Meaux is a historic town on the Marne, a short drive north of Disneyland Paris, and it is the home of one of France's best-known cheeses, Brie de Meaux. The Maison du Brie de Meaux is a small museum and visitor centre that tells the story of the cheese, from the milk and the making to the long ageing in the cellar. Displays show the traditional tools and methods, there is a reconstructed ageing cellar, and visits usually end with a tasting of the cheese. It is a short, gentle outing that suits foodies and families with children old enough to enjoy a tasting. The town itself is worth a stroll, with a Gothic cathedral on a hill, the old ramparts and gardens, and a pleasant canal. The mix of cheese, history and a small-town atmosphere makes a nice change from the busy resort, and it is easy to combine with lunch in the town. It is generally open on set days, so check the calendar before you go.
What to expect
A visit usually takes an hour or so, with a short introduction, a walk through the displays and a tasting that lets you compare young and mature Brie. The staff are happy to explain how the AOP rules shape the cheese, and the shop sells cheeses and local products to take home. Cheese is best bought on the day you travel, and you can ask about vacuum packing for the journey. Smaller children may enjoy the cellar and the cows, though the content is more for adults.
Meaux itself
The cathedral of Saint-Étienne is the main landmark, with a fine Gothic facade and a garden once tended by a famous bishop. The bishop's palace beside it holds a museum, and the ramparts gardens are a calm place to walk. The town also has a major museum of the First World War nearby, for visitors interested in history, and a market that is lively on certain days. Check the market days if you want local produce.
Getting there
Meaux is on the Paris-Strasbourg railway line, and from the Disneyland Paris area the journey involves changes, so a car is the simplest route and takes about twenty-five minutes. A few tours include the town as part of a food-themed day. Plan a half day, with the museum, a stroll through the town and lunch at one of the bistros.
Booking ahead for tastings is sensible at weekends and in school holidays. It is a good rainy-day option, because most of the visit is indoors, and it gives a flavour of rural Brie country that most Paris visitors never see.
Practical extras
There is a small shop on site and several cheese shops in the town centre, where staff will advise on ripeness, so ask for a piece ready to eat that evening. The tasting suits most adults, but check allergy information and the age policy for children. If you are driving back, keep the cheese in a cool bag and avoid leaving it in a warm car. The riverside and canal paths are good for a stroll after lunch, and a short walk leads to the cathedral gardens for views over the rooftops.
What to expect
The experience
A small museum visit with a reconstructed ageing cellar and a cheese tasting, followed by a stroll around the town of Meaux.
Best time
A weekday morning, ideally with lunch in the town and a market day if possible.
How long
Two to four hours with the museum, cathedral and lunch.
Tips
Check opening days, reserve tastings on busy dates and bring a cool bag for cheese.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Food lovers who want a short, tasty trip away from the parks.
- Families
- Older children enjoy the tasting, while younger ones may prefer the town and the canal.
- Couples
- Share a tasting, walk the ramparts gardens and have a bistro lunch.
- Pair with
- Provins, Champs-sur-Marne or an evening in Disney Village.
- Time needed
- Two to four hours.
Good questions
What is Brie de Meaux?+
It is a soft, white-rinded cheese made in the Brie region, protected by an appellation. It is among the most famous cheeses of France.
How far is Meaux from Disneyland Paris?+
It is about twenty-five minutes by car to the north. By train, changes are needed, so a car is easiest.
Is there a tasting?+
Visits usually include a tasting, but check the current arrangements and book ahead at busy times.
What else is there in Meaux?+
The Gothic cathedral, the ramparts gardens, a canal and a major First World War museum are all within the town.
Can I buy cheese to take home?+
Yes, the shop sells cheeses and local products. Ask about vacuum packing if you are travelling.
