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No. 13 - Sainte-Chapelle

World-class stained glass

Located on the same island - Île de la Cité - as Notre-Dame Cathedral, this hidden gem of a Gothic church is well worth a quick visit for the stained glass alone. The soaring, brilliant blue windows never fail to take one’s breath away upon entering.

Constructed on two levels, the lower chapel was intended for courtiers, palace servants, and soldiers, while the upper chapel was reserved for the royal family and their guests. The two levels are connected by a narrow spiral staircase of 40 steps.

Commissioned by King Louis IX, this chapel is truly one of the world’s greatest masterpieces of stained glass. Its 15-metre-high windows depict over 1,100 biblical scenes, creating a radiant display of colour and storytelling.

Hours:

April–Sept: 9:00–19:00
Oct–March: 9:00–17:00
Closed Jan 1, May 1, Dec 25

Tickets (2025):

Adults: €13–€19
Tickets can be purchased in advance, and used to skip the queue:

Website

Best Time to Visit:

Late morning or early afternoon, especially on sunny days (for best stained-glass effects)Weekdays are quieter

Location:

10 boulevard du Palais, Île de la Cité, Paris
Metro: Cité (Line 4)

Entrance directions

Tips:

No cloakroom or toilets inside—plan ahead
Bags screened; keep luggage small
Audio guides and apps available
Photography allowed (no flash/tripods)
Stairs to upper chapel—limited accessibility