Sainte Chapelle: a really dumb question
 

We visited Sainte Chappelle last May, on a somewhat overcast day in Paris. So, it was beautiful, but not as breathtaking as it can be, I'm sure.
My question is that I've read some comments about 'going up' into another section of the chapel, and that's what confuses me. We bought a ticket, and spent lots of time in the main chapel area, surrounded entirely by stained glass-- but we didn't see another section or stairs to walk up. Did we miss something?

Did you walk up a flight of stairs from where you walked in the door? If so, you were there. Some people must think that the place where you walk in is "it."

There are two levels, I don't know how you could miss them. If you were in the level with all the stained glass windows, that's the upper level. The lower level has a lot of decorated walls, vaulting, etc.

Hi Maureen, no you didn't miss anything you were already on the "upper level". Although it is beautiful even on an overcast day, if you go with the sun streaming through the windows it is really wonderful. Consider it an excuse to return to Paris!

Which is just what we intend to do! We've been in Paris several times , but never visited San Chappelle !!
On out visit last year it was gray...so we hope to visit during a bright time this year. We;ve also never visited the Conceirge (sp?) What have we missed there ?

Thank you, all! To catch Sainte Chappelle on a sunny day is just one or many reasons to re-visit Paris, non? As though one needs a reason...

I meant "one OF many reasons".

The Conciergerie is where many of the ultimate victims of Madame la Guillotine were held before their executions. There's a fine guard hall, and you can see the small chamber where Marie-Antoinette was held (or a model thereof). It's very, very moving to imagine what her last days must have been like.

I went to the second level and I really don't remember much about it. I guess this means I should go back and check it out for you. I'll do this JUST for you. You're welcome. :-)

For some events, such as evening concerts, the entry into Ste. Chapelle is to the upper level by way of the entrance to the Palace of Justice.

I don't think the normal daytime entrance is via that route. The last time I went, there was a security checkpoint at street level. After we passed through the checkpoint, we entered the lower level and ascended the stairs to the "jewel box."

Later when we returned for a performance, we entered through the Palace of Justice by going up the outside masonry stairs in front.

Then we turned left and walked down the corridor to the side entrance to Ste. Chapelle.

Hi Maureen, I'm still confused if you saw the second level or not. Did you go up a circular, stone stairway? If not, you were on the lower level as you enter which has some stain glass as well. See this link for photos of the lower and upper levels:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sainte-Chapelle

Enjoy your future trips to Paris!

There are stained glass windows on the entry level. The ceiling is quite low. You go up a stone staircase to the Ste. Chapelle where the stained glass windows are 3+ stories high. Even on overcast days, they are spectacular. Some say you can actually see the details better in less bright light. For concerts, you walk directly into the upper level from the Palais de Justice. You do not do that during the day.

The Wikipedia link was a big help. We were definitely in the upper chapel, after all. So, that's a relief. I was thinking we'd been really dumb and missed going into the "jewel box". Thanks again!

Ste Chappelle on a sunny day is like walking in liquid light - be sure to do it on a sunny day if you return to Paris.

Maureen, always glad to help a fellow Maureen~

For your next visit. be sure to bring your binoculars. I remember your report that's why I know there'll be a next time!

You're right-- I will return. Definitely!