Sainte-Chapelle & Conciergerie Entry Tickets (Sainte-Chapelle + Conciergerie Entry)

Your experience

Visit two of Paris's most historic sites with entry to Sainte-Chapelle and the Conciergerie on a single ticket.

Getting started

Begin your experience by presenting your ticket at the entrance of either Sainte-Chapelle or the Conciergerie. Both monuments are located on the Île de la Cité in central Paris, just a short walk from each other. You can choose which site to visit first, but both must be visited on the same day.

What to expect

Sainte-Chapelle

A masterpiece of Gothic architecture, Sainte-Chapelle is renowned for its towering stained glass windows and royal history.

Features

• Admire 15 monumental stained glass windows, each soaring 15 meters high and depicting over 1,000 biblical scenes in vibrant color.

• Explore the lower chapel, originally built for palace staff, before ascending to the upper chapel, once reserved for the royal family and housing precious Christian relics.

• Entry to Sainte-Chapelle is included with your ticket, allowing you to experience the artistry and spiritual significance of this 13th-century chapel at your own pace.

Conciergerie

Once a royal palace and later a revolutionary prison, the Conciergerie offers a glimpse into Paris’s medieval and revolutionary past.

Features

• Walk through the grand Gothic halls that served as the seat of royal power before the Louvre, including the Hall of the Guards and the Hall of the Soldiers.

• Visit the prison cells, including a recreation of Marie Antoinette’s cell, and learn about the building’s role during the French Revolution.

• Entry to the Conciergerie is included with your ticket, giving you access to historical exhibits and immersive displays about the building’s transformation over the centuries.

Know before you go

What’s not allowed

• Sharp metallic tools, glass bottles, large bags, helmets, and luggage are not allowed.

• Sainte-Chapelle has strict security checks due to high police surveillance.

Accessibility

• Conciergerie is not wheelchair accessible due to steps at the entrance.

• Sainte-Chapelle is wheelchair accessible.

• Strollers are not allowed in Sainte-Chapelle’s upper chapel.

• Small, collapsible strollers are allowed if they fit through X-ray machines.

Additional information

• Both Sainte-Chapelle and Conciergerie must be visited on the same day.

• Free entry is available for differently-abled guests and one accompanying person.

• Both monuments are closed every year on Jan 1, May 1, and Dec 25.

• Tickets are non-extendable for both Sainte-Chapelle and Conciergerie.

• Free entry applies on European Heritage Days, held on the third weekend of September.

• Conciergerie offers free entry on the first Sunday of Nov, Jan, Feb, and Mar.

• Sainte-Chapelle offers free entry on the first Sunday of every month from Nov to Mar.

• All Sainte-Chapelle visitors with free entry must reserve a free slot online in advance.

• Sainte-Chapelle reservation slots last 30 minutes, so arrive within your booked window.

• Tickets are free for visitors under the age 18.

The Conciergerie stands as a powerful testament to Paris's rich and often turbulent past. Originally built as part of the Palais de la Cité, the royal residence of the Kings of France from the 10th to the 14th centuries, its architectural grandeur is still evident in its surviving Gothic elements, such as the Hall of the Men-at-Arms. Its subsequent transformation into a state prison, especially during the French Revolution's Reign of Terror, marks a dramatic shift in its purpose. Thousands of prisoners, including Marie Antoinette, Danton, and Robespierre, were held here before facing the revolutionary tribunal and, often, the guillotine. Today, the Conciergerie serves as a museum, preserving the memory of these historical events and offering a chilling yet educational insight into one of the darkest periods in French history. Its strategic location on the Île de la Cité makes it an integral part of any historical exploration of Paris, often visited in conjunction with the nearby Sainte-Chapelle.

Booking your Conciergerie tickets online offers several advantages, ensuring a smoother and more convenient visit. You can secure your entry in advance, often allowing you to bypass potential queues at the ticket counter, especially during peak tourist seasons. Online booking also provides flexibility, enabling you to choose your preferred visit date and time. Furthermore, various online bundles, such as combined tickets with the Sainte-Chapelle or guided tours of Île de la Cité, often present better value and a more comprehensive historical experience.

