Best ways to get to Sainte-Chapelle: Travel guide and tips

Directions

Where is Sainte-Chapelle located?

Address: 10 Bd du Palais, 75001 Paris, France

The Île de la Cité, an island in the middle of the Seine River, is where Sainte Chapelle is located. Being close to numerous other well-known landmarks makes the location incredibly convenient. The renowned Conciergerieis located directly next to Sainte Chapelle, and the storied Notre-Dame Cathedral is only a short distance (400m) away.

Closest landmark: The Conciergerie (4m)

Getting to Sainte-Chapelle by public transport

By metro

By train

By bus

The Paris Metro is the most efficient and affordable way to get around the city. There are two nearby metro stations you can use:

Cité (Line 4)

Walking distance: Sainte-Chapelle is a short 5-minute walk from the Cité metro station.
Directions: Exit the Cité station and head towards the Île de la Cité. Sainte-Chapelle is located inside the Île de la Cité on the east side, near the Palais de Justice.

Saint-Michel - Notre-Dame (Lines 4 and 10)

Walking distance: About 10 minutes from Saint-Michel station.
Directions: Exit the station and walk towards the Pont Saint-Michel. Cross the bridge over the Seine River and follow signs to Sainte-Chapelle.

Pro tip: Rush hour (8-10am and 5-7pm) in Paris can mean crowded trains, so if possible, travel outside peak hours to avoid long lines and packed carriages.

If you're traveling from a station outside central Paris, the RER B or RER C can bring you close to Sainte-Chapelle.

Station: Saint-Michel - Notre-Dame (RER B, also connected to Line 4 of the Metro)
Walking distance: About 10 minutes from the Saint-Michel-Notre-Dame station.
Directions: Walk across Pont Saint-Michel and follow the signs for Île de la Cité.

Pro tip: Keep your ticket handy until you exit the RER gates at Saint-Michel to avoid delays.

Bus Lines

Lines 21, 27, 38, 85, 96: These buses stop near Cité or Saint-Michel, both of which are within walking distance of Sainte-Chapelle.

Pro tip: Use a navigation app like Google Maps or Citymapper to track bus arrivals and any traffic updates.

Getting to Sainte-Chapelle by car

Driving route

Driving from the 1st arrondissement to Sainte Chapelle takes about 10-15 minutes. The 2 main routes are Rue Saint-Antoine, which is a little longer but more picturesque (10-15 minutes), and Quai de l'Horloge and Rue de la Cité, which is the quicker choice (5-7 minutes, depending on traffic).

Parking facilities

Hôtel de Ville (City Hall) Car Park: It’s reasonably priced (€3.50 per hour) and offers convenient access to the city center. It’s situated 400m from Sainte-Chapelle, a 15-minute walk.
Pont Neuf Car Park: A 10-minute walk, 400m from Sainte-Chapelle with reasonable proved fares (€3.50 per hour).
Quai des Orfèvres Car Park: This car park is very close (350m) to Sainte-Chapelle, a 5-minute walk, but it is slightly more expensive (€4 per hour) compared to others in the area.

Walking to Sainte-Chapelle

Walking to Sainte-Chapelle is a pleasant experience, especially if you're already exploring the heart of Paris. The chapel is located on Île de la Cité, a small island on the Seine River, and is surrounded by picturesque streets and landmarks.

People walking around Notre Dame Cathedral

From Notre-Dame Cathedral

Distance: 450m
Time: 5-minute walk
Route: Exit Notre-Dame and head towards Place du Parvis Notre-Dame. Walk along the Pont au Double bridge, which leads to Île de la Cité. Once you cross the bridge, you’ll see signs pointing to Sainte-Chapelle. The chapel is located on your right, just behind the Palais de Justice.

Cour Carrée courtyard at Louvre Museum, Paris, featuring historic architecture and central fountain.

From the Louvre Museum

Distance: 950m
Time: 20-minute walk
Route: Exit the Louvre from Pyramide du Louvre and head towards the Pont des Arts bridge, located near the Louvre's west wing. Cross the Pont des Arts bridge to the Île de la Cité. After crossing the bridge, head towards Place du Palais de Justice, where Sainte-Chapelle is located.

Frequently asked questions about getting to Sainte-Chapelle

Is there a drop-off area for taxis or ride-hailing services near Sainte-Chapelle?

Yes, taxis and ride-hailing services like Uber can drop you off at the Palais de Justice, which is very close (1-minute walk) to Sainte-Chapelle. However, be aware that traffic can be heavy around this area, especially during peak hours.

Can I get to Sainte-Chapelle from Gare du Nord by public transport?

Yes, you can take Metro Line 4 from Gare du Nord towards Mairie de Montrouge and alight at Cité station. From there, it's just a 5-minute walk to Sainte-Chapelle.

Is Sainte-Chapelle accessible by boat?

While there is no direct boat stop at Sainte-Chapelle, you can take a Seine river cruise and disembark near Île de la Cité. From there, it’s just a short walk (2-minute walk) to the chapel.

Are there any special entrances for disabled visitors?

Yes, there is an accessible entrance for visitors with reduced mobility. If you're traveling by RER C or Metro, you can ask for assistance at the Palais de Justice or Cité Station to ensure easy access to the chapel.

How can I avoid traffic when visiting Sainte-Chapelle by car?

To avoid heavy traffic, try to visit early in the morning or later in the afternoon. Public transport is often the fastest way to get to Sainte-Chapelle, especially during peak hours.