Meaux, Administrative center in Seine-et-Marne, France
Meaux is a town on the Marne River east of Paris, spreading across both banks and linked by several bridges. The center sits on the north side, where cobbled lanes wind around the cathedral and episcopal palace, while the south bank holds newer districts and green spaces along the water.
The town was an early episcopal seat in the 4th century and developed its walls during medieval times to protect trade along the Marne. In September 1914, it formed a defensive line during the Battle of the Marne, when French forces halted the German advance.
Local markets often feature vendors selling Brie de Meaux at different stages of aging, explaining how the cheese develops its flavor over weeks. Half-timbered houses from the 1500s line narrow streets near the cathedral, now home to small shops and craft workshops.
The train station offers direct trains to Paris Gare de l'Est in roughly 30 minutes, while regional buses connect surrounding villages. The old town is walkable, with most points of interest within a few minutes on foot from the riverbanks.
A museum on the edge of town preserves uniforms, vehicles, and documents from the 1914 Battle of the Marne, showing how taxis from Paris brought soldiers to the front. Across the river stands a memorial to those who fell during those September days, often overlooked by visitors.
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