Sundays with Polly & Richard: Sainte Chapelle- Part 1

I have a long list of Paris 101 tourist sites I haven’t been to, and Sainte Chapelle, I’m embarrassed to admit, is one of them. A combination of long lines and having to go there only when it’s sunny, has kept me away. So when Polly suggested we go there last Sunday, I had no excuses and happily jumped on the opportunity. Luck would have it was sunny and maybe because it was fete de la mere/mothers day, we only waited 5 minutes to get in.

Located on the Ile-de- la- Cité, Sainte Chapelle was built between 1242 and 1248 in accordance with the desire of Louis IX to house the relics of the Passion of Christ. What Sainte Chapelle is most famous for is the remarkable, monumental stained glass windows. 1,113 scenes in 15 panels depict the story of mankind from Genesis to Christ’s resurrection.



I didn’t completely understand why it was best to visit on a sunny day until I climbed up the narrow, winding stone steps up to the second floor. In a long, narrow room the already rich jewel colors of the windows were that much more brilliant with the sun filtering through them. Straining our necks to absorb all the details, we decided it would best to sit on the cheap folding chairs on the side. Once we did, the experience took on a whole different effect, as if we floating on a raft and the widows were passing us by. The intricacy and symmetry of each pane was incredible enough, but multiplying it by 1,112 was mind-boggling. The decaying wood carvings and sculptures with their chipped paint and faded colors was a perfect contrast to the almost too perfect windows.



Unlike other churches like Notre Dame, which can be overwhelming, Sainte Chapelle felt intimate and warm, in fact downright cozy. I could have sat there the whole day and lost myself in the glory of the stained glass if my stomach wasn’t growling to have lunch.

After a good lunch at a standard café, we shopped for plants on the quais de la Magisserie. The rest of the story continues tomorrow in part two, so hold on to your hats.

Now read what Polly had to say about our Sunday at Sainte Chapelle.
http://pollyvousfrancais.blogspot.com/2008/05/sundays-with-richard-and-polly-may.html

I am pleased as punch to announce the launch of Eye Prefer Paris Tours, which are 3-hour walking tours I will personally be leading. The Eye Prefer Paris Tour
includes many of the places I have written about such as small museums & galleries, restaurants, cafes & food markets, secret addresses, fashion & home boutiques, parks, and much more.

I look forward to meeting you on my tours and it will be my pleasure and delight to show you my insiders Paris.

Check it out at www.eyepreferparistours.com

Comments

[Dawn]

WOW! These photos are really beautiful. I was only familiar with Notre Dame prior to this blog but will make Sainte Chapelle a must-see on my next trip to Paris (soon, I hope!).

[Maria Ruiz]

I love this church, one of the times I visited Paris I even attendend an evening concert there, if I well recall it was Vivaldi's 4 seasons. Wow, this brings back nice memories.

[Steve Wall]

Bonjour:

Your photos and descriptions bring back priceless memories of my visit in 2002.

When visited the jewel box, I lay flat on my back, dead center in the middle of the floor. My eyes raked all around in 360 degrees. It was absolutely over whelming and quite spiritual. I lay there for probably five minutes. I encourage you to try it the next time you visit. Everything is soaring up.

Steve in chilly, but sunny Edgewater area of Chicago,IL

[Steve Wall]

Bonjour:

Brings back priceless memories of my 2002 visit.

When visited the jewel box, I lay flat on my back, dead center in the middle of the floor. My eyes raked all around in 360 degrees. It was absolutely over whelming and quite spiritual. I lay there for probably five minutes. I encourage you to try it the next time you visit. Everything is soaring up.

[Walter]

Richard --

Love your blog -- wish I had found it before I was in Paris back in January -- yes, the gendarmes at St. Chapelle were hunks -- I was day dreaming about more than a strip search (woof!!) from them -- and I won't tell you what my partner wanted them to do to him (but it was something along the lines of a body cavity search). I thorough enjoy checking out your blog every few days to see what is happening in the most wonderful city in the world. I hope to be back soon and will definitely be recruiting your services.