The Chapel That Changed How I Saw Paris

The Chapel That Changed How I Saw Paris

Sitting in a small college classroom. Lights out. Slides projected on the wall. I’m taking Gothic Art and Architecture. After a string of beige and gray Gothic facades, the room suddenly fills with color and light. The professor begins discussing Sainte-Chapelle in Paris. Built by King Louis IX in 1248 to house his Christian relics—most notably, the Crown of Thorns. But it was the interior of Sainte-Chapelle that floored me. Soaring stained glass windows. Deep burgundy and vibrant royal blue.Biblical scenes glowing with light.Luminous. The walls are so narrow, it feels like the entire chapel is made of stained glass. At one end: the quintessential rose window, its vine-like pattern radiating outward. All that light and color—I was in love. When I finally visited Paris after that class, Sainte-Chapelle was top of my list. At first, when I walked in, I was disappointed.The small windows I saw weren’t what I remembered.Then I found the stairs! Ah! I was in the lower chapel for palace staff. Emerging from the dim staircase, I stepped into everything I had remembered.The upper chapel was even more magnificent in person. When the sun shone in, the colors absolutely glowed. I sat in one of the chairs and took my time, slowly gazing around the room. Magical. That burst of light and color in a dark classroom remains one of the most beautiful surprises I’ve ever had—and it led me straight to the magic of Sainte-Chapelle. Tips * Visit the official Sainte-Chapelle website [https://www.sainte-chapelle.fr/] for details. They have a helpful guide and a stained glass window app that can enhance your visit. * This isn’t always a first stop for visitors to Paris, but it is popular—reserve timed entry tickets in advance. * One thing still on my list: attend an evening concert [https://www.classictic.com/en/city/paris-t7/paris-concert-venues-vc1/la-sainte-chapelle-vl27/?aff=143091] here. They often perform Vivaldi’s Four Seasons and Pachelbel’s Canon. [Affiliate link] Traveling with Linda — following color and light. If you're drawn to color, light, and a little travel magic—subscribe and come along. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit travelingwithlinda.substack.com [https://travelingwithlinda.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

About Me (Sort Of)

This is the obligatory About Me post…. and I find it surprisingly hard to write. Ask me to write about London, Amsterdam, or Paris — I can’t type fast enough. Ask me to write about myself? Total brain freeze. So instead, here are 10 things I love (mostly about travel): * European pastries — from a pain au chocolat to a cardamom bun * Researching and planning a trip — sometimes more than the trip itself * Hunting for Space Invaders [https://www.space-invaders.com/home/] in whatever city I’m in Check out the rest of the items at travelingwithlinda.substack.com. And be sure to listen to my mixtape at the end! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit travelingwithlinda.substack.com [https://travelingwithlinda.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]