freberta

That's exactly why I've never been to Sainte-Chapelle. Every time I've been in Paris and wanted to go in, the lines were ridiculously long. This time around, I have tickets for the 7 p.m. concert and I'll be able to enjoy the concert and take in the beauty of the place, albeit the sun won't be streaming through the windows. I don't know if I read this on this thread or somewhere else, but I heard that the room is illuminated during the concert so that you can get a semi-appreciation of the beauty of the place.

surfmom

here is a link to photos at concert at night:

www.pbase.com/jsemmer

the experiences are totally different.... I *love* the nighttime concerts. To me, it is incredibly peaceful sitting there listening in such a historic building. Last time, they also played some of my favorites.

If you have the museum pass, you can bypass the line to buy a ticket at Ste Chappelle. However, the longest line is usually the one for security and it is commingled with the Palais du Justice one (I think?).

I know you are trying to do a lot, but if Versailles is on your list, I would skip that and make a day to catch all the odds and ends instead (like this).

freberta

I thought about getting a museum pass to bypass the long lines but I am hoping to make this a museum-free trip. I know that sounds ridiculous, especially for a trip to Paris, but we've always gone to museums and never done "fun" things (like chocolate tours and bike tours) and explored the more obscure and less touristy areas of the city on foot. But I do want to squeeze in a daytime visit to Sainte-Chapelle as long as I can figure out how to get inside. I think we were caught up in the security line last time and unable to distinguish between the security line and the line to Sainte-Chapelle. But we'll try to get there as close to opening time as possible and maybe avoid the line to get into the church.

Mahya2

Fodorites,

Dont hate me because I have never gotten to St. Chappelle and had to wait in a long line or any line for that matter !

pvan

The museum pass does not help in the Ste. Chappelle line... The line you see is the security line...x-ray of bags and walk through security scanner.

GiuliaPiraino

When we were there the first week in October, we walked right in with no line. Must have just been lucky.

NWWanderer

Actually, on my recent visit (just over 2 weeks ago, late on a Sunday morning) there was only a short security line but there was a pretty substantial line (25 people or so) to buy tickets so we were glad to have our museum passes (for those readers who are considering using one for St Chappelle).

surfmom

pvan, the museum pass DOES help.

there are 2 lines:
1) security (usually longer)
2) tickets

We waited 15 minutes in line for security. Once we were through security, the line to buy tickest went next to the building, across the road, and under the overhand where you come out of security. That was at least a 30 minute line. We were very happy to bypass that!!!

GiuliaPiraino

Ok, music buffs, need advice....

Here are the two concerts playing while we are in Paris in Sainte Chapelle.

Which of these two, do you all feel would give the best "experience" in seeing a concert in the chapel? Does anyone have an thoughts on these two performances?

**Les Archets de Paris**
The orchestra "Les Archets de Paris" consists of 20 musicians, playing baroque music likewise as classical or contemporary music

(or)

**Les Solistes Francais**
"Les Solistes Francais" (French Soloists) conducted by Paul Rouger, is a renowned chamber ensemble formed by 10 young Soloists.

I realize one is vocal and the other instrumental. Its a surprise for my husband and I want to pick the best show. I heard that seeing a vocal ensamble in those old churches is pretty amazing due to the acoustics. But wouldn't anything in Sainte Chapelle be amazing?

Any advice appreciated!

surfmom

do you know exactly what they are playing on your dates ? what songs? that might make a difference...

GiuliaPiraino

The insturmental group is playing baroque and classical, the vocal group it just says "vocal ensemble". Not sure.

Mahya2

I'm not crazy about Baroque, but they should be mentioning what classical - Bach? Mozart? Beethoven?

My first concert there was with only 7 instruments -Mozart.
It sounded like a 40 piece orchestra !! It was wonderful. Magnificent. I couldn't get over the way so few instruments sounded like so many. Bought the CD and play it every night, before sleep.

surfmom

what are your exact dates ?

I followed the link provided by freberta above and there are many options listed. It actually says what is playing. Lots of Vivaldi Four Seasons and Canon by Pachelbel (which is beautiful). Those are some of my favorites (and popular with tourists which is why they are played) ...

http://www.archetspf.asso.fr/

here is another link:

http://www.ampconcerts.com/concerts/index.php

with other locations listed also.

GiuliaPiraino

I looked at the dates on those 2 websites and unfortunately they don't work for us, unless I'm reading it wrong. We're in town from 10/27 to 11/3. It seems like those two shows I found are our only option, unless there's another site with more dates?