In the 21st century, people go to laser light shows in order to feel like they’ve entered into a dream world. In the 13th century and beyond, Parisians and visitors to Paris just had to visit a medieval chapel, built in the 1240´s in the center of Paris. But why? Well, people came (and still come, in droves) to gawk at the Sainte-Chapelle stained glass. Indeed, the stained glass that dominates this Gothic church is so stunning, you’ll feel like you’re in a light show. The 15, 45-foot-tall stained glass windows originally illustrated 1,113 scenes from the Old and New Testaments of the Bible.
The best way to see Sainte-Chapelle Stained Glass
Visiting and planning a trip can easily become overwhelming. If you go DIY style, you most certainly are going to miss out on the best parts. One option is to take a Notre-Dame Island & Sainte-Chapelle Tour.
You will see the stunning stained glass windows in an entirely different light—pun totally intended. Plus, you will also get an insider’s look at the Île de la Cité, a fascinating island in the middle of the Seine River. All of this includes skip-the-line access to various landmarks, including Sainte-Chapelle. Breeze past the usually long line and have more time to enjoy the glowing Sainte Chapelle stained glass windows.
You’ll also amble by Notre Dame, the world’s most famous cathedral. And get the inside scoop from your expert guide about the post-fire renovation. But that’s not all. Your guide will lead you through a stroll around the narrow cobbled streets of the Latin Quarter. This is Paris’ most iconic and romantic neighborhood. Our local guide will regale you with tales of the past when artists and writers made the quarter their home. This immersive experience will leave you with the wonderful souvenir of entertaining tales and wonderful memories to take back home.
A Mystery Wrapped in Stained Glass
One of the reasons that makes the enormous stained glass windows of Sainte-Chapelle particularly intriguing is that no one is exactly sure who created them. In fact, the famed 20th-century, Polish-born historian Louis Grodecki did extensive research into the topic. His speciality is Romanesque glass, particularly at Sainte-Chapelle and at Chartres Cathedral. He concluded that the Sainte-Chapelle stained glass hails from three different workshops, each one with their own distinct styles.
That said, we don’t know all the names or any of the details of the artisans who created these marvelous medieval comic strips of Biblical proportions. Just that the Sainte-Chapelle stained glass was designed and built between 1242 and 1248.
A Medieval Comic Strip
The windows are meant to be read from left to right and from top to bottom. Not unlike a comic strip!
The stained glass panels on the eastern side represent scenes of Christ’s birth as well as his death, including the Passion. The windows on the nave cover some Old Testament tales, starting—naturally—with the Book of Genesis. On the westernmost wall, the windows cover the topic of sacral kings. This includes the discovery by King Louis IX of relics of Jesus, specifically the relics of the Passion that came from the Holy Land with Saint Helena (mother of Roman emperor Constantine) to Sainte-Chapelle. In fact, the chapel itself was built for the sole reason of housing these relics.
(Side note: most of those supposed relics, including Christ’s crown of thorns, are no longer here. Many are now located in Notre Dame. It’s also worth noting that the Saint Prepuce or Holy Foreskin of Jesus was supposedly once displayed at Sainte-Chapelle, too, but was eventually transferred elsewhere too!)
In the upper chapel, the rose window should get special attention. It arrived and went on display here much later than the others: in the late 15th century. It is also an excellent example of flamboyant Gothic design. The 89 different panels depict the Apocalypse. After a good clean in 2015, they have a new brightness to them that is remarkable.
So, go ahead and stand in front of the glorious Sainte-Chapelle stained glass, illuminating the room, everything in a divine glow. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
FAQs – Sainte-Chapelle Stained Glass
Why should you take a tour?
Perhaps by now you’re eager to see the Sainte-Chapelle stained glass with your own eyes! In addition to that, the Notre-Dame Island & Sainte-Chapelle Tour allows you to explore the Île de la Cité like a local. You will get a look at the prison cell that held Marie Antoinette during the French Revolution in 1789. You’ll amble down cobblestone lanes to learn about the writers, artists, and poets that have made Paris so irresistible over the centuries. Have we mentioned that you also get skip-the-line access?
What time does the tour start and how long does it last
The tour lasts for three hours and begins at 6pm Monday to Saturday.
When is the best time to go to Paris?
Shoulder season is always the optimum time to go to Paris. April and May or September and October, when the weather achieves a nice Goldilocks level (Ah, just right!). Fewer tourists are there, and hotel and airfares are usually more affordable than in the summer months.
For more useful advice, especially if you have never been to Paris before, check out our First Time in Paris? Essential Tips for an Unforgettable Visit.
Step into Parisian history: Book your Notre-Dame Island & Skip-the-Line Sainte-Chapelle Tour today and witness the stained glass masterpiece without the wait!
