The town of Meaux is on the banks of the Marne river, in the Seine-et-Marne department of France and about 60 kilometres to the east of Paris, in the direction of Reims. It is the biggest town in the department (although not the prefecture / capital of Seine-et-Marne.
Meaux is best known, in France at least, for the famous brie cheese that comes from this region and called Brie de Meaux
Explore Meaux
France This Way review: although the town is now rather extended with more recent development, in Meaux historic centre there are several imposing buildings, including the episcopal palace and gardens, the cathedral and the old chapter house, which together ensure that Meaux is an interesting destination to visit
The most important buildings are all close together in the region known as the "episcopal cité" and include:
- the 13th century cathedral, which is a splendid gothic style cathedral with an impressive facade, lots of windows flooding the inside with light, arches and columns all around the nave, stained glass windows and statues, and a large organ. The cathedral has recently benefitted from a substantial cleaning and renovation
- the old chapter house, an imposing stone building with a tower in each corner and a charming covered staircase to the first floor
- the episcopal palace, which now holds the Bossuet Museum dedicated to French art of the 16th to 20th century and a large, well maintained garden in the French style
As well as the name of the museum, you will see several mentions of Jacques-Bénigne Bossuet in Meaux, such as the statue inside the cathedral. He was a well known writer and orator in the 17th century, and was also bishop of Meaux.
The Meaux tourist office is also near the front of the cathedral on Place Charles de Gaulle if you need more information about the town and monuments.
After exploring the episcopal city you can explore Meaux town centre, which has an imposing classical style Town Hall in the classical style at its centre, as well as a Caisse d'Epargne and Palace of Justice from the same period. The streets around the cathedral also contain a good number of imposing townhouses as well as a large market hall.
A second museum in the town is dedicated to Brie de Meaux cheese which is quite small but of interest if you want to learn more about the history and production of this famous cheese.
One of the best views of the episcopal city and cathedral is from the other side of the Marne river, from where the historical buildings are reflected in the river.
Attractions nearby
There is a park on the banks of the Marne river in Meaux, just south-east of the town centre, called the Parc Naturel du Patis.
This is a very large park, with numrous small lakes as well as the river encouraging a wide range of wildlife. With a river beach and lots of walking opportunities, this park is very busy on a hot day in summer and an excellent place to enjoy your picnic (brie de Meaux obligatory!) and siesta.
On the north-east edge of Meaux you can visit the Museum of the First World War (Musee de la Grande Guerre).
The museum does an excellent job of explaining the war, life for the soldiers, the weapons and vehicles used, the uniforms, trench warfare and other aspects of this terrible war which affected the town greatly: there were two "Battles of the Marne" that took place near here, in 1914 and again in 1918. Allow a whole morning or afternoon for a visit because there is a lot to see and it is very interesting.
You can find more travel ideas in the Paris region guide.
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Hotels in Meaux
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Map of Meaux and places nearby
Visit near Meaux with France This Way reviews
Ermenonville
The Mer de Sable theme park is the main reason visitors come to Ermenonville, but find time to also see the Chateau d'Ermenonvile and visit the Park Jean-Jacques Rousseau
Ermenonville guide
Chateau de Champs-sur-Marne
The Chateau de Champs-sur-Marne is a beautifully restored 18th century chateau with extensive gardens
Chateau de Champs-sur-Marne guide
La Ferte-Milon
The curious facade of a 14th century castle dominates your visit to La Ferté-Milon
La Ferte-Milon guide
Senlis
The ruined castle, the cathedral and the narrow cobbled streets make Senlis a very pleasant town to visit
Senlis guide
Chateau de Vincennes
The Chateau de Vincennes has an interesting history as an important royal residence for several centuries and
Chateau de Vincennes guide
Morienval abbey
The Abbey of Notre-Dame at Morienval is an impressive example of Romanesque architecture
Morienval abbey guideTourist classifications for Meaux
Meaux has received the following tourist classifications: listed town of Art and History ; village in bloom (ville fleurie) 4*
Address: Meaux, Paris region, 77100, France || GPS coordinates: latitude 48.9602777, longitude 2.8883333
Plan your visit to Meaux, Seine-et-Marne
Sightseeing & tourist attractions to visit nearby
- Disneyland Paris: theme park (13 km)
- Noisiel: town of art and history (22 km)
- Champs-sur-Marne Chateau: national monument (24 km)
- Domaine national de Champs-sur-Marne: remarkable garden (24 km)
- Abbaye de Chaalis (Fontaine-Chaalis): religious monument (26 km)
- Livry-Gargan: ville fleurie 4* (26 km)
- Gagny: ville fleurie 4* (27 km)
- Foret de Ermenonville: site of natural beauty (28 km)
- Parc des félins (big cats): zoo or wildlife park (28 km)
- Aulnay-sous-Bois: ville fleurie 4* (29 km)
- Parc Asterix: theme park (31 km)
- Murs à pêches: site of natural beauty (33 km)
Market days in Meaux, France
Regular market(s) are held in Meaux each Tuesday & Thursday & Sunday & Saturday all day & Friday. (Markets are held in the morning unless stated.)
The French version of this page is at Meaux (Francais)