Ageless Beauty at Sainte-Chapelle

The ageless beauty of Sainte-Chapelle, in the heart of Paris, amazes all who enter here, but it is easy to miss. From the outside, this chapel that dates from 1248 is unimpressive.

Its neighbor Notre Dame is only a couple of blocks away and seems to get all the attention. But don’t let the exterior fool you. Come on inside!

PRO TIP: The Conciergerie is next door to Sainte-Chapelle. Ask about a joint ticket for admission to both.

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Sainte-Chapelle is known for its stained glass windows. It boasts more than 6,000 square feet of intricately colored glass. The panes depict 1,113 scenes from the Old and New Testaments and recount the history of the world up to the 13th century.

King Louis IX, who lived next door in what is now known as the Conciergerie, built the church to house the relics he collected from Venice. During the French Revolution, this became administrative offices. Tall cabinets hid the glass. So when the choir stalls and other parts of the church fell victim to vandalism, these windows weathered the war. The rainbow of colors survived to be enjoyed hundreds of years later.

The entrance level is a small chapel that’s now a gift store. Be sure to find the stairs at one corner and make your way up to the second level for the stained glass.

And don’t forget to look up at the ceiling and down at the floor. The sculptures in the doorway are intricate, too. 

Age did affect these lovely windows. All the panes have been restored. Here’s how the windows looked pre-2008.

The restoration was completed in 2014. Today, each colorful piece of glass lights up as the sun moves.

As you stand below these windows of Sainte-Chapelle, you can take in the colors and marvel that this art survives all these centuries later.

IF YOU GO:

Hours: Open 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (later in the summer)

Location: 8 Boulevard du Palais; use Metro line 4, Cite

Want to enjoy an unforgettable musical treat? Check the website for concerts. Attending a musical evening here with a string quartet and a soprano proved to be a highlight of my time in Paris.

One excellent way to explore Paris is with a walking tour. I highly recommend Take Walks Paris!

Where to stay

Paris offers hundreds of hotels. It’s sometimes overwhelming to start looking for a place to stay. Here are a few suggestions for lovely hotels near some of the sites mentioned. With the excellent Paris Metro system, you will be able to arrive wherever you like with just a little planning.

Near the Invalides: The Hotel de Varenne is exquisitely decorated and includes an inviting patio. You can walk from here to the Invalides as well as the Rodin Museum. (7th arrondissement)

Book your stay at the elegant Hotel de Varenne around the corner from the Rodin Museum.

Near the Pantheon: Hotel des Grand Hommes and (right next door) the Hotel les Dames du Pantheon. Both of these elegant hotels are across the street from the Pantheon. From my balcony room at the Grand Hommes I watched the sun rise on the iconic Pantheon. (5th arrondissement)

Book your stay at the Hotel des Grand Hommes and enjoy a view of the stately Pantheon out your window.

A gem in the Latin Quarter: Hotel Serotel Lutece is in the hart of the Latin Quarter. You can also walk from here to the Pantheon, Notre Dame, and Sainte-Chapelle. Not only is this a comfortable, attractive hotel, but I also found the staff here to be extra helpful with directions and information. (5th arrondissement)

Book your stay at the cozy Hotel Serotel Lutece in a walkable neighborhood near metro stations, shops, and restaurants.

Central to wherever you want to go: Hotel Moliere, themed on the French poet, is a delightful hotel near the Louvre. It is surprisingly affordable for this pricey area. You can walk or take the Metro to any sites you would like to visit. (1st arrondissement)

Book your stay at Hotel Moliere near the Louvre and the lovely Tuileries Garden.

Consider a side trip to the D-Day Beaches and Normandy

History comes alive when you visit the D-Day Beaches in Normandy. Just a two-hour train ride or drive from Paris, the Normandy beaches offer battle sites and museums. Pay respects at the many somber cemeteries. Stay in charming Bayeux. Normandy makes a great side trip if you are going to Paris.

Book the elegant Hotel Churchill in Bayeux, the perfect base for exploring the D-Day Beaches.

Places to visit include Omaha Beach, Utah Beach, and Gold, Juno, and Sword Beaches. If you have time, include all 5 D-Day Beaches in your itinerary for an amazing overview of June 6, 1944 and Operation Overlord.

Book your train tickets with Trainline for easy and reliable service.

Renting a car in Europe? I can recommend renting with Auto Europe.

FOR MORE OF PARIS, HEAD TO THESE POSTS!

Paris WWII Sites for History Lovers

A Few Hours in Paris

The Invalides – Where Paris History Comes Alive

The Conciergerie – Marie Antoinette’s Prison

Reasons to Visit the Eiffel Tower

Tips for Your First Trip to Paris

Climbing Up Into the Eiffel Tower

Exploring the Rodin Museum

5 Reasons to Visit Luxembourg Gardens

Paris Gardens to Enjoy

The D’Orsay Museum in Paris

A Walk in the Latin Quarter

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