If a friend of mine hadn't given me the hot tip about this place I would've totally missed out! It's not as grand in scale as Notre Dame, but its many and intricate stained glass windows are a marvel. It feels like you're standing inside a kaleidoscope! The line to get in was pretty substantial, but since my friends and I'd bought our combo ticket at the Palais de Justice next door, we were able to zoom to the front. In addition to the stained glass windows, there are many colorful wooden carvings and wall decorations that are stunning. It was crowded, but not oppressively so, and we spent quite a bit of time in here, trying to absorb it all. Since it's so close to Notre Dame, try to squeeze it in if you can. STEPH JUDGEMENT: Get Stained glass wasted here. read more

I can't rate this less than 5 stars. It's just.....too much! It's just....unreal. We had the Paris Museum Pass so we skipped the line with a few minutes to spare before closing and they turned away all the other people who were outside queueing 30 minutes before closing. Luckily a man who works there came outside and started telling people if they had Paris Pass to come a different direction. It would be nice if they just had signage to direct the flow of visitors but that is how they get you with the passes because half the time you don't know where you're supposed to go and waste time. Most of the pass attractions are only open for limited hours and limited days so check your pass before you visit. Anyway, my expectations were at optimum levels and my sister cautioned me to lower my expectations so that my mind didn't completely explode. I had seen the pics on Yelp prior to coming and I just knew it was going to be grand but at my sister's heeding I brought my expections down to level one and we made our way inside and up the winding staircase. I was looking down toward the floor on purpose as we stepped out into the chapel because of the new level my expectations had been set out. I nearly lost my footing as my knees buckled slightly as a panned upward toward the ceiling. Heart palpitations!! Heavy breathing!! Eyes straining!! Neck locking up!! It's too much. No wonder they have chairs lining the sides of the main floor because you get overwhelmed and have to sit down. Also it's probably easier to sit and look up and not be in the way of others as opposed to standing in awe with your mouth agape drooling in the middle of the floor. We had just come from Notre Dame and I'm sorry but nothing compares to Sainte-Chapelle. It's amazing. Even though the sun wasn't shining too brightly, it was still perfect. Immaculately kept and well worth the time. read more

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Sainte-Chappelle is located on the Ile de la Cite along with Notre Dame. It is about 2 blocks west, with/surrounded by the Palace of Justice. There are signs to direct you. When we arrived on a Wednesday morning, there were no lines. The sign suggested you queued separately if you had a City Pass (which we did), but I guess if there are no crowds they just funnel everyone in the same way. You undergo a standard bag-check and then are directed to an inner courtyard. Here you pass court-associated people en route to their daily jobs. You circle to the far side of the chapel to enter. You have a final ticket-check here and enter into a gift shop on the ground floor. To access the chapel itself, you ascend a floor or two of narrow spiral stone stairs. You exit out at the base end of the chapel. Try to go on a sunny day, if possible. If you have any fondness at all for stained glass, the experience here is amazing. In many larger cathedrals, the stained glass is a major focus. Here it is the ONLY focus. The space is large, but not compared to an entire cathedral. If they took Norte Dame and lopped off just the chancel (the semicircular part furthest away from the entrance) and somehow jammed all of its stained glass into the walls of just that space, you'd approximate Sainte-Chappelle. Architecturally, an entire cathedral is more impressive. Artistically/aesthetically, Sainte-Chappelle is more impressive, at least to me. When we were there, a fair number of people were milling around marveling at the glass. However, there was still room to circulate a bit for photos. I've read that they give musical performances here (mostly classical, I think); that might be worth checking out, as it might be a more relaxed setting in which to enjoy not only the music but also the surroundings. This is one of my favorite spots in Paris. read more

Wow, such a beautiful spot with amazing stained glass. I have to admit when I first walked in to the main entry of the church, I was a bit disappointed since there wasn't much there - it was kind of dark with some stained glass and interesting detail, but when I walked upstairs to the main section, it was well worth it. The room is lit by the different colors from the sainted glass - mostly subtle hues of blue, red and white. It really is a unique space and well worth the visit. read more

I am not one who gets excited over stained glass, but coming here is a must for any history/art/stained glass fanatic. The building (like most of Paris) is filled with a buttload of history. This was my first time ever inside Sainte-Chapelle. And now when people ask what some of the highlights of my trip was, one of the first things I bring up is Sainte-Chapelle. Getting inside can take quite a bit of time and your Paris Pass won't get you inside any quicker (though that is debatable). But it's worth the wait. read more

