Windows of Metz

We are in Metz, which abounds with beautiful, beautiful vitraux — those above can be found in the Cathedral, just across the street from our charming room

which looks directly at it when we draw back these charming toile drapes

I will tell you more about the cathedral later — some very impressive facts about the ratio of window surface to the overall building, which gives it a very special quality. And that’s without even mentioning the windows by Marc Chagall (at least, the designs are Chagall’s, I’ll provide details about the glass-makers later).

But while I loved the building immediately and committed to returning before we left, both mine and Pater’s hearts were instantly captured today by another church, a smaller one dating back at least to the 13th century,     As soon as I began telling him it was my favourite church ever, he interrupted, “That’s just what I was going to say!” And the windows designed by Cocteau are brilliantly matched to the church’s soul — it balances delicacy and solemnity, luminescence and gravitas beyond anything I’ve experienced. We’re heading to dinner soon and I haven’t the patience to fiddle with uploading but here’s a sample photo that I hope hints at the church’s beauty.

I have high hopes for dinner — today, besides finding my favourite church ever, I ate the best quiche of my life. Seriously superlative. Miam-miam, comme disent les français

5 Comments

  1. pavlova
    12 April 2011 / 11:07 pm

    Oh you are doing so many wonderful things and then
    sharing them with us! I had no idea that Chagall designed the windows for the Metz cathedral. I can't wait for your report. There is a tiny chapel outside of Tarrytown,New York (20 miles from New York City ) that has glorious Chagall windows and a Matisse window over the altar.
    It was a favorite retreat when I was in college.

  2. Patricia
    13 April 2011 / 8:23 pm

    I think it's fantastic that you're able to venture further afield. Great posts! P.

  3. Susan B
    14 April 2011 / 12:11 am

    For something built in the 13th century, the interior of that church is amazingly light!

    Hope you'll post some pictures of the Chagall windows. I tried to capture the ones in the cathedral in Reims, but my camera just wouldn't focus correctly in the dim light.

  4. materfamilias
    15 April 2011 / 2:19 pm

    This comment has been removed by the author.

  5. materfamilias
    15 April 2011 / 2:19 pm

    Pavlova: I'll get round to sharing my Chagall windows and thanks so much for sharing yours. I'd love to see that chapel!
    Patricia: much as I love it, it's been great to get outside of the city.
    Pseu: We've been so lucky with weather and the sunshine makes a huge difference to viewing the windows.

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