Frequently Asked Questions About Sainte-Chapelle
Frequently Asked Questions About Sainte-Chapelle
Find answers to the most frequently asked questions about Sainte-Chapelle in Paris on this page, covering everything from general questions to the prayer times and practical tips.
Check out quick and comprehensive answers to ensure your Sainte-Chapelle experience is seamless and memorable.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sainte-Chapelle
King Louis IX of France commissioned the construction of the Sainte-Chapelle between 1242 and 1248, completing it in a mere six years, an impressive feat for the Middle Ages! It was intended as a shrine for his collection of Passion relics, including what was believed to be the Crown of Thorns of Christ. He acquired these at an exorbitant price, equivalent to twice the annual royal income of that time. Sadly, many of these relics were lost during the French Revolution.
Then yes, today no! King Louis IX of France, later canonized as Saint Louis, indeed purchased relics known as the Passion relics, including what was believed to be the Crown of Thorns of Jesus Christ. He had the Sainte-Chapelle built in the 13th century as a magnificent shrine for these relics.
However, the Crown of Thorns and other relics were later relocated during the French Revolution. Today, the Crown of Thorns is preserved in the treasury of Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris. It was even saved during the devastating fire at Notre-Dame in 2019.
The chapel’s windows span an impressive total area of around 600 square meters. There are 15 windows that cover almost the entire surface of the walls. Each of these windows is more than 15 meters high. These windows depict over 1,100 different scenes from the Bible, from the Creation to the New Testament.
>> Find more fascinating facts in our dedicated page: Sainte Chapelle History and Facts
The impressive stained-glass windows of Sainte-Chapelle date back to the middle of 13th century, but the exact names of the individual glass painters or workshops involved in their creation are not known. It wasn’t uncommon for medieval artworks, especially ones of large scale like the stained-glass windows of churches, to remain anonymous, as they were often the result of collective efforts of many artists and craftsmen.
Yes, admission to Sainte-Chapelle with the Paris Museum Pass is free. The pass allows visitors to access many top attractions and museums in Paris and its surroundings without having to purchase a separate ticket for each one. It’s a convenient option for tourists spending multiple days in Paris and planning to visit many attractions, as it can save both money and time spent in ticket lines. If you’re planning to visit several attractions in Paris, the pass can quickly pay for itself.
Sainte-Chapelle is now primarily a tourist attraction and historical monument, and is no longer regularly used for religious ceremonies or daily prayers. Therefore, there are no set prayer times as in active churches for visitors to observe. However, there may be occasional special events or services, especially on certain Christian holidays. If you are planning a visit and want to make sure that it’ll not clash with such an event, we recommend consulting the official Sainte-Chapelle website beforehand.
Yes, Sainte-Chapelle is not only famous for its impressive architecture and stained-glass windows, but also for the regular classical concerts that take place there. These concerts utilize the chapel’s outstanding acoustics and breathtaking atmosphere to provide an unparalleled musical experience. Performances range from solo concerts to small orchestras and choirs. If you are interested in attending a concert, it’s advisable to get information in advance and reserve tickets, as these events are very popular and can sell out quickly. There are various websites and ticket providers that list concerts at Sainte-Chapelle. Thus, it’s worth checking the dates and program in advance.
April 1 to September 30, 9:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
October 1 to March 31, 9.00 a.m. – 5.00 p.m.
Last admission 30 minutes before closing
Closed on 1 January, 1 May and 25 December
Yes, Sainte-Chapelle was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979. This designation recognizes the chapel’s exceptional architectural and artistic significance, as well as its historical importance as a royal chapel and a repository for the Crown of Thorns.
Book Sainte-Chapelle Tickets & Tours
Explore below your Sainte-Chapelle ticket options and pick from the finest selection
Sainte-Chapelle & Conciergerie: Entry Ticket
2.5K Reviews
From €20.00
Tiqets
- Instant Confirmation
- Access to Sainte-Chapelle & Conciergerie
- Free Cancellation
“Unreal. I wasn’t prepared for how breathtaking the chapel would be…”
Paris: Notre Dame & Ile de la Cité Tour with Sainte Chapelle
159 Reviews
From €69.00
GetYourGuide
- Reserve now & pay later
- Semi-Private Walking Tour
- Sainte Chapelle Timed Entry Ticket
- 2 Hours
- Free cancellation
“Silvia our guide was kind, friendly and knowledgeable, a river full of history and art. It was really pleasant and interesting to hear her explain, ranging from…”
Île de la Cité and Latin Quarter Guided Tour with Seine River Cruise
894 Reviews
From €50.20
Headout
- Instant Confirmation
- 2-hr Walking Tour
- Entry to Sainte-Chapelle & Conciergerie
- 1-hr Boat Ride on Seine River
- Free Cancellation
“The guide was fantastic. Loved the tour, the history and sites…”
Sainte-Chapelle & Conciergerie: Entry Ticket
Paris is full of stories and secrets! With this combo ticket, you’ll unveil two of its most impressive chapters on your own. Be swept away by the stunning stained-glass windows in the Sainte-Chapelle, a 13th-century Gothic masterpiece. The brochure offers insights into the history and mysteries of the chapel.
