Inside Sainte-Chapelle Church: Must-See Attractions & Hidden Gems
Inside Sainte-Chapelle Church: Must-See Attractions & Hidden Gems
The Sainte-Chapelle Church in Paris is a masterpiece of the Rayonnant period of Gothic style, marked by its slender design and extensive use of stained-glass to create an ambiance of celestial light.
Join us on this page as we guide you through the enthralling facets of Sainte-Chapelleand inviting you to discover the must-see attractions that make it a fascinating house of worship.
What is inside the Sainte-Chapelle Church in Paris?
With its stained-glass windows that almost entirely cover the upper walls, Sainte-Chapelle is one of the most beautiful churches in all of France and one of the most visited sights in the French capital.
Here are the must-see attractions inside the picturesque chapel:
1. The stained-glass windows
Sainte-Chapelle is famous for its total of 15 stained-glass windows, covering almost the entire surface of the walls, boasting an area of around 600 square-meters. Originating from the 13th century, these windows depict over 1,100 different biblical scenes, ranging from Creation to the New Testament. When the sun pierces through these windows, the chapel is bathed in a kaleidoscopic play of colors, leaving visitors in sheer wonder.
2. The Royal Gallery
The Royal Gallery offers a breathtaking panorama of the chapel’s majestic stained glass windows, allowing visitors to appreciate the intricate artistry and vibrant hues that bathe the chapel in a kaleidoscope of colors. From this elevated perspective, the chapel’s architectural grandeur unfolds, revealing the soaring arches, slender columns, and intricate carvings that embody the spirit of Gothic design.
3. The Chapelle axiale
Stand in awe before Mons Meg, a colossal medieval cannon with a barrel length of over 15 feet. Picture the thunderous roar of this formidable weapon, once used to defend the castle from invaders.
4. Upper Chapel
Ascend the grand spiral staircase to the upper chapel, where the splendor of the stained-glass windows reaches its peak. The soaring arches of the chapel are lined with jewel-like windows, filtering sunlight into a symphony of colors. The lower chapel, reserved for the royal family, also showcases exquisite stained-glass, though to a lesser extent.
5. The Lower Chapel
In contrast to the medieval grandeur of the upper chapel, the Lower chapel exudes a more intimate and reflective atmosphere. The chapel’s ornate walls and ceiling are adorned with paintings and sculptures, adding a touch of Renaissance elegance.
6. Relics of the Passion
Immerse yourself in Scotland’s military history at the National War Museum. Trace the nation’s martial legacy through displays of weaponry, artifacts, and personal stories, gaining a deeper understanding of Scotland’s role in conflicts throughout history.
7. Concerts
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.
Sainte Chapelle Stained Glass Guide: Expert Tips for a Meaningful Visit
Sainte-Chapelle houses one of the world’s most spectacular displays of 13th-century Gothic stained glass. Spanning 15 towering panels and over 1,100 scenes, they depict biblical stories from Genesis to the Apocalypse in vivid color and detail.
The windows are read from left to right and bottom to top, with one using a zigzag pattern to illustrate the story of the Passion relics. Designed to educate and inspire, they remain one of Paris’s most impressive treasures. This short Sainte Chapelle stained glass guide offers a glimpse into their symbolic layout—best explored in person with the help of the official app.
Sainte-Chapelle Tickets & Tours
Embark on an enthralling Sainte-Chapelle escapade with our thoughtfully chosen tickets and guided tours.
Sainte-Chapelle & Conciergerie: Entry Ticket
7.3K+ Reviews
€20
Tiqets
“Super easy to use and well worth the money! Sainte-Chapelle was absolutely breathtaking, and these tickets got us in with minimal wait times (~10 minutes at 2pm on a Friday).” Erika, Jul 2025, USA [Source: Tiqets]
Paris: Sainte-Chapelle and Conciergerie Combined Tickets
8.3K+ Reviews
€23
GetYourGuide
“The audio guide for the chapel was very simple to use. Love seeing the cell where Marie-Antoinette was held. Everything was very well organized.” Twila, Nov. 2025, USA
Île de la Cité Guided Tour with Sainte-Chapelle Tickets
970+ Reviews
€35
Headout
“Had very nice and interesting walk. Our Guide, Nina, was very nice, friendly and funny. Told a lot about the history. Was really enjoyable and informative.” Malgorzata, Dec. 2025 [Source: Headout]
Paris: Notre Dame Outdoor Tour with Sainte-Chapelle / Crypt.
