Sainte-Chapelle, Paris Tickets

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.