Meaux will tantalise your senses with centuries of history, art, culture and cuisine. The city is set on the River Marne and boasts beautiful buildings and a magnificent cathedral. Taste the city’s rich gastronomic heritage as you bite into melt-in-your-mouth slabs of brie and tangy French mustard.
Things to do in Meaux
A soaring Gothic tower is the icing on the cake of Saint-Étienne Cathedral. The impressive cathedral dates back to the 12th century and features elaborately carved portals depicting scenes from the Bible. Enormous stained-glass windows flood the nave with light.
Admire art from throughout the centuries at the Bossuet Museum. It’s housed in a lavish episcopal palace and showcases works by European masters like Frans Floris and Jean-François de Troy. The decorative arts galleries are filled with remarkable sculptures and ornate Louis XV antiques. Stroll around the formal gardens and don’t miss the orchard filled with century-old lime trees.
Pâtis Natural Park stretches along the banks of the River Marne and is a haven for native wildlife. Look for European orioles and kingfishers as you walk past the woodlands and reed beds. Pack lunch and enjoy a picnic in a flower-filled meadow.
Of all the foods produced in Meaux, brie is the most famous. Brie de Meaux A.O.P is known as the “prince of cheeses” and features a creamy hue with a fine white rind, buttery texture and nutty aftertaste. Pommery mustard flavoured with parsley, chives and tarragon is another local specialty. You’ll see it slathered on sandwiches and as an ingredient in sauces and salad dressings.
Getting around Meaux
Meaux is pedestrian-friendly and easy to get around on foot, while local buses are a fast way to cover longer distances. The city is in the Île-de-France region, a one-hour drive from Paris and 30 minutes by train. Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport is a 30-minute drive away.