Meaux is a historic commune situated on the Marne River in the Seine-et-Marne department, part of the Île-de-France region, and integrated into the metropolitan area of Paris, France. Located approximately 41.1 kilometers east-northeast of central Paris, it functions as one of the four subprefectures of Seine-et-Marne, alongside Provins, Torcy, and Fontainebleau, with Melun as the prefecture. Meaux is the administrative capital of its arrondissement and canton, and since 2003, it has served as the center of the Communauté d'agglomération du Pays de Meaux. The current mayor is Jean-François Copé, serving from 2020 to 2026. With a population estimated at 57,525 in 2025, Meaux is the most populous city in Seine-et-Marne, surpassing Chelles. The commune spans 14.95 square kilometers, with a density of about 3,800 inhabitants per square kilometer, and elevations ranging from 39 to 107 meters. Known for its Gallo-Roman heritage and role in World War I, Meaux is also famous for Brie de Meaux cheese and Moutarde de Meaux mustard, blending historical significance with agricultural and touristic appeal.
Meaux is positioned along a meander of the Marne River, which divides
the old city into the North Quarter (Cathedral Quarter) and the South
Quarter (Market Quarter). The surrounding landscape is part of the Brie
plateau, characterized by fertile plains ideal for agriculture, with the
river providing natural boundaries and recreational opportunities. The
commune's terrain includes urban areas, historical sites, and green
spaces, influenced by its proximity to Paris and the broader
Île-de-France region.
The climate is temperate oceanic (Köppen: Cfb),
with mild conditions year-round. Based on data from nearby
Changis-sur-Marne (1998–2020), the mean annual temperature is 11.9°C.
Winters are cool, with January featuring a mean daily maximum of 7.1°C
and a minimum of 2.0°C, and a record low of -14.2°C. Summers are warm,
with July averages of 25.8°C maximum and 14.0°C minimum, and a record
high of 42.2°C. Annual precipitation totals 710.1 mm, spread across
120.4 days, with December as the wettest month (74.5 mm) and April the
driest (44.2 mm). As of August 2025, air quality in Meaux is generally
good, with a recent Air Quality Index of 24, PM2.5 at 4 µg/m³, and PM10
at 12 µg/m³.
Meaux's origins date to the Gaulish tribe of the Meldi, who inhabited
the Marne valley, with the settlement known as Iantinum under Roman
rule, though the name Meldi endured. Gallo-Roman remnants, including
defensive walls, are still visible today. In the Middle Ages, Meaux was
a significant site during the Hundred Years' War, notably the Siege of
Meaux (1421–1422), where English forces led by Henry V besieged the
town, resulting in its surrender after heavy losses from dysentery and
smallpox, and the execution of the Bastard of Vaurus. In 1546, fourteen
Protestants inspired by Calvinism were burned at the stake for heresy,
marking the location of France's first Reformed Church, commemorated by
a plaque at 73 Rue du Marché.
The city played a pivotal role in World
War I during the First Battle of the Marne in September 1914, halting
the German advance and shifting the war's momentum. This event is
honored by the American Monument (La Liberté éplorée), erected in 1932,
and the Musée de la Grande Guerre du Pays de Meaux, opened in 2011.
Post-war, Meaux evolved from an agricultural center to a suburban hub,
influenced by Paris's expansion.
Meaux's economy is rooted in agriculture and food production,
particularly renowned for Brie de Meaux cheese, which holds two
Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée (AOC) designations: Brie de Meaux
fermier (from a single producer) and Brie de Meaux laitier (from mixed
producers). It is also famous for Moutarde de Meaux, a mustard recipe
dating to the 18th century, now owned by the Pommery company and
available in variants like Honey Mustard and Moutarde Royale with
Cognac. The surrounding Brie region features large, mechanized farms
with high yields, though agriculture employs a small percentage of the
workforce.
The broader economy includes services, tourism, and
emerging innovations, such as a local company inventing a robot for
transporting devices, now marketed across France. Unemployment in the
Meaux zone was stable at 8.9% as of 2018 data, with economic activity
tied to Paris's metropolitan influence. In 2021, employment statistics
for the population aged 15–64 showed active participation in services
and industry. Recent initiatives include tourism boosts, with events
driving local revenue.
Meaux's population in 2025 is estimated at 57,525, reflecting growth from 53,766 in 2013 and 56,659 in 2022, with an annual increase of about 2,534 in recent years. Historical data indicate steady expansion: from 6,860 in 1793 to peaks in the 20th century, such as from 22,251 in 1962 to 42,243 in 1975 (4.93% annual growth). The density is approximately 3,800 per square kilometer. As the most populous commune in Seine-et-Marne (department population 1,421,197 in 2019), Meaux has a diverse demographic, with 47.4% male and 52.6% female based on recent figures. The population aged 15–64 is economically active, with INSEE data from 2021 highlighting employment trends. The area attracts commuters to Paris, contributing to a young and growing populace drawn to economic opportunities and quality of life in Île-de-France.
Meaux boasts a vibrant cultural scene shaped by its history and proximity to Paris. Annual festivals include the Musik'elles music festival at summer's end, featuring diverse performances, and the Spectacle historique, a historical reenactment show running for over 30 years. The Fête de la Musique in June 2025 offers around 30 free concerts across districts, promoting eclectic music. Education is supported by local institutions within the Île-de-France system, with emphasis on vocational training in agriculture and tourism. Cultural heritage is preserved through museums and events, fostering community engagement.
Key landmarks include the Cathedral of Saint-Étienne in the North Quarter, a Gothic masterpiece reflecting medieval history. The Musée de la Grande Guerre du Pays de Meaux showcases World War I artifacts, while the American Monument commemorates the Battle of the Marne. Gallo-Roman ramparts enclose the historic heart, surviving over 2,000 years. Other attractions feature the Brie de Meaux production sites and mustard heritage. Seasonal events like Meaux Plage (July 5–August 24, 2025) provide free swimming in the Marne and entertainment, enhancing tourism. The nearby Aisne-Marne American Cemetery honors war fallen, with recent Memorial Day observances in 2025.
Meaux is well-connected to Paris via the RER E line and Transilien trains, with journeys to central Paris taking about 25–30 minutes. The A140 and A4 highways link to the capital and beyond, while local bus networks, including updates to the Js line in September 2024 connecting nearby communes like Poincy and Germigny-l'Évêque, support regional mobility. The Canal de l'Ourcq and Marne River offer waterway options. Proximity to Roissy-Charles de Gaulle Airport facilitates air travel, with events like the Roissy Meaux Airshow 2025 showcasing aviation heritage.
As of August 2025, Meaux has focused on tourism and cultural enhancements. The 2025 tourism press kit highlights attractions with Vice-President Bernadette Beauvais. Events include the Roissy Meaux Airshow on June 30, 2025, featuring over 80 aircraft, and the Concours de l'excellence du Pays de Meaux in 2024, promoting local achievements. Infrastructure updates encompass bus line expansions and innovative robotics for transport. Broader French changes, like Seine River swimming openings in June 2025, indirectly benefit the region. Demographic and economic data from INSEE (April 2025) confirm growth, with air quality remaining positive. Cultural festivities, such as Nouvel An 2024 events extending into 2025, underscore community vitality.