This place is only a 2-3 block walk away from Notre Dame. I recommend coming here if you are in the area. The place is very small but extremely beautiful. The entire place is just about the stained glass windows. It will take you a while to look at all the windows. This place does charge for admission. I could do without visiting this place but it was a nice site to see also. read more

Amazing stained glass windows. Well worth the visit. I actually thought it would be a lot bigger but it was still very impressive. read more

Sainte-Chapelle - Churches Near Me - Paris, 75

The king knows how to live, and how to worship. After all, who is closer to God than the king? At least that was the theory when this chapel was built especially for the private devotions of the kings of France. If you want to see the prime example of Raianant (Shining) Gothic architecture in Paris, this is the place. Inspired by Abbot Suger's brilliant church at St. Denis, this stained glass chapel radiates the brilliance of heaven, and packed into a tiny space that intensifies the experience. Skip the line with a museum pass (see my Louvre review), and ascend towards the heavens. You enter though a small basement gift shop, then climb a short turning spiral staircase walled in stone. The light from the magnificent blue stained glass explodes as you enter the chapel, giving you the feeling of the expansiveness and freedom that must be celestial. The intention of the Gothic architects was to create a space on earth that had the Holy feeling of heaven, and they have been successful here. Rest for a while in one of the wooden chairs, and observe yourself as the light and color of the place bring tranquility! read more

When you look at the art and architecture of this chapel and many of the churches in Paris it is hard not to be humbled by them. To think these places were built hundreds and hundreds of years ago is astonishing. The Louvre, Notre Dame and many other interesting sites are within a stones throw of this site, fyi! This place is beautiful and has an amazing history to go with the art and artifacts. This is a must see. The lines are long. We paid a premium for "Skip the Lines" tickets. They were worth every penny as we never stood in line anywhere we used them. read more

While the chapel is small, especially when compared to Notre-Dame, it's jaw-dropping beautiful and should not be missed! It's only about 2-3 blocks away (very walk-able) from Notre-Dame! Note: We visited in September 2016 read more

Sainte-Chapelle - It's like standing in a jewel box - Churches Near Me - Paris, 75

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We came late in the afternoon to find out they were not taking any more persons without advance tickets. So we came back the following morning and bought tickets without any difficulty. The Cite metro stop is very close to Sainte Chapelle. We whipped out our free Rick Steves audio guide right when we entered and spent a lot of time looking this charming little chapel next to the gift shop. I thought it was a nice place with some nice stained glass. It wasn't until we took the narrow circular stairs next to the entrance that we actually went upstairs to the huge cathedral and I realized that this was actually Sainte Chapelle! A wonderful surprise. I had thought the downstairs chapel was Sainte Chapelle. Good thing we went up the stairs! Saint Chapelle is magnificent and a must see. Stunning stained glass windows. read more

We happen to make this stop because one of my friends wanted to check this place out. Entry is 10 euros personally I don't think it's worth the price but I guess they have to pay for maintenance on it some how. Upon entering u tend to wonder is this it? Area is pretty small the Windows certainly are lovely to see but if u are looking for the main area that is located upstairs something u don't realize at first. After walking around downstairs we made our way upstairs now here is where u get to see the main focus of this church the glass stained windows are nice & tall so pretty to see & the colors really stand out. Upstairs is where the main event is since this is what u see when u look at advertisement for the church, nice Windows for sure something to check if u are looking to kill some time in between cant say that it's a must see but if u are into churches it's worth a visit. read more

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Bought tickets in advance and skipped the very long line. I suggest you do the same. There is only two rooms to see, but a must. These long stained glass windows and unbelievable when you first see it. The detail all around is outstanding. You'll be blown away. read more

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Surprisingly, I liked this church a lot better on the inside than the Notre Dame. It is a bit more low-key, but the inside is worth seeing. We bought our tickets online, and they honestly didn't even check them when we arrived. We climbed to the top and were able to see the wonderful stained glass art. You can even sit in the chairs they have and admire the work while also avoiding the heat from outside for a little bit. read more

Sainte-Chapelle - Churches Near Me - Paris, 75

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This spot had the first of many lines I would stand in waiting to see something that hopefully would stun me. Saint-Chapelle succeeded. Gorgeous. Stunning. Magnificent. You walk up a winding staircase to the second floor holding the stained glass windows and...wow. It takes your breath away. You've seen the pictures and you know it's incredible, but when you walk into the space you lose everything you were thinking about. The queue goes relatively quick. Between the first line for security and the second for buying the tickets, a midday stand in line took probably 30-40 minutes. If you're wondering what to skip for time, don't make it this. read more

