While the Notre Dame Cathedral is the most visited
site in Paris, it is not the most beautiful… at least not according to my family. Nearby Sainte Chapelle, which sits hidden behind government buildings, is far more exquisite.
Waiting in line to see Sainte Chapelle, the kids wondered, some more loudly than others, if it would be worth the wait. We ignored their complaints, though, since Sainte Chapelle was the one place my husband added to the itinerary. He doesn’t speak up often when it comes to vacation plans, so his requests carry heavy weight. We stood in line. 🙂
Walking through the courtyard to the entrance, the site is underwhelming. Sainte Chapelle is not large, compared to other sites. Its windows are tall and narrow. The rose window sits in a place that is generally hard to see.
But then… you pass through the doors. And again are underwhelmed. Entering on the lower level, Sainte Chapelle appears old, dark and run-down. There’s a small store set up off to the left, offering Sainte Chapelle related trinkets. All of it was rather confusing… and then…
In the corner, there’s a staircase.
Climb the stairs…
Walk through the entryway into the sanctuary.
And gape.
Those long windows, so unremarkable on the outside, come to life. The sunlight dances through the colored panes to fill the room.
You can’t imagine the beauty of these windows…
Speechless wonder.
Even though the light doesn’t appear as bright,
this image allows you to see the deep, rich hues of the windows
The Rose Window
The intricate patterns on the floor, for those willing to look down, fight with the light for your attention. They deserve it. This is the very floor King (now Saint) Louis IX walked 800 years ago. He built this cathedral to house the crown of thorns and a piece of Jesus’ cross. The relics were not stolen like other religious symbols, but purchased at fair price (Back then more than three times the cost to build the Cathedral).
800 years of history have walked this floor.
Hand-painted detail on the baseboards
We stood in line for more than an hour outside a non-descript government building. We crossed a government business filled courtyard. We entered an unpretentious basement and climbed unremarkable stairs… And we found the most beautiful place in Paris. You might disagree, and if you do — it must be because you visited on a cloudy day.
Sainte Chapelle isn’t the only place in Paris with amazing surprises. There are so many cool and unusual places to see in Paris!
Sainte Chapelle: Know before you go
- Sainte Chapelle Address: Palais de la Cité, 4 boulevard du palais, 1st arrondissement
- Closest Metro Line: Cité (Line 4)
- Operating Hours:
- March 1 to October 31, 9:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Weds. until 9:00 during summer
- November 1 to February 28: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
- Entrance closes 30 minutes before site
- Closed January 1, May 1, and December 25
- Special information: The entrance is controlled by the gendarmerie and no metal objects, including knives, scissors and other pointed instruments are allowed. You will pass through a metal detector to gain entrance.
- Admission fees:
- Adults, 8,50 euro
- Minors under 18, FREE
- Adults 18-25 who are citizens of the EU, FREE
- Disabled guests and escorts, FREE
- Unemployed persons, FREE
- Visit Sainte Chapelle on a sunny day!
Bev says
Loved your blog. Wondering if you could help find out how to buy a small bracelet I saw this summer at the gift shop.
I can’t seem to find a way to access the gift shop.
My daughter and grand daughter and I all bought the bracelet BUT I lost mine.
Help!!!!!!
Karen Dawkins says
Bev,
Can you describe the bracelet? I’m making inquiries with my French connections, but a bracelet description would help. Thanks! I hope I’m able to help you!
Real Army of Moms says
Awe struck wonder. I have no words for how beautiful those windows are and the ceiling. If you hadn’t explained all you went through all the nondescript coverings I think it might still be as awe inspiring. Thank you for sharing. Something new to add to my bucket list.
Christy Maurer says
I’m so jealous! I love the pictures! The most beautiful I’ve seen is the National Cathedral in Washington D.C.
Romina says
Someday I’ll visit Paris; it’s definitely on my bucket list. These pictures are amazing. I can’t begin to imagine the amount of work and effort it took to build this church.
Tammy Graham @ LoveMy2Dogs says
Wow, that is beautiful. I absolutely love the Rose Window. I know that I will never get to visit something like that and pictures never do justice but…..wow.
Pamela R says
A long time ago I worked at a store called The Museum Company and they sold large panels of photos sun catchers The Rose Window was a BIG Selling item =) ITS STUNNING in the photos I can only imagine how gorgeous it is in real life!!!
Lalia @ Found Frolicking says
Beautiful! It’s a shame it’s so hard to get stunning photos of cathedrals that do them justice. There’s just too many things going against a person with a camera—light shining too brightly through the stained glass windows, the very dark atmosphere of the interior. The photos are still nice, though. You can tell it must be breathtaking in person. Thanks for sharing!!!
Karen Dawkins says
Lalia, I completely agree. You can’t know a city by reading its travel books or visiting its website. And you can’t appreciate the splendor of a cathedral’s stained glass window, a mountain’s character or the delicate scent of a flower through a photo. These photos bring back memories, though, and I cherish them.
We did buy a small stained glass ornament to hang in our kitchen window to remind us of this beautiful place.
Sofia says
Wow, never been to Paris so I cannot judge which one is more stunning, but Sainte Chapelle has made it to my list of places to visit!! It is beautiful! 🙂
Karen Dawkins says
Sofia, I hope you get to go one day. The cathedral is stunning.
Nancie says
Your It’s a;ways exciting to find a gem like this; kudos to your husband. Apologies for the double comment, but your comment box doesn’t want to work for me 🙂
Karen Dawkins says
Sorry about that comment box, Nancie. Glad you got through.
Michele {Malaysian Meanders} says
Beautiful! That whole better than Notre Dame hooked me. We’re contemplating heading to Paris in the next year, and I’ll have to keep Sainte Chapelle in mind.
Karen Dawkins says
Thanks, Michele. I’ll be posting more on our Paris trip over the next couple months. Lots of money saving tips, etc. The five of us traveled, seven days, for less than $7,000 US including airfare. We didn’t skip a thing! Enjoy. It’s simply wonderful.
Rosey says
Ohh that is a good one, those windows look fabulous and you got great pictures of them!
Karen Dawkins says
Thank you, Rosey. I know you like Paris! 🙂
budget jan says
What made your husband choose this site. Had he been there before. I am sure glad it turned out to be wonderful after the long wait with the kids along. The huge stained glass windows are spectacular, and I particularly like the floor tiles. Wherever I go I notice the floor tiles. I have missed buses because I was too busy photographing floor tiles 🙂
Karen Dawkins says
I got him a tour book for Christmas thinking he’d enjoy reading up on Paris. He surprised me by diving in and really researching attractions, even cross checking online. 🙂 Usually, that’s my job — but when he digs in, I know he’s found a gem!
Margaret says
I agree that St. Chapelle is more impressive than Notre Dame, especially when the light comes through the stained glass.
Karen Dawkins says
Thanks, Maragaret.
Debbie Beardsley @ European Travelista says
Your husband picked a magnificent place to visit in Paris! Loved your pictures. Stained glass always amazes me.
Karen Dawkins says
Yeah… and I picked the sewer tour. What was I thinking?
InsideJourneys says
It is stunning! I’m impressed – lovely detail on the baseboard. Even with the wait, I’m sure you’re glad your husband picked Sainte Chapelle. Thanks for sharing, Karen!
Karen Dawkins says
Thanks! Yes, I am quite happy he chose it. 🙂
ginny says
Good job with today’sentry, Karen. You’re giving Rick Steves a run for his money. Smart man, that hubby of yours!
Karen Dawkins says
Hmmm…. I wonder if you’re a little biased about how smart that man is! 🙂 Thanks for the compliment.