Sainte-Chapelle de Vincennes

Sainte-Chapelle de Vincennes is a Gothic chapel located within the Château de Vincennes, featuring slender stone walls and soaring vaulted ceilings that create a sense of height and light. Colored glass windows line the walls and cast patterns of light throughout the interior space.

French king Charles V ordered construction of this chapel in 1379, but the work stretched across more than a century until completion under king Henry II. The long construction period reflected changing architectural styles and royal priorities over generations.

The chapel served as a sacred space where the French royal court gathered for worship and prayer throughout the centuries. Today, visitors can sense how important this place was for the spiritual life of those who once ruled the kingdom.

The chapel is located within the castle complex and stands out from surrounding structures due to its height and distinctive Gothic features that draw the eye. Allow time to walk around the interior slowly and examine the details of the windows and stonework up close.

The windows were installed during the Renaissance period between 1551 and 1559, portraying biblical stories through colored light. These later additions look noticeably different from the original Gothic style and add another layer of artistic history to the space.

Location: Vincennes

Inception: 1379

Founders: Charles V of France

Architects: Pierre de Montreuil

Architectural style: Gothic architecture

Part of: Château de Vincennes, saintes chapelles

Website: http://vincennes.monuments-nationaux.fr

GPS coordinates: 48.84233,2.43644

Latest update: December 6, 2025 17:40