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The original plans of the chapel date back to the year 1241, and
these are generally attributed to Pierre de Montreuil, who had completed the south facade
of the Notre Dame de Paris.
Once the site for the Sainte Chapelle had been chosen, which was on the island in the
middle of the River Seine called the Ile de la Cite, close
to Notre Dame Cathedral and La Conciergerie, they first started construction in 1246 and
the whole chapel was completed by 1248.
The interior has two floors and a painted interior like many churches were in the Middle
Ages, but unfortunately this aspect of decorating an interior is not seen very often these
days as much of this part of history has been lost over the centuries.
However, it is on the second floor that you really get to see the beauty of this place
with the vaulted ceiling above the incredible stained glass windows in all their glory,
and it was this part of the building that was reserved for the King and his court, as well
as for displaying the religious relics.
On the outside, you can see a spire, which is made of cedar and is over 30m high and this
is actually a replica of the 15th century spire that was made in the 19th century, but if
you go on a sunny day the whole aspect of the building both on the outside and on the
inside is a warmer more gratifying experience, where you can see different colour changes
from the stained glass windows.
By the way, we did quickly mentioned that this church is located near to La Conciergerie, which is the oldest
Prison in Paris, and that is famous for being the place where Marie Antoinette was held
during the French Revolution before being beheaded…... Well you can access both the
Sainte Chapelle and La Conciergerie on a combined ticket, which is a cost of €11,
although people under the age of 18 can gain free entry provided they are accompanied by
an adult.
The Sainte Chapelle is open during March through to October on a Monday to Friday from
9.30am to 12.30pm then from 2.15pm through to 6pm. On a Saturday and Sunday it is
open the whole day from 9.30am until 6pm.
During the months of November through to February it is open on a Monday to Friday from
9am to 12.30pm then from 2.15pm through to 5pm. On a Saturday and Sunday it is open
the whole day from 9am until 5pm.
However, the Sainte Chapelle is closed on the main national holidays and you cannot enter
if there is less than 30 minutes before closing time.
The cost of entry as for 2010 to Sainte Chapelle on its own is €8 or €5 on a
concession, however, as mentioned above, you can obtain a joint ticket to include the
Conciergerie for only €11.
The nearest Metro station is the Cite on line 4 or other close Metro stations include the
Chatelet and Saint-Michel.
Address & Contact Details:
Sainte Chapelle
4 Boulevard du Palais
75001
Paris
France
Telephone: 1 53 40 60 93 or 1 53 40 60 97
Fax: 1 53 40 60 96
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