We loved this place! Perhaps our favorite in Paris. You enter from the street through an outter building into the courtyard around Sainte Chappelle and then around to the back where you purchase your ticket. Entry into Sainte Chappelle is into the lower level and it's a crowded space as everyone marvels at the historic beauty of the chapel and relics. After exploring that area, we went up a winding staircase in the corner that brings you up to the most amazing views you'll ever encounter. The large vaulted chapel above is constructed mostly of beautiful stained glass windows all around. It was fun to watch people come up from below and see the awe and amazement on their faces as they emerged into the majesty of this scene. It is literally stunning. The photos here are awesome but they don't do justice to actually experiencing this historic artistic treasure. I was more impressed here than in any other location in Paris.....which is saying something since I was quite impressed at many other locations too. This place is a MUST DO if you ever visit Paris and it's only a block or two from Notre Dame. read more

Show up early at the Ile de la Cite to stand in line before this place opens and you will NOT regret it. As we entered this gothic building you will be surrounded by France's signature blue and gilded walls and golden stars between the gothic arches. Beautiful window dressings of biblical scenes and a very beautiful altar... And that was just the serf's chapel. Go upstairs to where the French royalty worshipped and experience the glorious bounty of stained glass art. From one end to the other on both sides of the building, each panel portrays a different biblical scene. We in the modern world of factories and assembly lines forget that once upon a time, things were handmade. Each panel contain hundreds if not thousands of sections bordered by metals and containing a piece of glass. Each piece of glass is melted and the color has to be added by hand (or tool), mixed, poured and cooled and soldered into place. Multiply by a million. The altar is pretty darned good too. There's a reason why the French is associated with luxury. I know there really is nothing else to see in here but I just couldn't help it. I think we stayed here for over an hour. I couldn't get myself to leave. It was so freaking beautiful! read more

Baby Jesus. I thought I should saying something religious when speaking of a church. So we found Sainte-Chapelle because we wondered into the beautiful gold gates, and somehow ended up going through security and next thing I know we are at the church. I was trying to go to Concierege but we ended up here instead. Bought our Paris Pass and commenced with the viewing. Historical Fact - Parisians were skinny, short and had small feet. Because that staircase was ridiculous. If one person falls nothing would happen, because you are stuffed in there like sardines. Really, I felt very claustrophobic going up that deathtrap. Once you make it up, and stop smelling the persons in front of you rear-end you see a beautifully preserved place of worship. The stained glass is Amazing. As well as the roof. Go here, NOW. read more

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If only the sun had been out when we were here... and if half of it hadn't been under construction... but still so incredibly beautiful and ornate, this is an absolute must! You walk in on the base floor, which is stunning, but not the piece de resistance. Walk up the tight spiral staircase and behold Saint Chappelle! Look up, look down, look all around - it is so beautiful! There's also a terrific souvenir shop on the bottom floor of the church. If you're going to Notre Dame, please go by here too. We had the Paris Museum Pass. Once you get through security, don't stand in the long line - it divides in two as you round to the front of the church. Trust me and just walk right up. read more

Sainte-Chapelle - Amazing stained glass - Churches Near Me - Paris, 75

We went here on our Paris trip in November 2012 after going to Notre Dame (approximately a 6 minute walk). We had the Paris Museum Pass, so this was included with our pass. Otherwise, their website says it is 8.50 euros per adult rate. The stained glass windows here are gorgeous, however, when we went, it was a cloudy, November day, and I imagine it would be much more impressive during sunlight. We also thought it would be bigger, but it was on the smaller side. Still a worthwhile place to visit. In November, there were also no lines. From their website: Open every day 1 March to 31 October : 9:30 am to 6 pm 1 November to 28 February : 9 am to 5 pm Cashdesks close 30 minutes earlier Open in the evening on Wednesdays 15 May to 15 September last admission at 9 pm. Closed 1 January, 1 May 1 and 25 December read more

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Beautiful church with mighty impressive stained glass. Is it worth $8.50€/person and a long queue (it took about 40 minutes to get in)...I would say yes, just because of the beauty of the glass. When you first enter, you're in a lower vestibule that at first I thought was it. Then I remembered seeing pictures and remembered there's more. You have to climb a tight, claustrophobic, winding staircase up to the main abbey. It is here that you're smacked in the face with towering expanses of stained glass. The church was built by one of France's kings, to be a private chapel, so no expense was spared. Gorgeous ceiling, gorgeous floors, gorgeous glass...this shouldn't be missed. read more

