Visit Sainte-Chapelle in Paris: tickets, prices, schedules

Visit the Sainte-Chapelle in Paris: a must-see!

Like a diamond in which the lights dance, the Sainte-Chapelle radiates. Architecture is not the only asset of this flamboyant Gothic masterpiece, it also radiates through its religious and political reach. It is impossible to pass by: it sits in the middle of the island of Cité, a real must in Paris, a few meters from the monumental Cathedral Notre-Dame de Paris and his consister Saint-Louis.

Since it had risen as a historic monument in 1862, Sainte-Chapelle has been constantly draining tourists from all over the world. A success that even earned him the protection of Unesco. Can we pass next to such a monument? Certainly not. So here is all the practical and useful information to visit the Sainte-Chapelle.

History of the Sainte-Chapelle

The Sainte-Chapelle is one of the remains of the Palace of the City. It belongs to the present site of the Palais de Justice in Paris. The Vestige of History, a religious symbol and architectural jewel, the Sainte-Chapelle is a true book of History.

This jewel of Gothic art was erected in 1242 according to the will of Saint Louis (Louis IX). It was intended to shelter the relics of the most precious Christianity in the world. Among them, the famous crown of the thorns of Christ which was truncated on the head of Jesus before his crucifixion.

Here is also the piece of Christ's Cross. All these holy relics, purchased from the Emperors of Constantinople, contributed to the global reach of Louis IX and France. It was therefore necessary to build the breadth of the Holy Chapel to keep them safe from the lustful and the time.

Amazingly, the cost of the Crown of thorns was 135,000 pounds, while the royal estate was "only" 40,000 pounds to be paid to build the Sainte-Chapelle! The work began in 1242 to end 7 years later. A record and a hard work that we owe to a mysterious individual, probably the architect Pierre de Montreuil.

Two superimposed chapels are this rare building. Respectively called Bass chapel and Chapelle Haute . The first is a tribute to the Virgin and was formerly occupied by the staff of the Palace of the City. The second was the privilege of the King and his family.

Its splendour has little equal, especially thanks to its monumental glass. 1113 biblical scenes unfold along 15 huge and colorful stained-glass windows, which fall on you like the sky on your head. 618 m2 of equilibrium and refinement that went to the High Chapel the nickname of “Standard of Verre”.

Two monumental fires in 1630 and 1777 almost prevented you from visiting the Sainte-Chapelle. The period of the Revolution was also painful. The revolutionaries, rejecting the divine right of the king, have repeatedly fought against the Holy Shapelle. It was then the subject of multiple deteriorations. The interior decors were destroyed as well as the arrow adorned with ly flowers incarnating the royalty.

During the Revolution, the Relics of the Passion are displaced to be safe. These traces of the biblical past are now preserved in the treasure of Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris.

A phase of restoration was nevertheless begun in the second half of the 19th century (ouf). It gave the monument the face we know him today. We know that the High Chapel remained faithful to its origin. As for the Bass Chapel, it was entirely reinvented, for lack of sufficient evidence.

The issues of restoration

The notoriety of the Sainte-Chapelle undoubtedly comes from its dazzling and instructive stained-glass windows. The latter were at the centre of attention during restoration work. Moreover, the restoration of the windows and the rose was made possible thanks to an exceptional patronage of 5 million euros.

The work on the berries was between 2008 and 2014, while the work on the Western rose was faster. The latter showed incredible resistance over the trials. There is no glass, lead, metal structure and stone piece attached to the stained glass. However, some stained-glass windows remain degraded and their unreadable designs. The fault of the ineluctable condensation of water on the wall and varnish of the twentieth century darkened by time and shading the glass.

Imagine... The restaurateurs hold their breath, leaning on a stained glass with an artistic quality as fragile and extraordinary, sprouting a motif with great delicacy! The glass masters with their infrared light net piercing the glass and removing the gray without altering the drawing. Inventive ferronniers, replacing lead and consolidating the metal bars of the 13th century with experimental processes. Stone tailors, with imperturbable phlegm, which by means of micro sablage cleans the outside of the Sainte-Chapelle.

Indeed, the exterior facades of the Sainte-Chapelle were also the object of an important construction site. Victims of pollution and assaults, sculptures and gargoyles had somewhat lost their look...

The extreme challenges today make the pride of the teams of contemporary craftsmen and architects who admire, surely more entertained than anyone, the stained-glass windows that have been restored, protected and saved for centuries. One thing is certain, the restoration of all the stained glass windows was one of the most ambitious construction sites of the early century. But that’s why you can visit the Sainte-Chapelle today.

What to see and do at the Sainte-Chapelle

From the outset, the giant reliquary grabs you to the guts. Out of earth in record time, it even seems to stand by the magic of the Holy Spirit. There is no standing arc that keeps the exterior walls and a simple belt consolidates the building. Nevertheless, it is still inside that this technical prowess of the island of Cité reveals all its splendor.

La Chapelle Bass

In the Bass Chapel, formerly reserved for the staff of the Palace of the City, you can admire the statue of the Virgin and the fresco of the Annunciation, the oldest wall painting in Paris, dating from the 13th century.

