The Sainte-Chapelle France
Let me tell you something you might not know about Paris - it's not just the Eiffel Tower and Louvre Museum. One of the most remarkable places to visit in Paris is Sainte-Chapelle. We made the mistake of dismissing it, but trust me, you don't want to make the same mistake.
Sainte-Chapelle is a Gothic-style royal chapel built in the heart of Paris in the mid 13th century. It was commissioned by King Louis IX, who wanted to house his precious relics of Christianity, which included the Crown of Thorns.
Walking into the chapel is like stepping into another world. You'll be greeted by a stunning display of vibrant stained glass windows. Light shines through the windows and creates a dreamy atmosphere that will leave you breathless.
The windows are some of the most magnificent in the world, and depict over 1,000 scenes from the Old and New Testaments. They're so detailed and intricate, they almost seem real.
But Sainte-Chapelle wasn't always this stunning. It required a lot of restoration work after it fell into disrepair during the French Revolution.
History of Sainte-Chapelle
The chapel was built in 7 years, between 1242 and 1248. It was part of the Palais de la Cité complex, the residence of the French monarchs, and served as a place of worship for them.
The monarchs were expected to play an active role in religious life, so the chapel was built to house the King's precious Christian relics.
During the French Revolution, Sainte-Chapelle was nearly decimated. The relics and statuettes were taken, the stained glass windows were broken, and a great deal of damage was done to the structure itself. By the time the revolution came to an end, the chapel was nothing more than a shell of what it once was.
But it wasn't until the 19th century that Sainte-Chapelle began its journey to restoration. The French government took over in 1836 and hired the architect Eugène-Emmanuel Viollet-le-Duc to oversee the restoration work. After a grueling 30-year restoration project, Sainte-Chapelle was once again restored to its full glory.
Travel Tips to Sainte-Chapelle
The chapel is located in the 1st arrondissement of Paris, on Île de la Cité. It's open from 9:30am to 6:00pm, and tickets can be purchased for €11 (or €16 if you choose the combined ticket with the Conciergerie). You can also visit for free if you have a Paris Museum Pass.
It's important to note that the chapel is not a part of the Notre-Dame Cathedral. These are two separate sites, and Sainte-Chapelle does not have a direct entrance from the cathedral. You can access the chapel from the Boulevard du Palais, where the line to enter usually takes about 15 minutes.
Another thing to keep in mind is that photography is not allowed inside the chapel. This is to ensure that the precious stained glass windows are not damaged by flash photography.
When you're inside the chapel, make sure to take your time and soak in the mesmerizing beauty of the stained glass windows. They truly are one-of-a-kind, and something that you will never forget.
FAQ about Sainte-Chapelle
What's the best time to visit Sainte-Chapelle?
It's best to visit in the morning, as the chapel can become quite crowded in the afternoon. If you're able to, try to visit during the week as opposed to the weekend.
How long should I plan to spend at Sainte-Chapelle?
You can expect to spend around 30 minutes inside the chapel, but you may want to give yourself more time if you want to take in all of the intricate details of the stained glass windows.
Can I take pictures inside Sainte-Chapelle?
No, photography is not allowed inside the chapel. You'll have to rely on your memory to remember the stunning windows!
Is Sainte-Chapelle accessible for those with disabilities?
The chapel is accessible for those with disabilities. There's a ramp for wheelchair users, and an elevator to access the upper chapel.
If you're planning a trip to Paris, don't miss out on a visit to Sainte-Chapelle. It's a true gem of the city, and something that you won't forget anytime soon.
So next time you're in Paris, don't make the same mistake we did. Visit Sainte-Chapelle and prepare to be amazed.
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