How to get tickets to Sainte Chapelle
If you have ever walked along the Boulevard du Palais you will almost always see a line outside Sainte Chapelle - and by almost, I don’t think I’ve ever walked by during opening hours and not seen a queue. There are actually four different lines. There are two lines for reservations with time slots, one line for if you’re wanting to buy tickets on the day and another line which is the priority access. The priority access line is just next to the other lines, but there is no marking for this.
Here’s how you get tickets to Sainte Chapelle.
Buying tickets on the official site
This should always by your first call of action for any monument you want to see in Paris. Sometimes monuments sell out of tickets, so it’s better to check in advance when possible. Be aware of the site you’re on to be sure you’re not getting scammed and only buy from the official site.
Buying tickets through a tour company
Another way of getting tickets is to purchase tickets through a tour company. For this, you’re going to want to check the tickets are actually included (because for the Eiffel Tower, skip the line tickets are often not included). Depending on the tour you book, you’ll get a tour of the Ile de la Cite and of course some interesting facts to take away with you.
Buying a twin ticket at the Conciergerie
This option is only available in person. The Conciergerie is a museum just next door to Sainte Chapelle. It’s best known for it’s use as a prison during the French Revolution - it’s where Marie Antoinette was kept as a prisoner. Here, you can buy a twin ticket which includes access to both the Conciergerie and to Sainte Chapelle. Once you have your ticket and you’ve seen the Conciergerie you can join the queue for people who have timed reservations. If you ask the staff at Sainte Chapelle they’ll tell you which line to join.
Passion Monument card
Now this is my favourite way that not many people know about. I’ve spoken a lot about my love of the Passion Monument card, both on my blog and on my instagam, but this card essentially gives you priority access to a bunch of monuments around France including Sainte Chapelle. It’s super affordable too, at 70€ for a year for the duo card.
If you have this card, you can show it at the priority access line and they’ll let you in without having to wait in any of the lines. It’s like magic.
Waiting on the day
This is not an option I would recommend, because the line moves super slow. You can expect to be waiting in the line for two hours. They also sometimes close the no ticket line, so you’re not guaranteed to get in especially if you join it later in the day. If you’re going to join this line I’d recommend bringing good company or a book to keep yourself entertained.
Book a tour
If you’re wanting to see more of Ile de la Cite, you can book a private tour here! Note I specialise in outdoor walking tours, so I will not be able to give a tour inside the Sainte Chapelle or provide the tickets.