Experience Classical Music in Sainte-Chapelle: A Paris Must-Do

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Get ready to explore the fantastic world of classical music at Sainte-Chapelle in Paris. In this blog, we’ll take you on a journey to experience the beautiful music inside this famous place. Attending a classic opera at St. Chappelle was one of my favorite activities during my recent trip to Paris. Here is everything you need to know about Sainte-Chapelle.

Sainte-Chapelle

Sainte-Chapelle, located in Paris on the Île de la Cité, is a Gothic masterpiece commissioned by King Louis IX in the 13th century to house precious Christian relics, including the Crown of Thorns.

Built between 1238 and 1248, it features a lower chapel for palace staff and an upper chapel for the king and his circle.

Sainte-Chapelle Classical Concerts

The upper chapel’s most striking feature is its stunning stained glass windows, which depict scenes from the Bible with vibrant colors and intricate details, creating a mesmerizing effect when illuminated by sunlight.

Despite damage during the French Revolution, Sainte-Chapelle symbolizes Gothic architecture’s grandeur. Renovations have preserved its significance, making it a popular tourist attraction and a venue for classical music concerts due to its exceptional acoustics.

Classic Musical Concerts At Sainte-Chapelle

Every year, millions of visitors step inside Sainte-Chapelle, but only a lucky few experience it in the most magical way—through a live classical concert.

Sitting beneath the soaring Gothic ceilings, surrounded by the glow of stained glass, I could feel the music filling the chapel, each note echoing through centuries of history.

As some of the finest musicians in Paris played Vivaldi and Bach, the flickering colors of the windows seemed to dance along. It wasn’t just a concert—it was a once-in-a-lifetime experience, a moment where music, architecture, and history became one.

My A Look Into My Visit to Sainte-Chapelle

We attended on Sunday at 8:00 PM. The setting was beautiful, and the chapel was packed.

Classical Concert At Sainte Chapelle In Paris

The concerts last about an hour as the sun sets through the stained glass windows.

Wine & Tapas Add On

You can add wine and tapas to your reservation. This premium option takes place after the show at a different location.

You will enjoy a glass of wine paired with three tapas prepared by a chef from a quaint Parisian eatery named “La Chope des Compagnons,” near Sainte-Chapelle. “La Chope des Compagnons” is situated at 86 Quai de l’Hôtel de ville, 75004.

You cannot enjoy the wine and tapas before the show. We booked this option but had to miss it because it was after the show, and we had somewhere to be.

They did not state this well when we purchased the ticket and assumed we could go before the show.

Want to do a wine tasting in Paris? Visit Les Caves du Louvre: The Best Wine Tasting In Paris

Champagne + Show Add On

When selecting a performance date, patrons can choose between purchasing a show-only ticket or one with a glass of champagne. You are encouraged to enjoy your champagne before or after the concert by presenting your ticket at the restaurant “Brasserie des deux Palais” bar and requesting their refreshing, sparkling glass.

You can purchase tickets to the classic concerts at Saint Chapelle online here. They are available until the end of 2024.

How Much Is It To Visit Sainte Chapelle?

It is € 13 to visit the Chapelle; you can purchase tickets online here.

Sainte-Chapelle offers free admission to various groups, including individuals under 18 years old, those aged 18-25 who are nationals of European Union countries or non-European legal residents on French territory, disabled persons and their companions, job seekers (with a certificate less than six months old), and holders of valid education passes.

Sainte-Chapelle Concert Schedule 2025

Additionally, entry is free on the first Sunday of January, February, March, November, and December.

Do I Need A Reservation?

Visitors must have a ticket and visiting time slot. Each reservation slot is 30 minutes, meaning that if you have a reservation for 10 a.m., you will access the monument no later than 10:30 a.m.

Enhanced security measures are enforced at the monument’s entrance, so please arrive punctually for your reservation and anticipate potential delays of up to 30 minutes during peak times.

What Is Allowed Inside The Chapel?

Before stepping into the breathtaking beauty of Sainte-Chapelle, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure a smooth visit. Security is taken seriously, and certain items are strictly prohibited inside.

If you’re carrying a motorcycle helmet, aerosol cans, sharp objects like knives or scissors, glass bottles, bulky luggage, scooters, skateboards, or rollerblades, you’ll need to leave them behind—because they won’t be allowed past the entrance.

For families visiting with little ones, strollers must be compact and foldable to pass through X-ray screening and keep in mind that they’re not permitted in the upper chapel.

Most importantly, any items confiscated at the entrance will not be returned, so it’s best to double-check your bags before heading out. A little preparation goes a long way in making sure your visit to this historic site is as seamless and enjoyable as possible.

How To Get to Sainte-Chapelle

To reach Sainte-Chapelle, you can use the metro or RER lines. If you’re taking the RER, you can get off at Saint-Michel station on either the B or C line. Alternatively, several metro lines serve nearby stations: Line 1, 7, 11, and 14 stop at Châtelet station, while Line 4 stops at Cité station.

If you prefer the bus, numerous lines pass by the area, including 21, 24, 27, 38, 58, 81, 85, and 96.

Additionally, Vélib bike-sharing stations are conveniently located nearby for those who prefer cycling.