Perched on the Île de la Cité in the heart of Paris, the Sainte Chapelle is a stunning example of Gothic architecture. The Crown of Thorns that Jesus purportedly wore during his crucifixion was once housed in the chapel, making the site rife with historical significance.

The upper level of the chapel is a riot of color, with stained glass windows depicting 1,113 scenes from the Old and New Testaments.

Lovers of art, history and religion need to get their hands on Sainte Chapelle tickets while in Paris.

Here's what you need to know about Sainte Chapelle, one of the most breathtaking attractions in Paris.

How much are Sainte Chapelle tickets?

Sainte Chapelle tickets are affordable, and there are plenty of concessionary tickets for different groups of people to keep the cost low.

Full price: €13.00
Children (under 18 years old): Free
EU citizens aged 18-25: Free

Who is eligible for discounts on Sainte Chapelle tickets?

EU citizens between 18 and 25 years old qualify for free entry, as well as persons with disabilities and their accompanying carers.

Purchasing a Sainte Chapelle ticket also qualifies you for a discounted rate on a Seine river cruise.

Should you purchase Sainte Chapelle tickets in advance?

By booking your Sainte Chapelle tickets online in advance, you'll ensure you can visit the church on the day of your choice. You'll also have the option to buy priority access tickets that enable you to skip the line.

Which are the best Sainte Chapelle tours?

All Sainte Chapelle tours include other well-known monuments and landmarks in the center of the city.

Guided tour of Notre Dame, Sainte Chapelle and La Conciergerie

In this guided tour of Sainte Chapelle, you'll learn about the history behind the church, dating back to the 13th century. While you won't see the Crown of Thorns that the chapel once housed, the exquisite stained glass will make it worth the visit.

You'll also take a trip to Notre Dame Cathedral and see what remains of the statues and gargoyles that once defined the cathedral.

The tour takes a dark turn with a visit to La Conciergerie where Marie Antoinette was imprisoned in her final days. Finally, you'll have the opportunity to take a boat cruise along the river Seine which perfectly encapsulates the magic of Paris.

Heart of Paris walking tour: Île de la Cité, Seine Cruise and Saint Chapelle

This tour also visits Sainte Chapelle and Notre Dame Cathedral. However, you'll also walk the streets of Île Saint-Louis which gives you a spectacular view of the neighboring Île de la Cité.

No walking tour of Paris is complete without strolling the Latin Quarter and learning about the artists and poets that once called the city home. You'll also take a breather from the hustle and bustle at Place Dauphine and enjoy a cruise of the River Seine.

Are there any combined tickets or tours including Sainte Chapelle?

Combined Sainte Chapelle tickets allow you to see several of the countless attractions in Paris. They are also a good way to see more sites in less time, which helps if you have a tight itinerary.

Guided tour of Notre Dame, Sainte Chapelle and La Conciergerie: Visit three historic gems of the city with this walking tour of Paris, including the extraordinary chapel.
Heart of Paris walking tour: Île de la Cité, Seine Cruise and Saint Chapelle: Gain a different perspective of Paris in this walking tour that explores different neighborhoods.

What will you see inside the Sainte Chapelle?

Sainte Chapelle is a Gothic chapel located in the center of Paris. Completed in 1248 and commissioned by King Louis IX, it was built to house the Crown of Thorns, a relic of the Passion of Christ.

The king had a collection of Passion artifacts which he displayed in Sainte Chapelle, and the Crown of Thorns is the most expensive relic in the history of the Christian church. This ancient piece can now be found in the Louvre Museum.

The chapel is renowned for its vibrant stained glass windows, which cover almost the entirety of its walls. Considered to be some of the finest examples of 13th-century glasswork, the windows depict scenes from the Old and New Testaments.

The church sits within Palais de la Cité, which was the residence of the King of France at the time it was built.

Today, Sainte Chapelle is no longer a church, but an important monument of Medieval Parisian history.

How do reach the Sainte Chapelle?

Sainte Chapelle is located on the Île de la Cité, which is an island located on the River Seine in the heart of Paris.

You can take the Line 4 train to Cité which runs regularly throughout the day. Once you depart, it takes less than two minutes to reach the landmark by foot.

You can also walk onto the island and visit Sainte Chapelle from the nearby Notre Dame Cathedral, via a bridge.

When should you visit Sainte Chapelle?

Sainte Chapelle is open daily from 9 AM to 7 PM. Like many other popular Parisian sites, the late morning and early afternoon tend to be the busiest times to visit. Instead, head to the chapel when it first opens or from 6 PM onwards.

You should visit the church on the day you choose to visit Notre-Dame de Paris, as these two iconic sites are within close proximity of each other.

Which other should you see in Paris?

Know before you go

Book your Sainte Chapelle tickets in advance in order to skip the line once you arrive at the site.
If you take a walking tour that includes the chapel, ensure you wear comfortable shoes.
The interior of Sainte Chapelle is awe-inspiring. Make sure you have a good camera on hand to capture the scene.

Sainte Chapelle: Tickets and Tours