Definitely worth a visit especially if you can attend a concert at the same time! Look for signs around town or ask for tickets at the brasserie across the street on the corner. The stained glass windows are breathtaking. read more

See all

Classic music concerts on weekend evenings - SUBLIME! I love Sainte Chapelle, but hadn't been in years. When I googled it to find hours, I found that they have classical music concerts on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evenings in the summer. I bought my ticket online for the coming Saturday, and it was one of the most magical moments in all my years of traveling the world. Imagine the soaring stained glass, with the Paris Orchestra string quartet playing Mozart, followed by a world-class soprano interpreting Ave Maria... and suddenly, the setting sun falls behind the western Rose Window, and all the light in the chapel changes! Glorious, just glorious. It's now one of my favorite things to do in Paris. I'll attend one of these concerts every time I get the chance. read more

Thanks to Jen K's review I was reminded of this chapel, which Nina introduced us to when we were in Paris several years ago. It was a favorite of hers and I adore stained glass. It was during the summer and sunlight was streaming in the windows so the light was glorious. I treasure the memory. I always feel a little uneasy visiting active religious sites because I always feel as if I am intruding on others' devotions, so I liked that this chapel is no longer in use as a religious site. I don't remember long lines or a difficult staircase. All I remember is being surrounded by that amazing, glowing glass. read more

Go up to the 2nd floor & you'll see a gorgeous star-filled ceiling, painted w/ a dark blue sky. One of the most beautiful churches in Paris. read more

Beautiful and heavenly. Must see destination if you have the Paris museum pass. Don't forget to skip the line with your pass. Security is a bit tight due to the fragile nature of the stained glass, but the trip is worth it. Tip - take a moment to take in the architecture and colors. You won't regret it! read more

Fascinating and beautiful spot! The video about restoring stained glass was very interesting, and there are many private tour guides so it's easy to eavesdrop on a tour here and there to learn a bit more. Security is airport style (you're in a state building complex), so leave your wine and picnic implements at home, or you'll be turned away, like we were. :) read more

When I first went through guidebooks for our trip to Paris I almost overlooked Sainte Chapelle having never heard of it before. I figured that we would already be visiting Notre Dame (and Christchurch in Dublin) so why would we went to visit one more cathedral? I'm very glad that we decided to listen to the guidebooks and visit. My wife and I aren't particularly religious people but I have to say that Sainte Chapelle is gorgeous. The stained glasswork is AMAZING. I can't really describe it enough to do it justice. Queues were fast in (unlike Notre Dame), the admission is reasonable, and it is literally a 5 min walk from Notre Dame (which is another must visit while in Paris). Do yourself a favor (religious or not) and visit Sainte Chapelle. Additionally, admission to the cathedral is covered by the purchase of the Paris Museum Pass (a worthy purchase). read more

One of the nicest chapels I have ever seen. It is incredible, like standing inside a jewel. Imagine how this must have been experienced when it was first completed it must have seemed like magic. It still does. It seems so delicate its hard to believe that the roof can be held up on these spindly supports. If I could pick any fantasy place to live I think it would be inside this chapel. A Paris favourite that I have visited many times. read more

I went on the first sunday of the month, and asked the guard outfront if it wad free to make sure. He said yes and i waited in line for an HOUR only to discover at the ticket stand it was not free! I went back to confront the guy and was treated very badly by the guards who speak very little english yet felt comfortable looking at me like im an idiot. This was the worst thing i did in paris. This review is my very small revenge. read more

Stunning, but under a lot of construction right now. As in 1/3rd of the windows (including the rose window) are covered. Audio tour was decent but hard to find the cues. Obviously, this chapel is a stunner as it is the personal chapel of St. Louis. Definitely worth seeing! Get the museum pass and skip the line. read more

Incredible stained glass windows. Use your Museum pass and go. Like everyone else is saying, go to the second floor.

Sainte-Chapelle is an unbelievable feat of architecture. The facade, stained glass, and ceilings are breathtaking! Especially all of the stained glass, which is nothing short of awe inspiring. This is definitely a must see for any paris visitor. But, with tourist traps come inevitable downsides. For instance, the line. It wouldn't be so bad if the first line you wait in was it, but that line simply feeds into a bigger line once you get in. So many lines. However if you have the museum pass you can skip most of this nonsense, so definitely consider that (I wish I did!). €8.50 is a little steep to walk into a church in my opinion. My tour guide in Paris did say that in certain week nights there are live classical concerts held here for around €25, which may be a better value for your euro. Also, I am not a fan of being shushed, and there was a lot of that being hurled around towards the tourists by the staff. However I am a fan of irony, so being shouted at to be quiet was kind of funny. Bottom line, it is a must see in the city of lights! Get in there and cross it off your list. read more

One of the most beautiful buildings I've seen. The stained glass windows are incredible however four star because due to renovations you can only see half the room... and I wanted to see the rose window yet it was all covered. I would've been ok with that if they charged a discounted fee since you don't get to see it all but that really frustrated me. It'll be amazing when it's finished. read more

The ornate beauty of the immense windows is nothing short of breathtaking. They are in the midst of renovating all of the windows and the dazzling newly renovated windows are all but beyond description. We intend to make a return trip just to see it after the work is finished - a day trip from the US to Paris would be worth it. read more

Terrific stained glass! Very good audio guided tour, which was very infomative.

