hours has been confusing. It is open from 11:00 - 6:00 PM on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. I went at 1:00 on Saturday afternoon, and, by chance, the curator was there. He assured me that the chapel would be open according to the hours on the chapel web site and for three days of the week. You have the curator’s word on this. The chapel web site is: www.chapelle-expiatoire.monuments-nationaux.fr. The chapel is a ten-minute walk from Église Madeleine. Facing the Madeleine, go down Boulevard Malesherbes and turn right on Rue Pasquier. The Chapelle Expiatoire is a very lovely and meaningful monument; it represents a historical event as well as a politically significant issue of the Restoration era. The entrance fee is 5 ½ euros. I highly recommend that you visit this unique, lovely and serene monument.
Written June 10, 2015
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.
Anne
Kerava, Finland892 contributions
Mar 2012 • Friends
Are you tired of queues to Paris attractions? Do you want to see something beautiful and touching that holds part of Parisian history within it? Then this is the place for you!
When we arrived here in the afternoon there were no queues. While visiting the attraction, we only saw handful of people touring this place. The burial ground, which you have to cross to get in the chapel, is simple, but beautiful. The chapel itself is pretty small, but a lovely piece of neo-classical architecture. It is dedicated to King Louis XVI and his queen, Marie Antoinette. The crypts are also worth the visit. A true place of tranquility!
When we arrived here in the afternoon there were no queues. While visiting the attraction, we only saw handful of people touring this place. The burial ground, which you have to cross to get in the chapel, is simple, but beautiful. The chapel itself is pretty small, but a lovely piece of neo-classical architecture. It is dedicated to King Louis XVI and his queen, Marie Antoinette. The crypts are also worth the visit. A true place of tranquility!
Written February 10, 2013
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.
visiting
Toronto, Canada56 contributions
Jul 2011 • Friends
If you walk along Haussmann towards the Madeleine area, you'll find a park called the Square Louis XVI at Rue Pasquier. Inside this peaceful park is a dark piece of history: it contains the mass grave of the victims of the Revolution. To get to the chapel, you have to cross the burial ground, which includes the graves of the Swiss Guards along the perimeter, making this a somber landmark...but its historical significance makes it worth seeing. The small chapel has large statues of both Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette on the first floor. One floor below, you'll find a black marble altar marking the spot where they found Louis XVI's remains.
Written August 29, 2011
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.
Zelda48
London England133 contributions
Apr 2013 • Friends
We visited in April having checked out timings but when we arrived it was closed with no explanation as to why. Other people were wandering around like us very disappointed.What a let down.
Written April 20, 2013
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.
Julia C
Fredericton, Canada156 contributions
Aug 2011 • Friends
Not hard to find - a big walled in square not far from the metro. Beautiful monument - very underrated - we enjoyed this as much as many of the 'big attractions' in Paris. The monument is very touching, especially reading Marie Antoinette's last letter (addressed mostly to her children), heart breaking.
Outside in front of the monument seems to be an attraction for local young couples in love :)
Outside in front of the monument seems to be an attraction for local young couples in love :)
Written April 2, 2012
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.
PJV1426
Cincinnati, OH429 contributions
Oct 2021 • Friends
Good bit of history here in a lovely spot, uncrowded, and beautiful. Revolutionary history, post revolutionary, and some Communard history.
Written October 2, 2021
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.
JFKav8r
New York City, New York
Hi, I was wondering if there's any good information about how to book Chapelle Expiatoire yourself (without a wedding planner)?
Written May 30, 2015
Hi there, Just wondering if anyone can tell me how to book this place for wedding?
Many thanks!
Els
Written April 8, 2015
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