Summary
On a bend of the River Marne, Meaux is a sophisticated city that gained recognition in the 17th century.
This was during the tenure of Jacques-Bénigne Bossuet, the “Eagle of Meaux,” who served as bishop.
Bossuet was a prominent theologian during the reign of Louis XVIII and is remembered as one of history’s great orators.
The episcopal palace where he resided has been preserved, complete with its exquisite garden and defensive walls, and now houses Meaux’s art and history museum.
Visitors can also pay their respects at Bossuet’s tomb located within the splendid Gothic cathedral, which overlooks a picturesque square adorned with café and restaurant terraces.
Moreover, if you appreciate Brie cheese, Meaux has been producing this variety for over 200 years, with various dairies located throughout the city and even a dedicated Brie museum.
Let us explore the top attractions in Meaux:
1. Musée de la Grande Guerre
Inaugurated on Armistice Day in 2011, this museum is among the world’s leading attractions focused on the conflict of 1914-1918. Meaux was specifically chosen as it was as near as the German Army advanced to Paris during the war.
The museum effectively recreates battlefield scenes, even constructing a replica zone that includes both French and German trenches with No Man’s Land in between.
This experience is enhanced by contemporary and multisensory museum design, featuring objects for handling, immersive soundscapes, and a wealth of multimedia exhibits accompanying traditional artifacts.
2. Meaux Cathedral
Those intrigued by Gothic art will be captivated by the city’s cathedral.
This extensive work was executed gradually over the 12th to 15th centuries, showcasing all phases of French Gothic design, from Early Gothic to Flamboyant.
Despite the architectural variety, the overall composition remains harmonious, with the interior truly standing out.
Within, the vaults of the nave and choir soar over 30 meters, allowing sunlight to illuminate the space.
If following in Bossuet’s footsteps, you may visit his tomb, meticulously carved from black marble and protected by an ornate wrought-iron enclosure.
3. Musée Bossuet
Meaux’s art and history museum is situated in Bossuet’s former residence, the episcopal palace adjacent to the cathedral.
This historical site dates back to the 1100s and underwent expansions over the years until Bossuet’s time in the late 1600s.
The oldest areas remain on the ground floor, largely unchanged since the 12th century.
Room 7 specifically focuses on Bossuet’s tenure as bishop between 1682 and 1704, and additional exhibits feature medieval religious sculpture along with a significant collection of art donated over the centuries, spanning from 16th-century mannerism to 19th-century romanticism.
4. Le Jardin Bossuet
According to local tradition, the 17th-century floral garden located behind the Episcopal Palace was designed by a young André Le Nôtre, who later achieved fame for his work at Versailles.
Regardless of its veracity, the garden is an excellent example of landscaping from that era, featuring four pathways bordered by rose-filled flowerbeds that converge on a central fountain with a large mossy rock placed there in the 1800s.
The entire garden is enclosed by double rows of lime trees, and at the rear, a stairway ascends to the Gallo-Roman walls, which will be discussed later.
5. Vieux Chapitre
Located at the rear of the Episcopal Palace courtyard, connected to the cathedral by a timber-framed gallery, is a representation of ecclesiastical authority from the medieval period.
The chapter of clerics convened in this turreted hall to deliberate on religious missions and counsel the Bishop of Meaux.
An external covered staircase allows access to their meeting chamber.
The Vieux Chapitre served a dual purpose, as the ground floor functioned as a tithing barn where wine, wood, and grain were stored in a spacious vaulted area.
6. Remparts de Meaux
Visitors have complimentary access to the ancient walls that once enclosed the entire episcopal quarter during weekends.
Now measuring approximately 250 meters in length, the ramparts follow a path traced during the Gallo-Roman era and were subsequently renovated and adjusted with modifications in the 14th and 15th centuries, when the circular defensive towers were constructed.
An outstanding feature of this promenade is the view overlooking the charming garden at the Bossuet museum, alongside the episcopal palace and cathedral.
According to local lore, Bossuet frequented a small hermitage in the Jardin des Remparts during the 17th century for solitude and reflection.
7. Old Centre
Meaux’s elevated status in the 17th and 18th centuries endowed it with many elegant mansions from that era, all of which are privately owned yet still warrant a visit.
Therefore, it is worth venturing forth to discover what treasures you can uncover.
On Place Saint-Maur, capture a photograph of the Hôtels de Regnaudière and Longuejoue.
Then continue along Rue du General Leclerc, Rue Rochard, and Rue Saint-Remy to view La Sirène, Passelaigue, and Macé de Montoury, all of which are architecturally exquisite.