710+ Reviews
€54
GetYourGuide
“Nick was the best guide. Definitely worth the money. We learned so much.” Carly, Jan. 2026, USA [Source: GetYourGuide]
Paris Museum Pass: 2, 4, or 6 Days
4.4K+ Reviews
€110
GetYourGuide
“This was an excellent option and we took full advantage of it. One word of caution — pay attention to those musuems that require advance reservations, like the Louvre.” Steve, Dec. 2025, USA [Source: GetYourGuide]
Popular Products related to Sainte-Chapelle Tickets
Paris: Panthéon Admission Ticket
6.1K+ Reviews
€14
GetYourGuide
“We did not have a person as a guide, but used the audio guide and found it to be easy to follow and understand. The information was very good and informative.” Trisha, Nov. 2025, USA [Source: GetYourGuide]
Musée Rodin: Skip The Line
2.1K+ Reviews
€15
Tiqets
“First visit to the museum. The grounds are simply beautiful as well as the exhibits inside. It was amazing to see how Rodin did his sculptors step by step. Fabulous visit” Cheri, Oct. 2025 [Source: Tiqets]
Musée d’Orsay: Dedicated Entrance
16.9K+ Reviews
€17.50
Tiqets
“The museum is beautiful with wide variety of art, paintings, sculptures, Rodin, impressionists. Just was so crowded and people are not considerate of others. Did like having timed entry.” Wendy, Oct. 2025, USA [Source: Tiqets]
Eiffel Tower Guided Tour by Elevator: Reserved Entry to the Summit or Second Floor
20.3K+ Reviews
€20.91
Headout
“Claudio was so accommodating and kind when we arrived! The trip to the top of the Effie tower was absolutely epic! We loved the champagne and the ambiance was spectacular 🥂Thank you ” Wendy, Jan. 2026 [Source: Headout]
Sainte-Chapelle & Conciergerie: Entry Ticket
Explore two iconic Paris landmarks in one visit, from the dazzling stained-glass windows of Sainte-Chapelle to the historic Conciergerie, where royal and revolutionary stories come to life.
“Super easy to use and well worth the money! Sainte-Chapelle was absolutely breathtaking, and these tickets got us in with minimal wait times (~10 minutes at 2pm on a Friday).” Erika, Jul 2025, USA [Source: Tiqets]
Paris: Sainte-Chapelle and Conciergerie Combined Tickets
Enjoy one combination ticket for Sainte-Chapelle and the Conciergerie, and explore the architectural beauty and layered history of two of Paris’s most remarkable landmarks.
“The audio guide for the chapel was very simple to use. Love seeing the cell where Marie-Antoinette was held. Everything was very well organized.” Twila, Nov. 2025, USA
Île de la Cité Guided Tour with Sainte-Chapelle Tickets
Stroll across the Île de la Cité with an English-speaking guide, discover the neighborhood’s stories, and enjoy access to Sainte-Chapelle.
“Had very nice and interesting walk. Our Guide, Nina, was very nice, friendly and funny. Told a lot about the history. Was really enjoyable and informative.” Malgorzata, Dec. 2025 [Source: Headout]
Paris: Notre Dame Outdoor Tour with Sainte-Chapelle / Crypt.
Join a guided walk around Notre Dame, with an optional exclusive visit to the crypt, and admire the restored Gothic masterpiece while uncovering hidden corners of Notre Dame Island.
“Nick was the best guide. Definitely worth the money. We learned so much.” Carly, Jan. 2026, USA [Source: GetYourGuide]
Paris Museum Pass: 2, 4, or 6 Days
Access over 60 top museums and monuments in Paris and beyond with the Paris Museum Pass, including iconic sites such as the Louvre and Versailles.
“This was an excellent option and we took full advantage of it. One word of caution — pay attention to those musuems that require advance reservations, like the Louvre.” Steve, Dec. 2025, USA [Source: GetYourGuide]
Popular Products related to Sainte-Chapelle Tickets
Paris: Panthéon Admission Ticket
Visit the Panthéon, a monument honoring the figures who shaped French history since the Revolution, and enjoy an engaging self-guided tour at your own pace.
“We did not have a person as a guide, but used the audio guide and found it to be easy to follow and understand. The information was very good and informative.” Trisha, Nov. 2025, USA [Source: GetYourGuide]
Musée Rodin: Skip The Line
Each year, more than 700,000 visitors flock to the Musée Rodin to admire Rodin’s world-famous sculptures.
“First visit to the museum. The grounds are simply beautiful as well as the exhibits inside. It was amazing to see how Rodin did his sculptors step by step. Fabulous visit” Cheri, Oct. 2025 [Source: Tiqets]
Musée d’Orsay: Dedicated Entrance
Discover breathtaking Impressionist masterpieces inside the beautifully restored Orsay station.
“The museum is beautiful with wide variety of art, paintings, sculptures, Rodin, impressionists. Just was so crowded and people are not considerate of others. Did like having timed entry.” Wendy, Oct. 2025, USA [Source: Tiqets]
Eiffel Tower Guided Tour by Elevator: Reserved Entry to the Summit or Second Floor
Explore the Eiffel Tower on a guided small-group visit, take in unforgettable day or night views, and enhance your experience with summit access or a relaxing Seine River cruise.
“Claudio was so accommodating and kind when we arrived! The trip to the top of the Effie tower was absolutely epic! We loved the champagne and the ambiance was spectacular 🥂Thank you ” Wendy, Jan. 2026 [Source: Headout]
