When I booked my trip to Paris earlier this year I was excited to head back to Notre Dame; excited to see its magnificent stained glass windows, and show my friend Angela a church I knew she’d love.  This, of course, meant that when the fire ruined Notre Dame earlier this year, I was sadder than I would have predicted.  

I was just really looking forward to seeing again and admiring its rose stained glass windows 

Luckily, however, my mom texted me, “well, Sainte-Chapelle is still there. You should go see that.”  I hadn’t heard of this church until that text, but I’m so pleased she knew about it, because wow. What a brilliant church.

It’s on the same island as Notre Dame, and just up the street from it. It’s incredibly easy to miss if you’re walking by, as it’s a within the courtyard of the royal palace on the Île de la Cité (it appeared the courtyard is still used, as there were many lawyers walking around in their black gowns and funny wigs). 

Angela and I headed there and were in awe of the windows. 

As people walked up the stairs (ourselves included) and turned into this church (built in 1238!), you would hear audible gasps. It’s brilliant and amazing, and I hope you get to see it one day (pro tip: buy tickets ahead of time will skip you two lines!).