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The Palais de Justice with Sainte-Chapelle partly visible on the left.

This little Gothic masterpiece was built by Louis IX in 1248, originally to house holy relics (which are now nearby in the Notre Dame cathedral). The Upper Chapel is surrounded by brilliant 13th century stained glass windows, almost floor to ceiling, creating an explosion of coloured light. The glass images depict scenes from the Bible from Adam and Eve to the Crucifixion, though they are difficult to pick out. If you wish to study the glass detail bring binoculars.

The upper chapel, reached by a short, plain, spiral staircase and then...kaboom! Lights, colour, inaction!

Statues of the 12 apostles along the walls are superbly carved but only dimly visible.

The Rose Window sporting St John's vision of the apocalypse.

The chapel's roof and 75m (245 ft) latticed spire. Next, Orsay Museum.

Official Sainte Chapelle site

Near Ste. Chapelle: Notre Dame, Conciergerie, Louvre, Hôtel de Ville, Centre Georges Pompidou, Ile St-Louis, Latin Quarter.

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