A weekend with a change of scenery and culture just a stone’s throw from Paris: head for Meaux!

Day 1

The episcopal city is the must-see in Meaux! Get your trip off to a good start with a short tour of the town’s historic centre. Take time to stroll through the town centre and admire the superb town houses. Stop off at the foot of Saint-Étienne cathedral: you’re bound to be impressed by its Notre-Dame-like appearance!

Next, head for the Palais épiscopal, the former home of Bossuet, bishop, writer and leading figure in the town’s history. Its museum will plunge you into the history and art of Meaux through the centuries.

Around midday, head for Les Halles de Meaux, where around forty producers will be waiting to sell you their delicious local produce. Cheeses, fruit, vegetables, cold meats… fill up on flavours for a gourmet picnic in the Parc du Pâtis. This large green space on the banks of the Marne is perfect for a nature break.

In the afternoon, there are two options, depending on your mood (and the weather):

Sun on your doorstep? Head for the beach at Meaux, a little oasis in the Ile-de-France region, with fine sand, children’s games, water sports and even electric boat trips. And all this just 25 minutes from Paris!

Looking for something a little quieter? Book a visit to the Domaine de Monthyon, former home of Jean-Claude Brialy. A real film buff’s getaway, where you can discover the actor’s world and the memories of the stars who stayed there: Romy Schneider, Jean Marais, Truffaut and many others. For your dinner, there are several options open to you. If you want to prolong the romance, why not dine by the water? At La Péniche (remember to book ahead) or Chez Paulette for a more relaxed atmosphere, you’ll have that pleasant feeling of being on holiday! For a more cosy dinner, head for Le Cirkus! With its original cuisine and large covered terrace, it’s the perfect place to combine relaxation and pleasure! You may even be treated to some live music.

Because sleeping is just as important as any other activity during your stay, we recommend booking a night on the water at the Spicy, a former patrol boat converted into a gîte, or at the Acostel hotel on the banks of the Marne, which has a little extra: a swimming pool! For those who prefer to stay in the old town of Meaux, the Meaux Sacré is an ideal address on a reasonable budget, just a stone’s throw from the bustle of this friendly, historic town.

Day 2

Meaux is also and above all the Museum of the Great War. Opened in 2011, this is Europe’s largest museum retracing the history of the First World War. As you explore the museum, you’ll be surprised and moved to see so many everyday objects that retrace the intimate lives of soldiers.

Today there are over 70,000 of them. Among the objects on display are the uniforms of the poilus, tanks, artillery and even handwritten letters from this historic period.

Your little ones can also learn about the history of this war in a fun and accessible way, and have fun dressing up in little period uniforms! Also not to be missed is its temporary exhibition “Of Horses and Men” from 12/04/25 to 04/01/26. The exhibition looks at the unique relationship that developed between the soldiers and the horses used throughout the conflict.

You can also take advantage of the latest immersive exhibition, released in November 2024. An open-air educational trench that puts you in the shoes of a poilu..

In the afternoon, would you like to taste the best cheese in the world? If so, head off to visit the Meaux Saint Faron cheese dairy, which is right next door to the museum. There you’ll taste P’tit Saint Faron. Winner of a gold medal at the 2024 International Cheese and Dairy Products Competition, this delicacy is sure to delight your taste buds. With unrivalled expertise, the taste of this wonderful cheese will leave you breathless.

Located right next to the Musée de la Grande Guerre, your Sunday will be less hectic but just as exciting as the day before!