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 MeauxStudio Mir

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 Audrey Karapédian
Musée Bossuet à MeauxMellie Jumelle
vitrail du musée Bossuet à MeauxJonathan Peciak
  • Cité épiscopale de MeauxMellie Jumelle
  • Vue sur le palais épiscopal et la cathédrale depuis le jardin BossuetStudio Mir
  • Statue dans le jardin BossuetGabrielle Toure
  • Parterre d efleurs dans le jardin Bossuet à MeauxCécile Berthou
  • Studio Mir
  • La rose Bossuet dans le jardin Bossuet de MeauxCécile 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 MeauxMellie Jumelle
Vieux Chapitre de MeauxCécile Berthou

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 OurcqMellie Jumelle
Façade de l'Office de Tourisme et de la Maison du Brie de MeauxMellie Jumelle
accueil de l'Office de Tourisme Benjamin Gallou
  • Spectacle historique de Meaux - Folles époques !Gérard Fouilleul
  • Spectacle historique de Meaux - Folles époques !Gérard Fouilleul
  • Spectacle historique de Meaux - Folles époques !Gérard Fouilleul
  • Spectacle historique de Meaux - Folles époques !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. 

See the calendar