Before you skip Sainte Chapelle because it's probably Paris's only church that requires paid admission, read on, because you do not want to miss perhaps one of the most impressive churches you will ever see! With a small modest exterior that especially pales in comparison to the nearby Notre Dame Cathedral, Sainte Chapelle - French for "Holy Shrine" - was constructed by Louis IX (Now one of France's two top saints with Joan of Arc) to house the holy relics such as a piece of True Cross. Although the relics moved to the Notre Dame's treasury, the chapel still retained the very beauty that the French king deemed worthy to hold Christianity's most sacred items. Sure, by photo, Sainte Chapelle looks like just another church with stained glass windows, but look more carefully. While other churches' stained glass tend to be geometric or single-scene on a macro scale, Sainte Chapelle's take it to a much more meticulous level. Each of the fourteen windows tells a chapter in the Bible with all fourteen windows holds 1113 near-microscopic scene! The most impressive is the circular Rose Window that has even more minute details to illustrate the Apocalypse of St John. Combined with the beautiful blue ceiling dotted with golden stars and the twelve apostles that stood watch at every pillar, Sainte Chapelle is certainly a sight that you do not want to miss! Take about an hour to take in the beauty within. €9 is truly nothing compared to the feast for your eye that Sainte Chapelle has to offer. --- tl;dr version: 1) Holy Chapel designed to hold True Cross and other relics 2) Impressive minutely detailed stained glass windows read more

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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

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

If you are obsessed with stained glass, then this should be on your Paris to-do list. If you've had your fill at Notre Dame and some other venues, then I'd probably pass. It is on my been-there-done-that-no-need-to-return list. A couple things to note, the cover photo oversells the venue a bit. While the glass is gorgeous, that is it. No other ornamentation (and really it isn't really needed), furniture, etc. Just an empty room with over-the-top glass. You enter on a lower level that operates as a gift shop, then take a short staircase up to the chapel. That is an important differentiation. It is a chapel, not a cathedral, so it is one room (no alcoves or vestries) about 50' by 25' in size. When you are in other famous churches in Europe, you are typically overwhelmed and astounded by the scale (soaring ceilings and arches). The opposite is true here. It reminds me of looking through a kaleidoscope since the glass walls surround you and begin just feet above your head. Because it does not appear to currently be used for services, it is solely a tourist attraction. And that tends to depress me. While I don't subscribe to a particular religion, I have a deep reverence and respect for these places and behave accordingly. Others don't seem to be on the same page. This is a venue on the Paris Museum Pass. Do note that it is in the same location as the Conciergerie at the Palace of Justice. Both museums share the same entry and because you pass through security first, this is the only venue where having the pass didn't let you jump the line. read more

Ahh I love this place! The inside is SO beautiful. The stained glass makes the experience so unforgettable. It's 8.50 Euro to get in, but ask for the reduced discount to get in for only 6.50 Euro! The reduced rate is if you're under a certain age (I want to say 26?). I just asked if they had student discounts and they told me to show my license for the reduced rate. I went in March, so they were still slightly under (re)construction but I still enjoyed my time there. The stained glass you must gawk at is on the second floor so don't be fooled by the small amount of displays on the first floor. There will be lines, but it actually goes by pretty fast, or it did for my friend & me! You also have to go through security before buying tickets & entering the premises, which is no different from other places. Also, I'd recommend researching what's the best time to visit for the day you want to go because it is stained glass, meaning the sunlight will have a strong effect on how they look, ESPECIALLY in pictures! I went in the morning and many of my pictures either came out too bright or extremely dark because we were on the wrong side of the sun :( Anywho, this place is so amazing, I HIGHLY HIGHLY recommend! :) read more

Sainte-Chapelle - the beautiful stained glass - Churches Near Me - Paris, 75

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

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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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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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

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 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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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

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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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

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

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

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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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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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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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

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 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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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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Saint-Chappel was gorgeous, but small. When we arrived there was a line out the door, but luckily we bought our tickets beforehand. If you want to skip this, it isn't much to write home to mom about. It is small and quaint and there isn't much to see. If Notre Dame is open then go there. read more

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

Sainte-Chapelle - Churches Near Me - Paris, 75

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

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

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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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

This is a must see place. The stain glass windows are breathtaking. I would get your tickets a head of time. There was a very long line for people who needed to buy tickets. We had tickets and we walked right in. The staircase was old and steep but it's worth the climb. read more

Worth your time and effort. The most beautiful thing I saw in Paris. The second I got upstairs the stain glass took my breath away. The line for security can be long but worth the wait. Do not pass this place in your visit to Paris. They have a gift shop on the bottom level that has some nice books. We were able to attend on the free Sunday. They have a video that shows all the restoration work that was done on the building. Amazing. This stop was the highlight of my visit to Paris. Try to go when the sun is out to get the full effect of the stain glass. read more

Absolutely incredible. I'd put this at the top of the list for visitors to Paris. I agree with those who say that pictures do not do this place justice. Sainte-Chapelle is on Île de la Cité right in the center of the city, a short walk away from Notre Dame and actually a part of the Palais de la Cité, which is where French kings lived until the 14th century. I've been to Sainte-Chapelle three times and have had to wait in short lines to enter each time, but nothing too long. The ground level has a gift shop and information on the chapel, and then you walk up spiral stairs (somewhat narrow) to get to the top floor of the chapel. They've been working on restoring the stained glass in sections over the past few years, and the restored panels are truly stunning. Tip: go on a sunny day so that the glass is as bright and vibrant as possible! read more

The church itself is quite amazing with its beautiful stained glass windows that relate Bible stories in pictures. Quite nifty, similar to a graphic novel, as most people at the time Sainte Chapelle was built were illiterate and this was an awesome way to transmit religious stories from the Bible to them. The church is much smaller but more intimate than Notre Dame and the splendor that surrounds you with almost floor to ceiling color is outstanding. We also attended two different evening concerts at Saint Chapelle, both featuring David Braccini on the violin. The first night, there were two other violinists, a cellist and a harpsichordist who joined David to play an extraordinary rendition of Vivadi's Seasons. The acoustics in the church enhanced the sounds of the instruments so that the music floated and wrapped around the audience. The interplay among all of the musicians was fun and lively. This was a concert not to be missed! The second evening we again experienced David's artistry with the same harpsichordist and different cello player who performed a diverse program from various composers. Another winner! Definitely check out the concerts in this venue if you enjoy music! 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

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 was simply breathtaking. The stained glass panels are more than just decor; the panels actually tell the story of the New Testament, so the meaning imparted something really special when I came here. It's a smaller church than Notre Dame, and in some ways I actually preferred that intimacy. read more

Sainte-Chapelle - Saint Chapelle - Churches Near Me - Paris, 75

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