A Guide to Visiting and Photographing the Sainte-Chapelle in Paris

A guide to visiting and taking photos at the Sainte-Chapelle in Paris. A guide to visiting the Sainte-Chapelle in Paris | Historical background of Sainte-Chapelle Sainte-Chapelle was built in 1248 by King Louis IX of France to house precious holy relics. It is one of the masterpieces of French Gothic architecture. This was once part of the Royal Palace of Paris and is famous for its magnificent stained glass windows. Fifteen stained glass windows, each 15 meters high, tell biblical stories from Genesis to Easter, with more than 1,100 detailed and vivid story scenes. Transportation Location Metro: Take Metro Line 4 and get off at Cité Station. It is about a 5-minute walk to the destination. Walking route: Walk along the Seine River for about 5 minutes from Notre Dame de Paris, or walk for about 15 minutes from the Louvre to experience the charm of the old city of Paris. Opening hours Opening hours: 9:00-19:00 (April 1 to September 30); 9:00-17:00 (October 1 to March 31). · Recommendation: The Sainte-Chapelle is more crowded in the morning and afternoon. It is recommended to visit at opening time or close to closing time to avoid peak hours. Tickets and Reservations Ticket price: Regular tickets are about 11 euros, discounted tickets are 9 euros; if you want to visit the nearby ancient prison, it is recommended to buy a combined ticket for 15 euros. ·Reservation Tips: Especially during peak seasons or holidays, it is important to make reservations in advance. Shooting items and check-in points 1. Stained glass windows: The second floor of the Sainte-Chapelle is a great place for photography, as the stained glass sparkles in the sun and provides plenty of light. It is recommended to use a wide-angle lens to shoot the entire stained glass wall, or a medium focal length to capture close-up details of the stained glass. 2. Light and shadow moment: The best time to shoot is between 10 and 11 a.m. or between 3 and 4 p.m., when the sun shines through the stained glass windows, casting magnificent colors and creating a dreamy atmosphere. 3. Lobby and vault: You can take photos of the magnificent Gothic vault on the first floor. The carvings on the ceiling and pillars are delicate and gorgeous. It is a good place to showcase the beauty of Gothic architecture. Suggested tour routes Entrance and first floor: After entering, it is recommended to visit the first floor first, where you can see the exquisite vaults and sculptures and paintings in the altar area. Stained Glass Hall (second floor): Go up the spiral staircase from the first floor to the second floor, and you will reach the famous Stained Glass Hall. The second floor can accommodate about a hundred people, who can fully appreciate the fifteen stained glass windows. Exterior photography: After the visit, you can take photos at the exterior of the chapel. The spire and Gothic architectural details of the Sainte-Chapelle are particularly elegant under the blue sky. Check-in photo recommendation Stained glass windows: The stained glass windows in the second-floor lobby are the best spot to check in. The colorful glass windows and the floral decorations on the dome are very photogenic under the sun. Try taking a panoramic shot of the majestic window wall, or a close-up of the detail of a small stained window. Staircase details: The spiral staircase to the second floor is also beautiful to photograph, and with the ancient stone wall background, it has a unique retro style.