Saint-Mihiel Festival of Lights

A Luminous and Poetic Concept

The Stained Glass Trail 'Light comes from within' offers a unique experience: powerfully illuminating the stained glass windows of Meuse churches from the inside. This shift in perspective transforms each building into a luminous artwork visible from the outside, revealing the beauty of ancient and contemporary stained glass in the winter night.

A Project Supported by the L'Esperluette Association

It was Vincent Adelus and his wife Isabelle, an artist, who conceived this initiative within the L'Esperluette (&) association. Launched in 2022, the project first illuminated the stained glass windows of Saint-Michel church and the Saint-Étienne collegiate church in Saint-Mihiel, before gradually expanding to other towns in the department.

Ephemeral Contemporary Creations

Beyond highlighting historical stained glass, the Stained Glass Trail incorporates ephemeral contemporary creations made on tracing paper for each participating church. These modern works dialogue with the ancient stained glass and offer a fresh perspective on religious heritage.

An Expanding Trail

Since its creation, the initiative has continuously expanded. The 2025-2026 edition illuminates the stained glass windows of 23 churches spread across several communes, including Saint-Mihiel, Ancemont, Génicourt-sur-Meuse, Ambly-sur-Meuse, and many others. Three discovery circuits have been designed to guide visitors through this luminous trail.

Illuminated Churches

The trail includes remarkable buildings in the Sammiellois region and the Meuse valley. Each church features stained glass from different periods and styles, from medieval to contemporary, offering a true journey through the history of stained glass art in Lorraine.

An Invitation to Contemplation

Every evening, from dusk until 11 PM, the stained glass windows automatically light up, creating a free and permanent spectacle throughout the winter period. Visitors can follow the different circuits at their own pace, by car or on foot for the closest churches, in an atmosphere of reverence and wonder.

A Cultural and Tourist Event

The Festival of Lights contributes to the cultural and tourist appeal of Meuse during the winter. It attracts visitors from the entire Grand Est region and beyond, drawn by this original approach to showcasing sacred heritage. The event is supported by the Fondation du patrimoine and local institutional partners.