Laser pointer at Ste. Chapelle in Paris

Are you a tour guide? If not, what would be the purpose? It may be distracting to others, actually.

Are you giving a tour to all the people who are there at the time? If not, how would it be if 30 different people all used their laser pointers at once? That's the logical extension.

I would have thought that if you were a licensed guide you would know or would have known who to call; if you're not a licensed guide you may be picked up for for unlicensed tour guiding.

I was just about to call them and ask, on your behalf, when I realized that the office had closed for the weekend. Sorry I can't help until Monday, and you will probably have your answer by then.

On a purely personal note, I hope the answer is "no" unless you have arranged for a private showing for your group or filming, because I think it is very obtrusive - especially if many people start to do it - - if he can, so will I.

It seems the polar opposite to headphones and a whisper-guide system.

I get very bad migraines and a laser pointer can cause a migraine in one second. Millions of people get migraines, not just me, and one of them could be in St. Chapelle while you are there. Please don't do it.

In St. Chapelle, you are not supposed to talk or take flash photos. I've been there with other visitors who were respectful of each other's space and the awesome space around.

Having taken numerous courses and tours with the art historians who work for the Louvre and Orsay, I can tell you that not one ever used a laser pointer. I've never seen one used in a religious structure either. My guess is a flat out no, not only for the sake of the art, but also for the safety of others' eyes in a crowded setting.

Note, I use one myself but only in a classroom.

Echo what Susan said. PLEASE don't use one....all we need is every museum & church becoming a laser show.....

Thanks for all the responses!

I am coming to Paris in September and 'escorting' several friends who have never been. I got the idea of a laser light from Malcolm Miller, who is the tour guide par excellence at the Chartres Cathedral; been on two tours with him (he's been there 50 years) and he uses the light sparingly to highlight some high-up or distant window pane or construction detail.

I would never use any kind of light, laser or otherwise on any kind of painting, tapestry, photograph, etc., but thought that the stained glass might not have the same harmful chemical reaction as the other media. I also understand about harm to people and that certainly is a valid concern.

I guess I will have to go back to, "it's the 3rd window from the left and 4 from the bottom" to point out a particular pane and its story.
:-)

Maybe head over to the Cluny Museum to highlight some of the panes. I was amazed at how beautiful they are up close. Maybe see what is at Cluny to supplement.

If you research the dimensions of Chartres and Ste. Chapelle, I think you will see that the latter is tiny compared to the former.

It is also very quiet inside, so any tour-guiding might not be appreciated by other visitors.

Personally, I found the walls and the floor as fascinating as the stained glass.

Expect that a large section might be covered up and undergoing restoration. Also expect a lengthy wait to go through security.