Metz Cathedral
Metz, France
Nicknamed the Lantern of God for its huge area of stained glass, from medieval work to windows by Chagall. Come on a sunny afternoon when the golden stone glows.
Saint-Étienne Cathedral in Metz is known as the "Good Lord's Lantern" because of its vast areas of glass. The windows cover around 6,500 m². Work on the Gothic church began around 1220; the nave is 41.41 m high, making it the third-highest in France after Amiens and Beauvais. The finished cathedral was consecrated in 1552. It is built of yellow Jaumont limestone.
Between 1958 and 1970 Marc Chagall created several windows: the Genesis scenes in the north transept, scenes from the Old Testament in the north ambulatory, and the windows in the west triforium with the "Grand Bouquet". Allow about an hour. The colours of the windows look best in sunshine. The cathedral stands in the heart of the old town of Metz and is easily reached on foot.
- Nearest town
- Metz, France
- Category
- History & culture
- GPS
- 49.1202, 6.1759
- Editor's pick
- ★
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually June–September. Still fine, with some compromises, in May. Cold, short days in December–February. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Getting there
- France: Motorway tolls. Tolls on most autoroutes; the limit drops to 110 km/h in rain. Motorway limit for cars: 130 km/h.
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Camping Municipal de MetzCampsite1 km from Metz Cathedral · 150 pitchesCaravansWi-Fi
- Port de plaisance de Scy-ChazellesMotorhome stopover4 km from Metz Cathedral · 8 pitchesMotorhomesElectricityDrinking waterWaste disposal
- Le PaquisCampsite12 km from Metz Cathedral · 109 pitchesTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposal
- Aire de camping-car de AmnévilleMotorhome stopover14 km from Metz Cathedral · 32 pitchesMotorhomesElectricityDrinking waterWaste disposalDogs allowedWi-Fi
- Camping Les BouleauxCampsite18 km from Metz Cathedral · 25 pitchesTentsCaravansElectricityWaste disposal
- Camping MirabelleCampsite21 km from Metz CathedralWi-Fi
All campsites in France · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Metz Cathedral?
Metz Cathedral is in Metz, France, at GPS 49.1202, 6.1759. It is about 26 km from Pont-à-Mousson.
Can you camp near Metz Cathedral?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Parking Metz Rue de Luxembourg, about 1 km away; within 25 km there are 9 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Metz Cathedral?
Metz Cathedral is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Lorraine: Metz, Nancy and Verdun.
What is there to see near Metz Cathedral?
Places worth a stop nearby: European Museum Schengen (41 km), Montsec American Monument (42 km), Place Stanislas (47 km) and Remich (49 km).
When is the best time to visit Metz Cathedral?
The most pleasant months are usually June–September. Still fine, with some compromises, in May. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)