Gorgeous gorgeous chapel! We purchased front of the line tickets for ~$12/person off of Tripadvisor. I thought it was worthwhile since we didn't have to wait in the long line to enter the courtyard, but it doesn't come with the audio tour. This church is relatively small, but still a must see since it dates back to the 1200s. I recommend coming here on a sunny day as the stain glass windows are absolutely breathtaking! According to one of the plaques, about 70% of the windows are its original. It's honestly hard to tell that there's been any work done on it. The view of the church from the outside is also beautiful. You can see a lot of the Gothic architecture. This place is a walkig distance from the Notre Dame. If you're short on time, I don't think it's a MUST SEE stop, but this building is very unique that it was one of the oldest standing buildings that we visited while on our trip to Paris. read more

Another gorgeous church in Paris! Simply stunning! The architecture is gorgeous! So beautiful! I was absolutely blown away by this church! Thanks Paris for this opportunity to see this amazing structure! read more

Wow! This is the most beautiful church I have even seen. The stained glass is breath-taking! Very beautiful gothic architecture and interesting history. We were fortunate to find a seat inside the chapel and enjoy looking at and studying the stained glass. I was recommended by a patient to see this church and am truly grateful for the advice. There is a small fee to see this landmark, but it is well worth it. read more

We didn't visit Sainte-Chapelle during the day to sightsee. We went at night to take in a concert of classics that included some Bach, Handel and Pachelbel. Even at night, the church was stunning and the perfect setting to experience the music. The musicians, many of them members of the Paris symphony and opera, were excellent. The concert was beyond sold out, but the staff got everyone seated comfortably and provided blankets to help fend of the winter chill. read more

The Sainte-Chappelle is composed of a stunning collection of stained glass windows that will tower over you and leave you in awe. The church is relatively small, but it's interior is impressive to say the least. Go when the sun is out, and these intricate and elaborate windows will catch the light in so many colors, you'll be gaping at the walls and ceilings for the longest time. This site is included in the Day Museum Pass, so if you've already paid for one, why not? It's only a hop and skip away from the Notre Dame, and completely worth a visit. Great photo ops inside. read more

When we first walked in, I was a bit underwhelmed. There was a lot going on, but it didn't necessarily seem cohesive. Some small stained glass windows, some statues, and lion / castle / fleur-de-lis designs covering every visible surface. It was a bit dark and felt more like someone's (somewhat busy) home than grand, and I didn't quite understand why it was the king's personal chapel. Then I got to the part about it being for the servants. Once we got upstairs, it made a lot more sense. The soaring, wall-to-wall stained glass windows are incredible. It's especially great if you come when the sun is out, which wasn't always the case during our stay in Paris. Large placards explaining the scenes depicted are available to the right, but they're not really necessary to enjoy the space. read more

WOW what a beautiful church! And luckily it is right by the Notre Dame so you can do two tourist attractions on the same island and next to each other. I came when it was closed, after hours, so I sadly did not get a chance to come back when they were open, but I highly suggest you come see it! I did prefer the Notre Dame and was able to go inside it during a mass, but that is only because I got to enter it. A must whilst in Paris! read more

Make this a must-see on your list of Paris to-do's. While the upper chapel is undergoing renovation, it was still a great sight to see. Although audio guides are available, there is enough other information presented in multiple formats that they are unnecessary. Additionally, it is not nearly so crowded as many other hotspots, especially later in the day. Beware as this site is located in a government building, they do enforce weapon confiscation rules, buyer beware! read more

My friend and I waited an hour in a security line, I am not sure we really had to. We met a judge that told us the security is for the court, I was wondering why everyone was smoking and smelled really bad in line. The church was empty and we were so confused where the line went. I recommend talking to the guard to ask if there is a different entrance for the church. read more

The stained glass windows that reach the room in this building are really pretty to look at.The rose window is really nice and so is the tombs of cannons.When you are visiting the upper chapel it does seem to get really crowded though.It is quite expensive to get in. read more

Worth the long line wait. The interior is built like a treasure chest of gold and stain glass. It's surprisingly well preserved. Be sure to turn around to look at the back of the church and the card describing the meaning of the rose window with the apocalypse. read more

This chapel was amazing. We attended one of the evening concerts. Vivaldi playing as the sunset came through the stained glass windows was unforgettable. Probably not worth a long wait just to walk around inside the chapel, but the concert was well worth it. read more

Such nice detailed and intricate stained glass windows tells the whole story of old and New Testament if you can make it out which I couldn't nonetheless impressive should be on your to do list. read more

