Expiatory Chapel Tickets | Louis XVI & Marie Antoinette’s Memorial

Why visit the Expiatory Chapel?

Step into revolutionary history

Chapelle Expiatoire stands on the very spot where Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette were first buried after their executions. Quietly nestled behind the bustle of modern Paris, this solemn memorial offers a rare, intimate connection to one of France’s most turbulent chapters.

A monument of memory and mourning

Commissioned by Louis XVIII as a tribute to his brother and sister-in-law, the chapel is rich in symbolism. Inside, statues of the King and Queen are paired with inscriptions that reflect their final words—offering a deeply human perspective on the Revolution’s cost.

Layers of tragedy beneath your feet

Before the chapel, this was the Madeleine Cemetery—where guillotine victims were buried during the Revolution. It was also the burial site of victims from a tragic stampede during the royal wedding celebrations years earlier. Few sites in Paris hold such layered meaning.

Quiet beauty, thoughtful design

Its neoclassical design is both elegant and reflective, with a central dome, oculi that invite natural light, and a peaceful layout that encourages contemplation. It’s not just architecture—it’s atmosphere.

Things to know before booking your tickets

People often confuse the Chapelle Expiatoire with the small expiatory chapel inside the Conciergerie. The Chapelle Expiatoire is a large memorial built on the burial site of Louis XVI and Marie-Antoinette, requiring separate tickets for entry and garden access. In contrast, the Conciergerie’s expiatory chapel is a small space marking Marie-Antoinette’s prison cell and is included with Conciergerie admission.
If you’re between 18 and 25 and an EU national or resident, or if you’re a job seeker, Education Pass holder, receiving minimum income, or have a disability, you can get in for free. No need to book online—just bring your proof and head straight to the ticket gate.
While you can buy tickets on-site, booking online at least a week in advance helps you avoid long lines and last-minute hassles.

Sculptures of the royal martyrs

Inside the chapel stand two poignant marble statues: Louis XVI being led to heaven by an angel, and Marie Antoinette in prayer. These works by Bosio and Cortot are not only artistic tributes but also bear engravings of the King’s will and the Queen’s final letter—personal artifacts turned into stone.

Plan your visit to the Expiatory Chapel

From April 1 to September 30:
10am - 12:30pm and 1:30pm - 6:30pm
Closed on: Sunday and Monday
From October 1 to March 31:
10am - 12:30pm and 1:30pm - 5pm
Closed on: Sunday, Monday, Tuesday
Last entry: 30 minutes before closing.
Closed on: January 1, May 1 and December 25

Address: Square Louis XVI, 29, rue Pasquier, 75008 Paris

Find on maps

By metro: 3, 9, 12, 13, 14
Nearest stop: Saint-Lazare, Madeleine, or Saint-Augustin
By train: J, L
Nearest stop: Saint-Augustin
By bus: 9, 20, 32, 42, 52, 43, 49, 66, 72, 73, 80, 84, 93
Nearest stop: Saint-Augustin, Saint-Lazare, or Chauveau Lagarde

By RER: A
Nearest stop: Haussmann Saint-Lazare

Photography is allowed inside the chapel, but visitors must not use flash or tripods to protect the artwork and preserve the atmosphere.
Visitors are kindly requested to maintain silence throughout their visit to respect the chapel’s status as a memorial site.
The chapel has partial accessibility; there are steps and uneven pathways, and unfortunately, no elevator is available for those with mobility issues.
Pets are not permitted anywhere inside the chapel or its surrounding garden areas.
Food and drinks are not allowed inside the chapel, and there is no café or refreshment service available on-site.
For security reasons, all visitors should expect standard bag checks upon entry.

There are no restaurants inside the Chapelle Expiatoire. However, there are a few dining options available at a walking distance:

Traiteur Asiatique: Asian food on a budget.
Restaurant Pera: Affordable Turkish cuisine.
La Pate à Nouilles Madeleine: Ramen when you're on the go.
Le Louis XVI: Gourmet French cuisine you can afford.
Le Colonel Moutarde: Fast and delicious French dining.
Hippopotamus: French steak house for steak lovers.
Le Café M: Exclusive, gourmet French dining.
Café Sud: Mediterranean flavors meet French gourmet cuisine.
Restaurant Garnier: Premium fish and seafood dining.

