Located 41 km northeast of Paris, this historic town produces the famous Brie de Meaux cheese and has a 12th-century Gothic cathedral with medieval architecture.
Meaux, 41 kilometers east of Paris, was an important medieval religious center. When you visit, you can climb the Gothic towers of Saint-Étienne Cathedral, examine World War I artifacts at the Musée de la Grande Guerre, and taste the local Brie de Meaux cheese in the covered market hall. The city's location on the Marne River adds walking and cycling paths to your exploration options.
Visiting the Saint-Étienne Cathedral
The cathedral took four centuries to complete, with architecture evolving from Early Gothic to Rayonnant and Flamboyant styles. The vaulted ceiling reaches 30 meters high, with carved stone columns supporting pointed arches. Medieval stained glass windows cast colored light across the interior, including the black marble tomb of Jacques-Bénigne Bossuet, the 17th-century bishop known for his sermons at the court of Louis XIV. Open daily 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
Exploring the Episcopal Quarter
The Musée Bossuet occupies a 12th-century episcopal palace, displaying French paintings and sculptures from the 16th to 20th centuries. In the Jardin Bossuet behind the palace, four straight paths lead to a central fountain. You'll find rose gardens along the walkways and lime trees forming alleys on both sides. A 250-meter section of the original Gallo-Roman wall remains along the garden's edge.
World War I History at Musée de la Grande Guerre
Since 2011, this museum has told the story of World War I through soldiers' personal items, military equipment, and reconstructed settings. Walk through accurate copies of French and German trenches, see tanks and artillery pieces up close, and read soldiers' letters home. The museum sits where French forces halted the German advance during the First Battle of the Marne in 1914.
Local Food and Markets
At the Maison du Brie de Meaux, you can watch cheese makers create Brie using methods protected by AOP certification. The covered market opens four days weekly, with Saturday being the busiest day. Local vendors sell Brie de Meaux cheese, seasonal produce, and Meaux mustard - still made using traditional recipes from local ingredients.
Parks and River Areas
Ten lakes dot the Parc Naturel du Patis, with paths connecting them. The park curves along the Marne River, creating spaces for different bird species. You might spot kingfishers near the water or golden orioles in the trees. Find picnic tables throughout the park and access the riverside walking trails from here.
Getting Around
Trains connect Paris Est station to Meaux every 30 minutes on the Transilien P line, with a 25-minute journey time. The cathedral is a 10-minute walk from Meaux station. Stop by the tourist office on Place Charles de Gaulle for maps and current information about opening hours and events.
