When I look at posts about security checks at Sainte Chapelle many say "airport like" security. Two years ago in London when we had lunch at Sky Garden, the "airport like" security there included the machines where you can't have so much as a Kleenex in your pockets. I don't wear a money belt in London, so Sky Garden wasn't a problem. However I'm planning on using the under clothing belt-loop pocket that comes with a Rick Steves tour kit while we're in Paris, and I'm pretty sure that won't "fly" with the types of machines they had at Sky Garden. Can anyone tell me which type of machines they use at Sainte Chapelle?
Posted by
Citizen of the World
2623 posts
I went through St. Chapelle security recently and— although I can’t identify the machines used— the screening was very thorough because St. Chapelle is right next to Paris’ Palais of Justice which houses the Court of Appeals.
Regular police officers staff security. Be ready to empty out everything.
Posted by
1240 posts
I recall last year, we definitely had to do the "put everything in bins" and then go through one of those screening machines just like TSA. Men have to put their wallets in the bin, so not sure how a money belt would be any different. It's all very serious, the security who run it seem very official; as in don't mess with them, so it would be hard for someone to get away with much like stealing someone's valuables. You encounter a couple of TSA equivalent folks before you actually go into the screening area. It is very tight security getting through there, which explains why the line moves very sloooowwwwly.
Posted by
Green Bay
22012 posts
I would not worry too much about it. Like airports, if the sensor goes off, they will pat you down to see if you are packing any fire arms. And that will be that. Because it is also the entrance for the French Supreme Court, it is likely a bit more thorough than what I experienced at the Orsay. There, when I set the machine off, they asked me "Do you have a gun?" When I said no, they said come on in.
Posted by
OP
Southern California
469 posts
Thanks for the info. Since Sainte Chapelle is close to where we are staying, I might trim down what I'm carrying to a phone and whatever I can fit in my pockets to avoid any potential problems.
We last went through Sainte Chapelle security back in 2004 and I went through with a money belt on with no problems. However I'm pretty sure it was just the metal detector type screening back then. My husband was carrying a small camcorder on that trip and what with putting things back in his pockets he forgot to pick it up. As we walked off one of the guards said, "Oh, Monsieur, you might want this. If not, I'd be glad to take it home with me." :-)
Posted by
South Carolina
115 posts
There was a terrorism trial going on when we went to Sainte Chapelle and there were security checkpoints outside the building as well manned by police with automatic weapons. They would not allow us to approach the building until right before our timed admission.