Budget:
Grand Hotel du Havre
Hôtel Opéra Deauville
Hôtel Antin-Trinité
Mid-range:
Best Western
Hotel Cordelia
Le Malown
Luxury:
Royal Madeleine
Hôtel Concortel Paris
Maison Albar

Palais Garnier: Located just 700 meters from the chapel (a 9-minute walk), this iconic opera house is renowned for its opulent architecture, including the grand staircase and richly decorated auditorium. Visitors can join guided tours to learn about its fascinating history and cultural importance.
Place de la Concorde: About 1.2 kilometers away (roughly a 15-minute walk), this historic square is famously known as the site where Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette were executed. Today, it features impressive fountains, statues, and offers a powerful connection to France’s revolutionary past.
Montmartre: Situated approximately 2.5 to 3 kilometers from the chapel, Montmartre is best accessed by a 15–20 minute metro ride from nearby Saint-Lazare station. This vibrant district is celebrated for its artistic heritage, the striking Sacré-Cœur Basilica, and panoramic views over Paris.
Musée Jacquemart-André: A short 1.1-kilometer walk (around 14 minutes) along Boulevard Haussmann brings you to this elegant 19th-century mansion. The museum houses an impressive collection of European paintings and period décor, providing a refined and less crowded cultural experience.

Frequently asked questions about the Expiatory Chapel tickets

Is it possible to visit the chapel without encountering crowds or queues?

Yes, the Expiatory Chapel is considered a hidden gem and is rarely crowded. Visitors often report no queues and only a handful of people inside, making it an ideal spot for those seeking a quiet and contemplative experience.

Can I visit the crypt, and is it included in the standard ticket?

Yes, the crypt is accessible via stairs at the back of the side chapels and is included with your standard admission ticket.

How long should I plan for my visit, and is it suitable for a quick stop?

Most visitors spend less than an hour at the chapel. Its compact size and focused exhibits make it suitable for a brief but meaningful visit, especially if you are in the area or interested in French history.

Is there a garden or outdoor area included with the ticket?

Yes, visitors cross a simple but beautiful burial ground and garden-often filled with white roses-before entering the chapel. This tranquil outdoor space is part of the experience and is included in your ticket.

Are there any special tips for finding the entrance or getting there?

The chapel is somewhat hidden, nestled in a quiet square off Rue Pasquier, about a ten-minute walk from Église Madeleine. Even locals and taxi drivers may not be familiar with its exact location, so using a map or GPS is recommended.

Does the chapel host any temporary exhibitions or special displays?

The focus is on permanent memorials and historical context, with no regular temporary exhibitions. The experience is centered on the original artifacts, statues, and the crypt.

Are there any nearby attractions that pair well with a visit to the chapel?

The chapel is a ten-minute walk from Église Madeleine and located near Boulevard Haussmann, making it easy to combine with shopping or other sightseeing in the 8th arrondissement.

Explore Gothic architecture at its finest with a ticket to the Expiatory Chapel, an exquisite masterpiece of Neoclassical design.
Benefit from the complimentary downloadable booklet, offering detailed information about the chapel's history, available in 7 languages.
Gain insight into French history as you visit the burial site of Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette, paying tribute to their tumultuous reign.
Discover the crypt where the royal couple's remains were first discovered, marked by a black marble altar.
Witness the beautifully crafted sculptures and intricate stained glass windows that adorn the chapel, showcasing masterful artistry.

Inclusions

Entry to Expiatory Chapel
Free downloadable booklet in 7 languages

Tip: Don't miss the sculptures of angels depicting one angel showing the sky to the king and another of Marie-Antoinette kneeling.
Please note that there is free admission during the following days: European Heritage Days on the third weekend of Sep, and every first Sunday of the month from Nov to Mar.
Entry is free for anyone under the age of 18 years, and for European Union nationals or non-EU residents in France aged between 18 and 25 years (an ID is necessary).
Entry is free for disabled guests with an accompanying adult, jobseekers (on presentation of a certificate less than 6 months old), and holders of a valid education pass.
The experience is not accessible for wheelchair users.
Note that the following is not allowed: pets except guide dogs.

These tickets are valid until 10 July, 2123.

Tickets

Tickets to Expiatory Chapel

Explore Gothic architecture at its finest with a ticket to the Expiatory Chapel, an exquisite masterpiece of Neoclassical design.
Benefit from the complimentary downloadable booklet, offering detailed information about the chapel's history, available in 7 languages.
Gain insight into French history as you visit the burial site of Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette, paying tribute to their tumultuous reign.
Discover the crypt where the royal couple's remains were first discovered, marked by a black marble altar.
Witness the beautifully crafted sculptures and intricate stained glass windows that adorn the chapel, showcasing masterful artistry.

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Check availability

Flexible duration

Explore Gothic architecture at its finest with a ticket to the Expiatory Chapel, an exquisite masterpiece of Neoclassical design.
Benefit from the complimentary downloadable booklet, offering detailed information about the chapel's history, available in 7 languages.
Gain insight into French history as you visit the burial site of Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette, paying tribute to their tumultuous reign.
Discover the crypt where the royal couple's remains were first discovered, marked by a black marble altar.
Witness the beautifully crafted sculptures and intricate stained glass windows that adorn the chapel, showcasing masterful artistry.