A unique architectural ensemble in Île-de-France
Known for its gastronomic heritage, the city of Meaux also has a rich historical heritage, highlighted by its Episcopal City, listed as a Historic Monument.
In ancient times, the flourishing city was protected by ramparts. Today, you can admire the remains of this Gallo-Roman wall, which encircles the heart of the bishops’ city built in the Middle Ages. Its current appearance remains close to that of the 12th century, making it a unique architectural ensemble in the Île-de-France region.
The Episcopal City of Meaux
Construction of the Saint-Étienne cathedral in Meaux began in the 12th century and was completed three centuries later. The building combines the different phases of Gothic architecture, from the classical style of the late 12th century to the flamboyant style of the 15th.
The Episcopal City and the Eagle of Meaux
Nicknamed the Eagle of Meaux, Jacques-Bénigne Bossuet was appointed bishop of the city in 1681. Man of the church, bishop, preacher, French writer and private tutor to Louis XIV, Bossuet left his mark on Meaux. He gave his name to the city’s art and history museum , located in the former bishops’ palace.
![Vue aérienne de la cité épiscopale de Meaux](https://www.meaux-marne-ourcq.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/cite-episcopale-de-meaux-studio-mir.jpg)
A museum in the heart of the Bishops’ palace
The former episcopal palace now houses the Bossuet museum dedicated to the art and history of the city. The Fine Arts collections are displayed on the first floor. Paintings and objects in Bishop Bossuet’s former study bear witness to his influence and posterity. The lower 12th-century rooms are used for temporary exhibitions. From the first floor, you have a bird’s eye view of the Bossuet garden.
![Extérieur du musée Bossuet coté cour](https://www.meaux-marne-ourcq.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/exterieur-musee-bossuet-audrey-karapedian-1280x853.jpg)
![Musée Bossuet à Meaux](https://www.meaux-marne-ourcq.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/musee-bossuet-meaux.jpg)
![vitrail du musée Bossuet à Meaux](https://www.meaux-marne-ourcq.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/kfzn2594-1280x960.jpg)
Mellie Jumelle
Studio Mir
Gabrielle Toure
Cécile Berthou
Studio Mir
Cécile Berthou
A remarkable garden in the heart of the city
The Bossuet garden is a classic French-style garden, with box tree borders representing a bishop’s mitre.
Full of flowers in spring and summer, you can admire the Bossuet rose, created to mark the tricentenary of the death of the bishop of the same name.
The old cathedral chapter
Between the cathedral and the bishops’ palace, you can’t miss this 13th-century building with its external staircase.
This building undoubtedly had multiple uses. A meeting place for the cathedral chapter, it also served as a tithe barn, as the vaulted rooms in the basement and on the ground floor were used to store wine, wood and grain.
![Façade du Vieux-Chapitre à Meaux](https://www.meaux-marne-ourcq.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/vieux-chapitre-meaux-mellie-jumelle.jpg)
![Vieux Chapitre de Meaux](https://www.meaux-marne-ourcq.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/vieux-chapitre-meaux-cecile-berthou-1-1280x853.jpg)
And in the old “posterie” wing?
The Tourist Office and the Maison du Brie de Meaux.
In the heart of the Episcopal City of Meaux, you’ll find the Tourist Office and its cheerful, motivated team. Looking for ideas for exploring our region? We’ll be happy to point you in the right direction.
Looking for a little souvenir before you leave? You’ll find everything you need in our shop.
And if you haven’t already done so, take the opportunity to visit the Maison du Brie de Meaux on the first floor. If you’re lucky, you’ll come across members of the Brie de Meaux fellowship!
![Boutique de l'Office de Tourisme de Meaux Marne Ourcq](https://www.meaux-marne-ourcq.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/boutique-office-de-tourisme-meaux-mellie-jumelle-1280x960.jpg)
![Façade de l'Office de Tourisme et de la Maison du Brie de Meaux](https://www.meaux-marne-ourcq.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/facade-office-de-tourisme-maison-du-bie-de-meaux-mellie-jumelle.jpg)
![accueil de l'Office de Tourisme](https://www.meaux-marne-ourcq.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/office-de-tourisme-pays-de-meaux-infos-pratiques-1280x853.jpg)
Gérard Fouilleul
Gérard Fouilleul
Gérard Fouilleul
Gérard Fouilleul
A showcase for the Historical Show
For over 40 years, the city of Meaux has beat to the rhythm of the Meaux Historical Show.
Every summer, the city comes alive, and its heritage comes to life thanks to this sound and light show put on by 500 enthusiastic volunteers: actors, musicians, dancers, horse riders, pyrotechnicians etc.
In addition to the Meaux Historical Show, the Episcopal City is the setting for a number of other events: European Heritage Days, Brie Happy, Museum and Cathedral Night etc.