La Chapelle Haute

Continue to visit the Sainte-Chapelle via the 33 steps who separate the two sanctuaries, you go to the High Chapel. The decor is enchanting. The places, bathed in colors and lights, give the feeling of being transported in a whirlpool of magic from another time.

15 yards, from a height of 15 metres, tell the highlights of the Old and New Testament, from Genesis to the resurrection of Christ, and until the relics arrived in Paris. To avoid losing the thread, read the backs of the bottom to the top and left to the right. No less than 1113 scenes are relatted! Mobile application Vitraux Sainte-Chapelle can give you some explanations.

Gothic architecture lovers, you will not regret your visit to the Sainte-Chapelle! Without diving into biblical history, you can simply admire the beauty of 600 windows who dress the monument and carved stones around it.

Visit Sainte-Chapelle and Conciergerie: choose the combined ticket

There are twin tickets which allows to visit the Sainte-Chapelle and the Conciergerie. Smaller : This ticket allows to benefit from a cut-file for access to both buildings.

You then enjoy the two most important monuments of the Palace of the City. In addition to the traditional visit, you will have the chance to visit medieval rooms and missing spaces to the sounds of the HistoPad . This digital device offers total immersion thanks to its augmented reality features and 3D reconstructions.

Schedules and rates

Schedule

• Dude 1 October to 31 March : open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. ;
• Dude 1 April to 30 September : open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. ;
• Nocturnes them Wednesdays from mid-May to mid-September : open until 9:30 ;
• La Sainte-Chapelle est fermé le 1er mai, le 25 décembre et le 1er janvier ;
• Last access 40 minutes before closing monument.

Single Ticket

• Full rate: 11,5€ ;
• Reduced price: 9€ ;
• Group rate (from 20 people): 8€ ;
• Free for persons under the age of 18, persons with disabilities and their attendants, job seekers, EU nationals and/or residents aged 18 to 25 and holders of an Icom or Culture card;
• The Paris Museum Pass is accepted but does not act as a cut-file in any case;
• The rental of an audio-guide: 3€.

Combined ticket Sainte-Chapelle and Conciergerie

By choosing this ticket, you must absolutely choose the date and time you want to visit the Sainte-Chapelle. The visit of the Conciergerie must take place the same day, at the time of your choice between 9:30 and 17:15 .

• Full rate: €18.5
• Reduced price: €16.5
• Group rate (from 20 persons): 12€
• Free for persons under the age of 18, persons with disabilities and their attendants, job seekers, EU nationals and/or residents aged 18 to 25 and holders of an Icom or Culture card.

How do I go to the Holy Chapel?

La Sainte-Chapelle is located 10 boulevard du Palais , in the first arrondissement of Paris. You can go by bus, RER, metro or batobus.

By bus

By bus, lines 21, 24, 27, 38, 58, 81, 85 and 96 allow you to access the site.

By metro

Lines 1, 7, 11 or 14 : stop station "Châtelet" Line 4 : stop station "Cité" Line 10 : stop station "Cluny-Sorbonne" (situated about 15 minutes walk from the chapel)

RER

Line B and C : stop station « Saint-Michel/Notre-Dame »

In Batobus

Let’s not forget the batobus! Find the land at the stations "Our Lady" or "Saint-Germain-des-Prés".

By car

If you are vehiculated, the nearest parking lots are: - The parking Harlay , located Quai des Orfèvres - The parking Indigo , located place Louis Lépine - The Parking Notre-Dame , located place Jean-Paul II.

On foot or by bike

For those who have the chance to stay near the Sainte-Chapelle or for the most courageous, let’s not forget the walk or the bike! Vélib’ stations are nearby.

Access to the monument from Monday to Friday

A security perimeter surrounds the Paris Palace of Justice Monday to Friday . Access is made only by the Louis Lépine square (marketplace with flowers) where the police conduct a first check. Visitors must present their entrance ticket and then visit the Sainte-Chapelle via the usual entrance. A second security check is then carried out.

When the perimeter is deployed, the entrance to Sainte-Chapelle is only made upon presentation of a ticket assigned to a specific visiting slot. The ticketing is held Place du Châtelet , near the monument (payment by credit card only ).

A second deported ticketing is held at the Hotel de Sully (62 rue Saint Antoine 75004, Tuesday to Sunday, 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. ). Otherwise, opt for the e-billet with which you directly select your day and your niche on the Internet.

What to do around the Sainte-Chapelle?

Notre-Dame de Paris

Since the April 15, 2019 fire, Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris and its immediate surroundings have been closed to the public to allow extensive security and stabilization work before restoration. However, don’t hesitate to come and admire the Cathedral or capture it from the small streets of the island of Cité, the bridges of the Seine, the docks on the left bank and the island of Saint Louis.

The Louvre Museum

Do we really have to introduce him? The Musée du Louvre, its glass pyramid, its richly decorated façade, thousands of works of art including the incomparable Mona Lisa: it is located in 15 minutes barely walk from the Sainte-Chapelle. In addition, it is the opportunity to pass (and iron) by the iconic Pont Neuf!