As a significant religious hub, Meaux housed numerous religious congregations whose buildings remain visible today, such as the convents of the Visitation and Ursulines, and the House of the Augustines at Faubourg Saint-Nicolas.
8. Parc du Pâtis
Located along a loop in the Marne to the south of Meaux, the Parc du Pâtis serves as a spacious and diverse natural area rather than a meticulously landscaped garden.
Visitors can stroll along a pathway adjacent to the Marne or venture inward to discover flowering meadows, woodlands, and more than ten sizable ponds, many of which are crossed by charming little bridges.
The lush surroundings attract various bird species, including the vibrantly colored Eurasian golden oriole and the kingfisher.
During sunny summer days, there is also a public beach available for swimming in the Marne, alongside a nautical center that offers rowboat rentals.
9. American Monument
As mentioned previously, the German Army was halted just outside Meaux during the First Battle of the Marne in 1914. This event is recognized as a pivotal moment in the early phases of the war, and in 1932, the United States erected a monument here to honor the French soldiers who lost their lives in this endeavor.
The monument, depicting Liberty in mourning, was crafted by Frederick William MacMonnies, who studied at the École des Beaux-Arts in Paris in the 1880s.
This statue is conveniently located next to the First World War Museum, situated on the battlefield.
10. Brasserie de Meaux
Located roughly halfway to Trilport and just a few minutes from the city center, this burgeoning brewery represents the craft beer movement having begun operations in 2015. The Brasserie de Meaux procures its ingredients from nearby cereal farms and produces blonde, white, and amber beers.
Casual tours are available on Fridays and Saturdays, as well as pre-arranged group visits throughout the week.
The cost for the tour is €3 per participant and, as expected, concludes with a tasting of the brewery’s selection of three beers.
11. Local Delicacies
Despite being relatively small, Meaux boasts a significant culinary reputation.
The highlight is undoubtedly brie de Meaux, a soft cow’s milk cheese renowned widely and protected by an appellation of origin label.
If you are a cheese enthusiast, aim to visit between April and September when the cheese has matured to perfection and reaches its creamy peak.
Furthermore, consider taking home moutarde de Meaux, a coarse grain mustard presented in charming vintage pots.
In addition to these delights, the city lends its name to various types of carrots, strawberries, pickles, an apple variety, and a distinctive brie salad.
12. Maison de Brie de Meaux
For those with a penchant for brie, this small attraction provides comprehensive insights into brie de Meaux AOP. Visitors receive information regarding the cheese’s history, along with an explanation of the various stages of production, starting from milking the cows to aging the cheese in cellars.
Additionally, the stringent regulations that each cheese-maker must adhere to in order for the cheese to qualify as “brie de Meaux” are thoroughly detailed.
13. Disneyland Park
Located just 15 minutes away, Europe’s most popular theme park is close enough to utilize Meaux as a refined retreat following a day filled with excitement and wonder for the younger members of your family.
Disneyland Park offers children the chance to meet their beloved Disney characters and princesses, along with the opportunity to experience an array of themed rides.
The various themed “Lands” require little introduction; for those unfamiliar, they include Main Street USA, Frontierland, Adventureland, Fantasyland, and Discoveryland.
Noteworthy rides include Indiana Jones and the Temple of Peril, Space Mountain – Mission 2, and the expansive haunted attraction, Phantom Manor.
14. Walt Disney Studios
Still within the Disney Resort, Walt Disney Studios ranks among the top five most-visited theme parks in Europe.
This attraction is inspired by the film-making industry and embraces a studio theme, featuring rides and shows set on production “lots.” Young audiences and Pixar enthusiasts will adore Toon Studio, where Crush’s Coaster is celebrated as one of the best attractions in the entire resort, based on the character from Finding Nemo.
This park is also recognized for its exhilarating displays, notably the Moteurs Action! stunt show, which features cars, jet skis, motorbikes, and impressive pyrotechnics.
15. Val d’Europe Shopping Centre
Adjacent to the resort, yet functioning independently, is a vast shopping center that serves as the cornerstone of the new town of Val d’Europe.
Characterized by Belle Époque-style architecture, the galleries are illuminated by elegant metal and glass roofs.
With approximately 140 shops and services available, all located less than 20 minutes from central Meaux, it is a shopper’s paradise.
In the basement, visitors can also discover Sea Life Paris, a family-friendly aquarium that showcases freshwater species residing in the Marne and Seine, alongside more exotic creatures such as rays, sharks, and turtles.