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The Sainte-Chapelle is a royal chapel in the Gothic style and architectural gem in the heart of Paris, France. It was commissioned in 13th century by King Louis of France - who by the way became a Catholic saint - Saint Louis. Its stained glass (from 13th century) is arguably making any top ten list of the best stained glass in the World (try googling). The only disappointment was that my picture could not do a justice to a wonderful peace of art/craftsmanship. I recommend visiting it early in the trip to get the full appreciation of colors before you see other colorful sites in Paris. Did I mention that we are talking about 13th century glass windows? read more

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Another breathtaking church near Notre Dame. The architecture and stained glass are amazing. So many beautiful colors and especially when the light hits it. Definitely worth a stop. read more

Do not miss this. It is $10 in euros for adults and since most other churches offer free entry, some may pass up this incredible experience. When you walk in, you are struck by how carefully they have tried to preserve the lower chapel, which is a treasure. If you are looking for the ultimate wow moment, you must head upstairs, where you will be dazzled by this church made entirely of 13th century stained glass windows and painted ceilings. From the outside, you have no idea what is hidden within. If you look carefully at the stained glass, you will notice the stories from the bible all around you. I thought it was more impressive than any other church I have ever seen. there is even an app to unlock the secrets of the windows. http://www.sainte-chapelle.fr/en/News/App-Unlock-the-secrets-of-the-windows read more

Sainte-Chapelle - Churches Near Me - Paris, 75

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This place is amazing. The architecture and history. You'll be amazed but not blown away with the ostentatious as Saint Peter's Basilica in Vatican City. read more

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I'm not a troglodyte, so I understand that standing on line to see the most extensive collection of 'medieval' stained glass in the known world is not an insult, even if it is unclear how much of what you're seeing is from the extensive restoration work done in the 19th and 20th centuries. It's not air-conditioned (although the lower story is cooler), but this is well worth seeing. It's just lovely, and totally unique to Paris. There is literally no other location where you can get such a flavor for the privilege enjoyed by so few during that time. And make sure to check out the little balcony area (I missed it on my first visit due to a staggering case of jet lag). read more

Beautiful chapel! Must see in Paris. The line forms very quickly throughout the day. Get there early and expect to wait 30-45mins. read more

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This is one of the few places in Paris that I could visit over and over. The bottom floor is impressive in its own right, but ascending those stairs and emerging into the great hall of stained glass and gilding can hardly be described. It's truly an experience and well worth it. A little hard to find, the entrance is to the left of the gates before the main judicial building. Small signs direct you there once you are in the area, but it's definitely a little bit of a search. I get lost every time I go there! read more

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WoW! Amazing! Across the street from N-D and down a block hidden behind a wall this is well worth the visit. This is like a home run derby cathedral style. All the best parts densely packed into a small cathedral. Included in the paris pass. Minimal people compared to N-D. If your pressed for time and had to choose between N-D or here, go here. Hard to describe the amazing beauty and engineering here. read more

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This hidden gem is even more beautiful than Notre Dame and is one of the most exquisite examples of Medieval art and architecture that you could hope to see. It is part of the Palais de Justice complex, along with the Conciergerie and you have to put your bags through a scanner manned by armed police to get in, which is a bit thrilling! The chapel is comparatively small and comprises a ground level, which is quite gloomy but light enough for you to be able to appreciate the azure blue, star studded ceiling and beautiful paintwork. You take some narrow stairs up to the first floor, which is an astonishing revelation of light, clarity and beauty. Here there are beautiful stained glass windows, amazing sculptures and wonderfully preserved paintwork. There are seats all around the sides if you need to just sit for a while and appreciate what you are seeing. Definitely worth a visit. read more

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Sainte-Chapelle is hands down the most beautiful Cathedral in Paris. From the outside it does not look as extravagant as Notre Dame, but the inside is breath-taking. When on the ground floor walk to the end of the church (past the gift shop area), look up and to the left... there is a painting of (I believe) Gabriel Angel and Mary.... this is the oldest wall painting in all of Paris. When you reach the 2nd level (french 1st) and see the windows, it is absolutley amazing. It is one thing to see pictures and postcards of it, but they're nothing like the real thing. There are restorations going on until 2011/12 but it is still worth the visit. Everything about this church is nothing short of astonishing. TIP: When in line... there is a line for the Palace de Justice as well one for Sainte-Chapelle... they both go to the same place so you can just stand in the shorter line. As well, there's a line for people with passes and one for people without passes, no one checks if you have a pass until you try to enter Sainte-Chapelle so you can stand in any line. read more