The history of the Conciergerie spans centuries, beginning as a magnificent royal palace. From the 10th to the 14th century, it was the principal residence of the Kings of France, part of the larger Palais de la Cité complex. During this period, grand Gothic structures like the Hall of the Men-at-Arms and the kitchens were added. In the late 14th century, Charles V decided to relocate the royal residence to the Louvre, transforming the Palais de la Cité into a seat of justice and administration, with a portion becoming a state prison: the Conciergerie. It gained its infamous reputation during the French Revolution, serving as the central holding facility for prisoners awaiting trial by the Revolutionary Tribunal. During the Reign of Terror (1793-1794), thousands were imprisoned here, including prominent figures such as Marie Antoinette, Madame du Barry, and Maximilien Robespierre. Many were condemned and transported from its gates to the guillotine. After the Revolution, the Conciergerie continued its role as a prison until the early 20th century, before becoming a national monument open to the public.

The Conciergerie is generally open to the public every day of the year, except for specific public holidays such as January 1st, May 1st, and December 25th. Standard operating hours are usually from 9:30 AM to 6:00 PM, with the last admission typically 30 minutes before closing. However, these times can vary seasonally or due to special events. It is always best to consult the updated schedule closer to your intended visit date to ensure accuracy.

To fully appreciate the Conciergerie's somber atmosphere and rich history, visiting during the quieter periods is recommended. Weekday mornings, shortly after opening, or late afternoons, an hour or two before closing, are typically less crowded. Avoiding weekends and public holidays, especially during peak tourist seasons like summer, will provide a more peaceful experience. Spring and autumn offer pleasant weather for exploring Île de la Cité before or after your visit.

Inside the Conciergerie, visitors can explore several historically significant areas. The vast Hall of the Men-at-Arms, a magnificent example of 13th-century Gothic architecture, was once the refectory for the royal guard. Adjacent to it are the Guard Room and the Kitchens, showcasing daily life within the palace. The prison section offers a stark contrast, with reconstructed cells depicting the harsh conditions faced by inmates, from collective cells to individual ones. The most poignant exhibit is the recreated cell of Queen Marie Antoinette, complete with period furniture and personal effects, providing a somber glimpse into her final days. An interactive exhibition also traces the path of prisoners from their arrival to their judgment by the Revolutionary Tribunal.

Plan to spend approximately 1.5 to 2 hours exploring the Conciergerie. Consider purchasing a combined ticket with the Sainte-Chapelle, located nearby, for a more comprehensive experience of Île de la Cité. Audio guides are often available and highly recommended to provide detailed historical context to the various rooms and exhibitions. The site is generally accessible, but some areas may have stairs. Photography is usually permitted without flash. Restroom facilities and a gift shop are available on site.

To preserve the historical integrity of the Conciergerie and ensure a respectful experience for all, visitors are asked to adhere to general museum rules. This includes refraining from touching the exhibits, keeping noise levels to a minimum, and respecting designated barriers. Food and drink are generally not permitted inside the exhibition areas. Large bags or backpacks may need to be stored in lockers if available, or are subject to security checks upon entry. Follow all instructions from staff for a smooth visit.

The Conciergerie is undeniably worth visiting for anyone interested in French history, especially the pivotal era of the French Revolution. It offers a rare and powerful opportunity to step into the past, walking through the very halls where kings once resided and where thousands later awaited their fate. The detailed exhibitions, including Marie Antoinette's reconstructed cell, provide a tangible connection to historical figures and events. Its unique duality as both a royal palace and a revolutionary prison makes it a compelling and educational destination, offering profound insights into the social and political upheavals that shaped modern France.

The Conciergerie is easily accessible by public transport. Take Metro Line 4 to Cité station, which is directly on the Île de la Cité and a short walk away. Alternatively, you can take Metro Line 1, 7, 11, or 14 to Châtelet station, or RER B or C to Saint-Michel – Notre-Dame station, both of which are within a 5-10 minute walk across the bridges leading to Île de la Cité. The location is well-served by several bus lines as well.