Hello everyone! Today we’re in Paris, visiting a place I’ve wanted to see for years — the breathtaking Sainte-Chapelle. I first discovered this chapel back in my college art history class, and coming from a family of glass artists, it has been a dream of mine to see this stained glass masterpiece in person. So, let’s dive in and explore its rich history together.
FULL TOUR VIDEO OF SAINTE-CHAPELLE
Why Sainte-Chapelle Has Been My Dream Visit
If you’re new here, I’m Lydia Keen, exploring the world one adventure at a time and sharing it with you all. I’m here with my boyfriend for a week in Paris, and today’s stop is extra special.
We made our way through the streets and eventually arrived at the chapel. After waiting outside for a bit, we went through security and then joined another line to enter. If you’re visiting in October like we are, I’d recommend dressing in layers — it can get pretty chilly
Getting Tickets & Planning the Day
I’ve created a Sainte-Chapelle Tour Guide below 🙂 Feel free to screenshot or download the full resolution version below to print it out!
I had a blast making this- and hope it helps you along your journey!
Download Here 🙂
There are some great recommendations on the list above, but here’s my personal favorite! They get really busy — thanks to their 13,000+ positive reviews — but it’s worth the wait if you get the chance to visit! : https://www.lacremedeparis.com/
Exterior Design & Hidden Iron Supports
While waiting, I took in the magnificent exterior of Sainte-Chapelle. It’s a perfect example of Rayonnant Gothic architecture — elegant, light, and detailed.
To let in so much glass, the architects didn’t rely on huge flying buttresses like Notre-Dame. Instead, they hid iron supports inside the walls, which makes the chapel feel almost weightless.
Entering the Lower Chapel – A Royal Jewel Box
The downstairs area is stunning. There’s a small gift shop, and to either side of the doorway are the staircases leading upstairs.
Walking into the lower chapel felt like stepping into a jewel box. This level was originally for the staff of the royal palace. The ceilings are lower, and the colors are rich and deep — reds, blues, greens, and golds. The painted ceiling is a deep blue with gold stars, and the columns tell their own story: blue for the king’s French heritage and red with castle symbols for his mother’s Spanish lineage.
The Upper Chapel: Pure Color and Light
We climbed the narrow spiral staircase, one on each side, and felt that moment of compression as we ascended, followed by the release when the upper chapel opened before us.
The upper chapel is a feast for the eyes — fifteen massive stained-glass windows cover about 670 square meters and tell over 1,100 scenes from the Bible. One of my favorite details? The biblical characters are dressed like medieval Europeans, because the artist painted the world he knew.
History of Sainte-Chapelle & King Louis IX
Sainte-Chapelle was built between 1242 and 1248 by King Louis IX, also known as Saint Louis. He built it to house some of the most precious Christian relics, including the Crown of Thorns and a piece of the True Cross.
Back then, this island was the heart of Paris, with Notre-Dame at one end and the royal palace at the other. Sainte-Chapelle wasn’t just a church — it was a symbol of power, faith, and the French monarchy.
The Rose Window and Flamboyant Gothic Style
Behind me, the rose window, added in the 15th century in the Flamboyant Gothic style, is mesmerizing. Notice the flamelike shapes in the stone tracery — this one shows scenes from the Book of Revelation.
At the front, sacred relics were once displayed. Joseph read from a travel guide: Louis IX truly believed he had the real Crown of Thorns. The costs were staggering — modern equivalents? 500 million euros for the crown, 370 million for the gem-encrusted shrine to display it, and only 150 million to build the chapel itself!
Later, the relics were moved to Notre-Dame for safekeeping, and during the 2019 fire, they were rescued and temporarily transferred to the Louvre for protection. Today, they’re back at Notre-Dame, where we’ll head next.
My Family’s Glass Legacy
Being here made me think of my parents. I’ve been sending them lots of photos and videos, but nothing compares to seeing it in person.
- My mom has been making glass beads, stained glass, and fused glass art for years.
- My dad has created massive stained glass windows for churches throughout Michigan.
They shared their love and knowledge of glass with me, and seeing these centuries-old windows really made me appreciate the tools and techniques we have today.
How Stained Glass Was Made in the 13th Century
Each panel was crafted by hand, using small pieces of colored glass, sometimes no bigger than your thumbnail.
- The glass was colored by adding metal oxides when molten.
- Once cooled, artisans cut each piece precisely and fit them together using lead canes.
- Details like faces, folds in clothing, or textures were painted with powdered glass paint and fired in a kiln — the same technique my mom uses today.
- The panels were then assembled and installed in the stone frames, supported by hidden iron rods, giving the chapel that weightless feeling.
Even after seven centuries, the sunlight still shines brilliantly through them.
Closing Thoughts & Travel Tips
Thank you so much for joining me on this Sainte-Chapelle tour, listening to my little rants about stained glass making, and exploring the history of this magical place.
If you love art, architecture, stained glass, or magic, put this chapel at the top of your Paris must-see list. Photos and videos don’t do it justice — you have to experience it in person.
Next, we’re off to a cozy little diner and then Notre-Dame to get our minds blown all over again. Stay tuned for more Paris adventures!
This is Lydia Keen, over and out. ✨
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