Sainte-Chapelle & Ile de la Cité: A medieval marvel & a place of power
Supplied by: Vidi Guides
Uncover this lesser-known Parisian gem - in our opinion the most breathtaking site in all of Paris. Marvel at the world’s finest collection of stained glass and discover relics of Christianity. We’ll also trace the area’s history as we leave the chapel and discover the surrounding Palais de la Cité - the main residence of the French Kings from the 6th to the 14th century.
On this breathtaking audio tour, you’ll join Ed, our resident historian, and Kristen, a local journalist. We’ll not only wander through the Gothic Sainte Chapelle, but we’ll explore the wider significance of this area, which has been at the centre of Parisian power for the past 1700 years. This is the ultimate guide to the Sainte Chapelle and its surrounding area. Our interactive digital audio guide can be downloaded anytime directly onto your smartphone!
Highlights
- Love podcasts? You'll prefer this to the traditional audioguide on offer
- Marvel at the world’s finest collection of stained glass windows
- The ultimate guide to the Sainte Chapelle and its surrounding area
- Explore at your own personal pace and be guided by an expert historian
What's included
- Digital audio guide, to be downloaded onto your smartphone before your visit
- On-screen pictures to enhance your experience
- Geo-localised map to keep you on the right track
- Entrance ticket
- Headphones
Overview
The tour starts as you queue outside the Sainte Chapelle, where we give you a few tips and tricks on how to get in quicker (and in some cases, how to get in for free). Be sure to listen to this track before you buy your tickets.
Once you’re in, we’ll head straight to the Statue of King Louis 9th, better known as Saint Louis. We’ll learn more about this fascinating character and his imprint on France, Christianity and the wider world. We’ll understand the significance of the Sainte Chapelle, hear stories about the relics it held and learn about its status as the most important building in medieval Europe.
We’ll wind up the narrow steps and emerge into one of the most incredible sites in the world. Marvel at the beauty of the stained glass windows and learn about the architectural genius needed to construct this chapel. As you try to spot some famous scenes in the stained glass windows, Ed will explain the chapel’s cultural and artistic significance.
The tour continues as we leave the chapel. We explore the chapel’s exterior and dive deeper into the architecture and design of the building. We also start to trace the area’s past, and learn about its role as a place of power - from Roman emperors to 17th century monarchs to the modern day.
We’ll take in the Palais de la Cité, learn about the bloody days of the revolution as we walk past the Conciergerie and we’ll meander to the Seine river to spot the medieval remnants of the area. Along the way we’ll point out a few gems, such as France’s oldest public clock.
The Vidi Guides experience is enriched with on-screen photos and videos. We also point out where to take the perfect Instagram photos during the tour, and include recommendations for food, drinks, and local attractions. Don't worry, none of our recommendations are sponsored - they are simply favourites of the locals who helped craft the experience.
Vidi Guides creates immersive audio experiences that are like podcasts. This is a self-guided audio tour that can be started or stopped at your own convenience. Download the Vidi Guides app & your Sainte Chapelle tour to explore the area independently and safely! Make sure to download your tour before your visit to streamline your trip!
Know before you go
Please download 'Vidi Guides' from the App Store of your mobile device and enter the code you receive after booking (from email address: bookings@vidiguides.com).
Please remember to bring a pair of headphones with you
Cancellation policy
Non refundable