I would agree with the other reviewers in that Sainte Chapelle is another sight that is well worth visiting - even if you only plan to take a look at the place as stain glass windows are amazing. The rest of the chapel is less amazing, not sure if the intention is to keep the old feeling to the exterior, as in my opinion, it could have done with some maintenance work. Was fairly annoyed at having to get my bag scanned though, feels like the security aspect is being overdone at times - not to mention how rude the security staff were. I know they are not there to be nice, but there is a line between being expressionless and rude. read more

This is a must see. Unlike another visitor we did get to skip the line with our pre paid pass,we just had to find the roped area for that entrance. This is breath taking unlike anything else you will ever see in your life. One of my friends said to go there and be sure to go upstairs. Another of her friends had gone but didn't know to go up to the top. This will be another magical Paris memory. Thanks Karen for the great information on Sainted-Chalelle read more

Sainte-Chapelle- This is worth the short wait in line- especially if you have the Museum Pass. On the street outside the walls of St. Chappelle, there is a "No priority" line- meaning everyone waits in the same line to go through security. Once you are through security and inside the walls, you will wait in another line to buy tickets and enter the church. **If you have a "Paris Museum Pass," you can skip the long line inside the walls and just enter the church directly to see the beautiful stained glass! When we were there (a Sunday afternoon), it was surprisingly crowded, and the "non-pass" line to buy tickets was very long. Since we had the Museum Pass, there was NO WAIT for us! Once inside, we stayed for ~20 minutes. We didn't have a guide, and that was more than enough time to experience the magnificence of Sainte-Chapelle's stained glass. (It was late in the day, and we were trying to make it next door to Le Conciergerie before it closed for the day.) There are large handheld placards available inside in multiple languages that will explain how the windows are arranged, and walk you through the "story" they are telling. When you walk into the Church, you actually enter through the gift shop. Make sure you go up the stairs directly to your left (past the available audioguides- extra 5 Euro?), to enter the main church. Once inside, it's actually pretty small- but tall. There are chairs lining the church for you to sit and rest while gazing upwards. read more

The single most stunning display of stained glass. Simply amazing and is a must see. While there are plenty of photos, not a single one can do justice to the majesty of being here. It is located next to the Hall of Justice, so expect lines to get through security - which is sadly the norm in Paris now (as it should be). I wish the gift shop had better items for sale. While they have some limited "stained glass replicas" (meaning: screened/printed), they don't has a single replica panel of any of the blue windows. While you might not spend hours here, you could spend some serious time. While on first glance, the glass looks like it's all the same, each panel is different, unified by the magnificent blue color, and tells a story. I would make this a priority - it is just spectacular and there is no other place like it. If you love stained glass, there is simply no other place like Ste. Chapelle. read more

Magnific! You will feel like me because this chapel is truly extra ordinal. I have never seen such a beautiful church. Each stand glass has a story although it was difficult to follow but you can imagine a scene of bible. It is worth to visit this church, I strongly recommend. read more

Turn around and skip the crowds at Notre Dame and tour the most beautiful church in France.

You MUST come here while you're visiting Notre Dame. The bottom floor of this beautiful church is ornately decorated but the real star is the tall second floor, entirely lined with vibrantly colored stained glass. Go on a sunny day, when the light shines through the glass and prints the beautiful designs against the floor. read more

I have been to Paris many times and never visited this chapel. I really think this is one of the most beautiful things I have ever seen in my life. The colors and the stained glass are unparalleled. Don't miss this. read more

Incredible stain glass windows. We had a museum pass, but had to wait in line. It moved quickly, so not a big deal.

I was in Paris for 3 whirlwind days of sightseeing. We saw all of the major sites and a friend who lived in Paris for a year recommended the tiny church of Sainte-Chapelle. Wow. I was awestruck after ascending the tiny spiral staircase to suddenly be inside a jewelbox. The stained glass windows go all the way to the high ceiling and surround you on all sides, and the way the light comes in it just takes your breath away. One of my very favorite memories of Paris. read more

the stain glass windows in this church are amazing! i actually missed going to this church on the day i went to the notre dame but went here on the recommendation of a friend and it was well worth it read more

I can't comment on the beauty of this much anticipated destination because they didn't let us in. We were next in line at 4:15 when the man controlling entry decided on his own accord to close the line, despite the sign saying that it didn't close until 4:30 (and all online sites saying it closed at 5). After pleading with him for 15 minutes (he kept repeating that it was closed) he then changed his argument to "its 4:30, its closed." Well it wasn't closed 15 minutes ago when you wouldn't let us in!! When one of his superiors finally made an appearance (a crowd of angry tourists had started respectfully protesting the mans decision), he told us that we could have gone in if we had tickets (we did, and we showed them to the man multiple times). This treatment was unbelievable! No wonder they say the French are lazy, this man clearly just wanted to go home 15 minutes earlier and did not care at all about the large group of tourists waiting 30+ minutes in the rain. read more