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Was very impressed by this place, crowds weren't bad either. Highly recommend it. The lower level is nice with ornate carved ceilings and altars. The upstairs stained glass windows are amazing. Make sure you visit. read more

Sainte-Chapelle is another of Paris' old churches, with Gothic architecture galore. But this one stands out from the pack (not that Notre Dame doesn't) because of the amazing stained-glass chapel inside (as witnessed by the photos posted by other Yelpers). I'd been to Paris many, many times before I ever made it to Ste Chapelle, but after I finally discovered it, I knew this had to be a stop on all future visits. It's on the Ile de la Cite, just a few blocks away from Notre Dame, so definitely make a stop here. If you're visiting Notre Dame, you have no excuse not to make the walk over to Sainte-Chapelle. read more

I loved this special place. Kinda odd that tourists and people that need to appear in court are in the same place in line.but entirely endorse a visit to this very special place. read more

Pictures don't do this beautiful church justice - the stained glass is just breathtaking. At first my son said "not another church" but even he changed his mind when he saw the light streaming through the glass and later told me it was one of his favorite sites of the trip. A lot of tourists skip this church and personally I prefer this to Notre Dame. Afterwards be sure to visit the Conciergerie right next door. read more

Sainte-Chapelle - Churches Near Me - Paris, 75

The Sainte-Chapelle was built in the 13th Century by Louis IX to house the relics of the passions of Christ..A must see when you are in Paris. The Stained Glass & Rose windows will blow you away. It is absolutely stunning. It is located on the second floor so you will have to walk this narrow winding staircase to get there. The Rose Window certainly reminds me of our own St John the Divine Cathedral here in New York. Located on the Ile La Cite' in the center of the city near Notre Dame, the Sainte-Chapelle is adorned with a breathtaking collections of 15 glass panels, a gem of French Gothic architecture. It is also home to over 100 concerts every year featuring classical music repertoire from Vivaldi, Bach and all these famous composers. It must be a beautiful experience enjoying a superb performance while enjoying the sights. I sure will not miss that the next time I am in Paris. Tickets varies from 34 to 44 Euros each. Nice Tip..The Paris Museum pass will let you go straight to the entrance avoiding the long lines...and if you want to go to the concert, order your eticket at Classictic.com. I heard the Christmas Concert is beautiful. Enjoy read more

This is probably one of my favorite sights in all of Paris. The first time I went inside, I had no problems. Just walked straight through security and into the church. It's just breathtaking. A must see. You can read about all the pictures in the stained glass. Each section tells a story in the bible. I still like this place better than Notre Dame. It's smaller, more intimate and just so beautiful. My friends had never heard of it and they had no interest in seeing it so I went alone my first time. It ended up being the best thing I saw the whole trip. A couple of tips: go in the morning right when it opens on a sunny day. The line to get in gets extremely long if you aren't there early. Security can take forever. I probably waited an hour in line when I arrived on my second visit because I arrived at 11:30. If you go at noon, the sun may wash out the colors of the stained glass and it looks more white so it's not at its best. Wouldn't recommend that time. Another thing - part of it is under construction so you won't get the full 360 view. Not sure if it's still under construction but I think it will be for a little while. read more

When you are on this particular "island" this is one of the two churches you must visit. The other is Notre Dame. They are within walking distance from one another so if you're already here don't forget to make a stop here. read more

Breathtakingly gorgeous church. It's a must go to and less well-know places in Paris. Tips: (1) Come when it's sunny outside in order to really experience the beauty of the stained glass windows which (to me) are the main attractions. (2) When you enter, take the stairs to the left as it will take you into the church. (3) From left to right and top to bottom, the windows give you a pictorial story of the Bible from beginning to end. Hope these tips help when you visit this church. read more

One of the top houses of worship in the world. We saw it an entirely different way. Thru out the year they do (classical) concerts in the church where you can buy a ticket for a reasonable cost (30-40 euros) and have 2 hours of time to sit in a chair and gaze at all the windows as long as you wish. Classictics.com is one website that has the concerts listed in Paris. We listened to Bach choral works while the sun was setting in the west behind the windows flooding the space with light and sound. read more