Meaux Cathedral
Church Gothic cathedral notable for stained glass and towers
Meaux Cathedral (Cathédrale Saint-Étienne) showcases Gothic architecture and stained glass east of Paris. Visitors interested in medieval churches and local history make day trips from Île-de-France to see its sculptural program.
Meaux Cathedral (Cathédrale Saint-Étienne de Meaux) is a Gothic Roman Catholic cathedral in Meaux, Île-de-France, serving as the seat of the Bishop of Meaux. The building is primarily Gothic in style and was constructed over several centuries beginning in the medieval period.
The cathedral’s architectural sequence and carved stonework are the main visitor features, with large nave volumes and a Gothic choir produced during construction phases from the 12th through later medieval centuries. Visitors note the verticality of the Gothic structure and the surviving medieval fabric.
Construction began in the medieval era and the cathedral was progressively expanded and altered across the 12th to 16th centuries, reflecting changing styles and liturgical needs while remaining the diocesan church for Meaux.
The cathedral stands in the town of Meaux in the Seine-et-Marne department, roughly 40 kilometres east-northeast of central Paris, set in the town centre near civic and historic streets.
- Proximity to Paris: Located about 40 kilometres east-northeast of central Paris, making it accessible as a day trip from the city.
How to Get to Meaux Cathedral #
Meaux is about 50 km east-northeast of Paris. From Paris Gare de l’Est take an SNCF suburban train (Transilien) to Meaux (about 25-35 minutes). The cathedral is a short walk from Meaux station through the town center.
Tips for Visiting Meaux Cathedral #
- Look for the carved tympanum and stained glass in the transept - local parishioners often point out small details missed by tourists.
- Attend a weekday mass if interested in hearing the cathedral's acoustics with fewer crowds.
- Walk the nearby streets of Meaux to find bakeries that make a proper brioche after a morning visit.
Best Time to Visit Meaux Cathedral #
Spring through early autumn for comfortable exploration; winter offers quieter conditions and atmospheric interiors.
Weather & Climate near Meaux Cathedral #
Meaux Cathedral's climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with mild summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 1°C to 24°C. Moderate rainfall (617 mm/year), distributed fairly evenly throughout the year.
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 6°C and lows of 1°C. Moderate rainfall (51 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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February
February is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of 1°C. Moderate rainfall (44 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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March
March is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 3°C. Moderate rainfall (46 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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April
April is cold with highs of 14°C and lows of 5°C. Moderate rainfall (44 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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May
May is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 8°C. The wettest month with 58 mm of rain and mostly overcast skies.
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June
June is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 11°C. Moderate rainfall (57 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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July
July is the warmest month with highs of 24°C and lows of 13°C. Moderate rainfall (55 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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August
August is the warmest month with highs of 24°C and lows of 13°C. Moderate rainfall (48 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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September
September is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 10°C. Moderate rainfall (53 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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October
October is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 7°C. Moderate rainfall (56 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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November
November is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 4°C. Moderate rainfall (51 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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December
December is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of 2°C. Moderate rainfall (54 mm) and mostly overcast skies.