The neighboring Conciergerie was once part of the royal palace before being transformed into a prison during the French Revolution. Here, an augmented reality tool brings Marie Antoinette’s prison cell to life. Particularly striking are the Hall of the Guards and the clock tower on the building’s northeastern side. Don’t miss the chance to uncover two hidden treasures!
- Admission to the Sainte-Chapelle
- Admission to the Conciergerie
- Augmented reality tool
Addresses: Sainte-Chapelle, 10 Boulevard du Palais, 75001 Paris
Conciergerie, 2 Boulevard du Palais, 75001 Paris
Starting time:
Sainte-Chapelle: Please check availability and choose your preferred time slot.
Conciergerie: No specific time slot is required, allowing you to visit it during opening hours.
You can either start at Sainte-Chapelle or at Conciergerie. Both sights are only a few steps away from each other. It is recommended to start with Conciergerie because it closes earlier.
Duration: Take as much time as you want to get your fill of Sainte-Chapelle and Conciergerie.
5* Finn, United States, Aug 19, 2024 • Verified customer
Beautiful chapel, didn’t get in until about 30 minutes after my scheduled time but that’s okay. Conciergeie had an interesting interactive tablet experience which I enjoyed as well, would be great for kids!
5* Karla, United States, Jun 15, 2024 • Verified customer
Great experience and I’ve already recommended Tiqets to others! They had tickets to attractions when I couldn’t find them elsewhere, good price, and very quick to email the tickets to me.
- Instant Confirmation
- Access to Sainte-Chapelle & Conciergerie
- Free Cancellation
Paris: Notre Dame & Ile de la Cité Tour with Sainte Chapelle
With this ticket, you’ll not only delve deeper into the history of a hidden gem of Paris, but also explore Île de la Cité on a leisurely walk, available in English, Spanish or Italian. Join your knowledgeable guide to stroll through the historic Seine island, taking in views of the Notre-Dame Cathedral from the outside, and gems like the church of San Severino and Place Dauphine. Visit the 13th-century Sainte-Chapelle with your included timed entry ticket and admire its awe-inspiring stained-glass windows and Gothic architecture at your own pace.
- Semi-private walking tour (up to 14 people)
- Experienced local guide
- Timed entry ticket for Sainte Chapelle
- Entry Tickets for Conciergerie (only if option selected)
Meeting point: Meet your guide at Hotel de Ville in front of the Olympic rings. Look for the guide holding a ‘GetYourGuide’ sign.
Starting Time: 10:00 AM. Arrive at the meeting point at least 10 minutes before your starting time.
Duration: 2 Hours
Martina – Italy, Feb. 2024 [Source: GetYourGuide]
Silvia our guide was kind, friendly and knowledgeable, a river full of history and art. It was really pleasant and interesting to hear her explain, ranging from the construction of Paris to the architectural styles encountered, to small hidden and spectacular corners. La Sainte Chappelle takes your breath away
- Reserve now & pay later
- Sainte Chapelle Entry Ticket
- Semi-private Walking Tour
- 2 Hours
- Free Cancellation
Île de la Cité and Latin Quarter Guided Tour with Seine River Cruise
This ticket includes a Seine River Tour, admission to Sainte-Chapelle, and a 2-hour walking tour of the Latin Quarter and Île de la Cité. With your expert guide and a small group of up to 15 people, you’ll explore the historic Île de la Cité and its treasures, including Sainte-Chapelle, Notre-Dame, and the Conciergerie.
Enjoy a 1-hour Seine River Cruise, where you’ll discover the attractions of the City of Love and Lights, such as the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, and Notre-Dame Cathedral, from a unique perspective.
- 2-hour walking tour of Latin Quarter & Île de la Cité
- Expert local guide
- Small-group of 15 people
- Entry to Sainte-Chapelle
- Entry to Conciergerie
- One-hour boat ride on Seine river
Address:
Show your ticket at the Cité metro entrance (1 rue Aubé, 75004 Paris). The guide will be holding a green Walks sign.
Starting time: Please check availability and choose your preferred time slot.
Duration: 3 Hours
Good to know: The tour does not include entry into Notre Dame Cathedral.
5* Travis, June 2024
The guide was fantastic. Loved the tour, the history and sites.
5* Harry, Nov. 2022
Liked the guide, very informative and took the time to answer all my questions. Only concern is that Notre Dame is closed obviously for renovations. No mention in the description was made in that this was a walk around, no inside access possible.
- Instant Confirmation
- 2-hr Walking Tour
- Entry to Sainte-Chapelle & Conciergerie
- 1-hr Seine River Cruise
- Free Cancellation