Top 10 Things to do near Sainte-Chapelle in Paris

Top 10 Things to do near Sainte-Chapelle in Paris

The Notre Dame steals most of the shine on the Île de la Cité. If you take a short walk onto the western side of the island you’ll eventually come to another very important religious monument: the Sainte-Chapelle .

This is an ancient, gothic chapel that was the official residence of the King of France up until the 14th century.

It’s an exquisite monument, and more than this there is much to do in the neighborhood surrounding the church.

Sainte-Chapelle – by Gerd Eichmann – Wikimedia Commons

1. Visit the Notre Dame near Sainte-Chapelle in Paris

One of the more obvious activities, but one should always try to kill two birds with one stone when making the venture to the Île de la Cité.

Visit the Sainte-Chapelle and the Notre Dame in unison. The two churches are both free to the public to enjoy and open seven days a week.

As it stands, the Notre Dame’s interior is closed to the public until sufficient measures have been taken to repair the damages that the cathedral experienced during the fires of 2019.

Notre Dame – by Peter Haas – Wikimedia Commons

2. Buy a Book at Shakespeare & Co near Sainte-Chapelle in Paris

Shakespeare & Company Bookstore is the most famous English-language bookshop in all of Paris. It’s been in business for over one hundred years, and in 1922 managed to open a second site that is still in operation today.

A visit to this bookstore while in Paris is definitely something I recommend to all, whether you love books or not.

The store is a labyrinth of reading nooks, hidden rooms and secrets to be uncovered.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday — 10am to 10pm

ADDRESS: 37 Rue de la Bûcherie, 75005 Paris, France

Metro STATION: Saint-Michel Notre-Dame

Shakespeare and Co – by ssedro – Wikimedia Commons

3. Walk the Pont Neuf near Sainte-Chapelle in Paris

The Pont Neuf is the nearest bridge to the Sainte-Chapelle. It connects one with both the left and the right banks of the city from the island in the Seine.

Ironically, the Pont Neuf, which translates to New Bridge, is the oldest bridge in all of Paris. At the time of its naming, it was the first bridge to be built of stone, offering sidewalks for pedestrians to avoid the mud.

Pont Neuf – by Dietmar Rabich – Wikimedia Commons

4. Find the Piano Bar near Sainte-Chapelle in Paris

The neighborhood on the left bank of the Seine, just next to the Sainte-Chapelle, is a hotspot for jazz and piano bars.

Close to the water you’ll find Le Relais de la Huchette; a fantastic spot for an afternoon or evening drink accompanied by live piano.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday — 3pm to 2am

ADDRESS: 14 Rue de la Huchette, 75005 Paris, France

Metro STATION: Saint-Michel Notre-Dame

5. Have Drinks on a Rooftop near Sainte-Chapelle in Paris

Another really wonderful bar exists within walking distance of the Sainte-Chapelle. Le 43 Rooftop offers a panoramic view over Paris and an impressive cocktail menu to match.

It’s a beautiful spot to wind down after an afternoon of sightseeing. If you want one of the better tables on the terrace, call in advance to make a booking. 

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday — 5pm to 10:30pm

ADDRESS: 4 Rue Danton, 75006 Paris, France

Metro STATION: Saint-Michel Notre-Dame

The 43- Roof Top in Paris – by The 43- Roof Top – Uploaded by them

6. Visit the Cluny Museum near Sainte-Chapelle in Paris

The Cluny is a museum not to be missed if you’re interested in anything relative to the Middle Ages in France.

This is also the museum in which the famous Lady and the Unicorn tapestry series is housed. It’s an unforgettable experience to see it in person. Set aside a good three hours or so to properly make your way through the Cluny at first visit.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

Opening Hours: Wednesday to Monday — 9:15am to 5:45pm

ADDRESS: 28 Rue du Sommerard, 75005 Paris, France

Metro STATION: Saint-Michel Notre-Dame

Cluny Museum – by Atlant – Wikimedia Commons

7. Marvel at the Hôtel de Ville near Sainte-Chapelle in Paris

The Hôtel de Ville is a short walk from the Sainte-Chapelle. It was constructed between 1874 and 1882 as a replacement for the Renaissance building that once stood in this exact spot.

At present, the building is used as a local city administration. You might not be able to go inside, but the unfathomable gothic facade is one well worth a visit from the outside.

Hôtel de Ville – by Dietmar Rabich – Wikimedia Commons

8. Watch a Musical at the Théâtre du Châtelet near Sainte-Chapelle in Paris

The Théâtre du Châtelet is a theatre and opera house just a few block away from the Sainte-Chapelle.

Performances will vary depending on the season, but you’ll usually be able to catch live musicals from the likes of Broadway and West End on stage.

Théâtre du Châtelet – by Uticencis – Wikimedia Commons

9. See the Old Artist Residencies at 59 Rivoli near Sainte-Chapelle in Paris

Back in 1999, the property at 59 Rivoli became an artist’s squat when painters and writers from all over the city had nowhere to live. It slowly developed into a space of radical self expression, and the 30 studios are now public exhibits and concert venues.

Take a few minutes to swing past this attraction if you can! It’s fabulous to see the youth culture being expressed on a daily basis.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday — 1pm to 8pm

ADDRESS: 59 Rue de Rivoli, 75001 Paris, France

Metro STATION: Saint-Michel Notre-Dame

59 Rivoli – by ChrisSampson87 – Wikimedia Commons

10. Eat at the Historic Les Deux Magots near Sainte-Chapelle in Paris

Les Deux Magots is a famous French bistro known as having been the preferred hangout for Picasso and Hemingway during their time in Paris.

It’s a charming space with a lot of street seating. You’ll recognize it by the very iconic emerald green and gold awning that greets you on arrival.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday — 7:30am to 1am

ADDRESS: 6 Place Saint-Germain des Prés, 75006 Paris, France

Metro STATION: Saint-Michel Notre-Dame

Les Deux Magots – by Magnus Manske – Wikimedia Commons