Arriving and Getting In: What to Know

Once you're in the courtyard, you'll see the security line. It may be longer than at other sights, and there's a reason: Sainte-Chapelle isn't an ordinary museum but sits inside the grounds of France's highest court. Screening is closer to courthouse standards than tourist-attraction standards, and on some days it feels stricter than an airport. Even on a normal day, expect to queue for around 30 minutes. Police occasionally ask for ID, so it's worth carrying a copy of your passport.

Large bags and suitcases are the thing that trips people up most. There's no cloakroom, so you can be refused entry with a big bag. Leave your luggage at your hotel and bring only a small bag, and plan on spending at least an hour inside. Food and drink aren't allowed. You can carry in a plastic water bottle, but you can't drink from it. Only small folding strollers make it through the scanners, and none can go up to the Upper Chapel because of the narrow spiral staircase, so bring a baby carrier if you're travelling with an infant.

Photos and videos for personal use are fine. Flash, tripods and selfie sticks are not. These rules protect an 800-year-old monument, so please respect them.

There are no toilets inside the chapel itself. Visitor restrooms are within the Palais de Justice complex, in the main information area after the security check and before the chapel entrance. Follow the signs right after you clear security and you'll find them easily.

Inside, the route is simple. Through the main door you first enter the Lower Chapel, a low-ceilinged, dimly lit space with a small gift shop. After exploring it, climb the narrow, steep spiral staircase to the famous Upper Chapel, a room flooded with light. When you've seen it all, you come back down through the Lower Chapel and leave by a different exit, the north-east gate. It's a good spot to snap a photo of the spire.