Walk on the island of Cité and the island of Saint-Louis

In the heart of Paris, the islands of Cité and Saint-Louis fight the favors of tourists from all over the world. Don't make an impossible choice. The best is to visit the Sainte-Chapelle and then take the time to explore each of them.

The program? Picnic, visits to monuments or simple relaxing walks. These two treasures kept their charm and calm in the middle of the private hotels. Here we discover the tower of the Horloge and the Conciergerie which toize the city in one corner, the charming Dauphine square in the other.

A flight of steps that plunge into the Seine this way, a cultural space there. The famous Berthillon glacier in the main street, a campagnard bell tower in the other. In front of the bridge Saint-Louis that connects the two islands and, at the end, a memorial of the Martyrs. To the right the square Jean-XXIII barded with cherry blossoms, to the left the Notre-Dame Cathedral of Paris and the bucolic stalls.

Where to eat around the Sainte-Chapelle?

The Caveau du Palais

Restaurants specializing in traditional French cuisine are not missing on the island of Cité. The Caveau du Palais is one of them, more confidential than some, but absolutely delicious. The proudly stamped red white blue dishes are based on seasonal and local ingredients. They enjoy themselves in a historical setting, in the hollow of stone walls and ancient arcades.

Au Bougnat

Visiting the Sainte-Chapelle has given you hunger but you are rather bitten with Parisian breweries? Then go to the Bougnat. Rustic, warm, oaky, this traditional bistro retains its medieval charm and excellent French recipes.

Berthillon

No visit to Sainte-Chapelle, without a visit to Saint-Louis Island and a gourmet break at Berthillon! We go to this world-famous ice temple for its most classic and surprising delights. A well-kept manufacturing secret, a lot of love and boldness, an elegant decor: the hardest will be to choose its perfume and not to return ten times.

Where to sleep around the Sainte-Chapelle?

Hotel du Jeu de Paume

On the island of Saint-Louis, Hotel Jeu de Paume offers high-end services and contemporary rooms, finely designed between old and modern. Flavored atmosphere, natural materials: a true setting of tranquility and luxury in the heart of the capital.

Hotel Univers Saint-Germain

This Saint-Germain hotel, a few minutes' walk from Sainte-Chapelle, stands out for a unique style and association. Red velvet armchairs framed with stone walls, wooden beams on the ceiling, rugs with rococo motifs, precious and golden fabrics...

Apart Hotel Roi de Sicily

Want the privacy and autonomy of a rental, the prestigious services of an extra hotel? Opt for Sicily King Hotel. From Deluxe Studio to Couture Suite, everything is entirely thought out for your well-being and immerse yourself in the pure refinement of Paris. On the hotel side, the atmosphere is as soft and enveloping as class.

Airbnb to two

The Castillon apartment is a luxury Airbnb in the middle of the island of Cité. Nestled in an old building, with all the charms that this entails, its decor recounts its historical past. The decorative touches and contemporary furniture come to slice, giving the place a rare elegance. It is located in Dauphine square and is ready for romantic stays to two.

Airbnb in small group

Mia welcomes you in her exceptional accommodation, open to five travellers in love with beautiful performances and history. From the rooms, elegant with their historical elements and decoration worthy of a Renaissance palace, observe the beautiful Dauphine square. A golden and cocooning experience, close to the Sainte-Chapelle.

FAQ

What is the duration of the visit?

We have to count about 1 hour to visit the Sainte-Chapelle, with or without audio-guide.

Why should he book his ticket online?

As a result, since September 08, access to the Sainte-Chapelle is regulated by Monday to Friday Because of the security perimeter. Your ticket is valid for One day and a schedule defined. It's better to avoid going twice on site by booking directly online and by visiting the monument only for your visit. In addition, tickets sold for the same day are not unlimited.

What is the best time to visit Sainte-Chapelle?

Like all unmissable places, visit the Holy Chapel off school holidays and weekends to minimize the tourist influx. Other advice, plan your visit in the morning and, if possible, a sunny day. The light that is reflected in the windows is quite enchanting...

Is there a guided tour of the Sainte-Chapelle?

There is a guided tour of 45 minutes about that takes place every day 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. . More focused and thematic guided tours are also organized throughout the year. The programming is to be found on the official website.

Are the photos allowed?

Photos and videos are allowed in the monument provided that the law on the right to the image of persons is respected. The use of a tripod, perch or stabilizer is prohibited.

Are there dressing rooms and sanitary facilities at Sainte-Chapelle?

It is forbidden to visit the Sainte-Chapelle with bags or large bags. The monument takes no instructions. In addition, no toiletries is available on site.

Is the Conciergerie accessible to people with reduced mobility?

The site is accessible to PMR (People with Reduced Mobility). However, make sure to consult the Sainte-Chapelle website prior to your visit, to ensure that work or other events do not limit access.

Are pets allowed in Sainte-Chapelle?

The site is prohibited to dogs, apart from dog-guides and assistance.

Can I visit the Sainte-Chapelle virtually?

Visit the Sainte-Chapelle from her couch? It is possible thanks to the partnership with society 360° Timography . Dive into a 100% virtual tour of the Sainte-Chapelle and the Royal Palace of the City in the 14th century.