Travel Notes: Top 3 Stained Glass Windows in France

Head to some of France’s most amazing churches for a multi-coloured glass eyeful to remember…

SAINTE-CHAPELLE, PARIS

If you haven’t seen this jewel box of a chapel, you haven’t lived. Built by Saint Louis in the 13th century to house his collection of Passion relics (including the Crown of Thorns), this Gothic royal chapel sits on the Île de la Cité in the heart of Paris. Its nave and apse are encased in a delicate filigree of 15 towering stained glass windows – among the finest in the world.

METZ CATHEDRAL

This Roman Catholic cathedral features the largest expanse of ancient stained glass in any single building. The windows date from the 14th and 16th centuries, with modern additions made by the artist Marc Chagall, showing Old Testament stories. Having celebrated its 800th birthday in 2020, this architectural icon is one of the tallest gothic buildings in Europe. Not to be missed!

CHARTRES CATHEDRAL

Built between 1194 and 1250, this medieval Catholic cathedral is notable for having almost all of its original 12th-century stained glasswork intact. In all it features 176 windows filled with densely coloured glass. Did you know that this iconic cathedral recently underwent a complete (and controversial) restoration? Read our in-depth article here.

From France Today magazine