A bishop climbing the floors of his palace on a mule’s saddle rather than on foot? It’s one of the amusing tales that surround the Bossuet Museum in Meaux, in Seine-et-Marne. From October 16 to 18, 2026, the National Architecture Days return to animate the Paris region. This cultural event invites the public to engage with the built environment, to understand the art of building, and to explore remarkable monuments. For this new edition, the former residence of the bishops of Meaux is unveiling a Week-end Archi Famille, a format designed to spark curiosity in both children and parents as they journey through centuries of history carved in stone.
From the medieval fortress to the Renaissance leisure retreat
Based in the episcopal palace, the Meaux Museum of Art and History stands as a record of a long arc of architectural transformation. The building traces its roots to the second half of the twelfth century, as evidenced by its ogival vaulted lower halls and its two-tier chapel. In the 16th century, Bishop Guillaume Briçonnet oversaw innovations inspired by the Italian Renaissance.
This stylistic current favors geometry, the clarity of volumes and meticulously crafted decorations: here, it expresses itself through an elegant central brick-and-stone tower, pierced by windows with cross-shaped muntins. It is precisely in this tower that the famous inclined access ramp, tanpa steps, hides. Local lore has it that the bishop, afflicted by gout, had it built to reach his apartments mounted on a mule, unless this ramp was simply used by donkeys transporting sacks of grain up to the attic.
The estate expanded in the 17th century to embrace the Classical codes of the Grand Siècle. The site aims to safeguard the city’s fine arts collections and to keep alive the memory of Jacques-Bénigne Bossuet, nicknamed “the Eagle of Meaux,” who lived there at the end of Louis XIV’s reign. On the garden side, the building opens onto a meticulously trimmed green space whose layout echoes the shape of an episcopal mitre. According to a stubborn Meldoise tradition, these geometric avenues were sketched by a very young André Le Nôtre, though no official document confirms his involvement on site. An enriching stop to see how Île-de-France heritage blends history and curiosity.
Le Jardin Bossuet, a bucolic park overlooking Meaux cathedral (77)
During a stopover near Meaux, in the Seine-et-Marne département, opt for a stroll through the Bossuet garden, right in the center of town. [Read more]
The 2026 Architecture Days program at the Bossuet Museum in Meaux (Seine-et-Marne 77)
Family-Friendly Architecture Weekend
What if architecture were child’s play?
On the occasion of National Architecture Days, the Bossuet Museum is staging a new family-friendly event entirely devoted to discovering architecture.
The aim is to make architecture accessible, concrete, and fun, while inviting children and adults alike to view the spaces and buildings around them with a fresh perspective.
Over two days, guided storytelling tours, creative workshops, construction games, and model-building will let visitors experience volumes, shapes, and space—by handling, observing, and imagining.
This new event serves several goals:
• broaden the audience and offer a new way to discover the museum;
• spark creativity and imagination through participatory activities;
• learn to lift our eyes, observe, and question the architecture that surrounds us;
• foster moments of sharing and transmission within families, between children, parents, and grandparents.
Want to join in? Head to the Bossuet Museum on October 17 and 18 and purchase your Archi Pass (€6 per person). It’s valid for both days and gives access to all activities on offer (subject to availability).
Participation conditions: Animations accessible with the "Archi Pass": €6 per person. It is valid for two days and will grant access to all proposed activities (subject to availability). - Regular price | No reservation required
Hours: Saturday, October 17, 2026 – 10:00–12:30, 14:00–18:00 | Sunday, October 18, 2026 – 10:00–12:30, 14:00–18:00
Archi LAB, a highlight of the Archi Family Weekend!
A whimsically architectural space to read, get inspired, create and draw. Models to assemble, a stained-glass panel to decorate, stamps to press — enough to wake the architect sleeping inside both kids and adults, all on their own.
Participation conditions: Access to the activity with the "Archi Pass": €6 per person. The pass is valid for two days and allows you to take part in all the offered activities (subject to availability). - Preferential rate | No reservation required
Opening hours: Saturday, October 17, 2026 — 10:00–12:30, 14:00–18:00 | Sunday, October 18, 2026 — 10:00–12:30, 14:00–18:00
Archi Maquette: An activity for the Archi Family Weekend!
Urgent! The museum needs room to grow in order to welcome visitors more warmly. Channel your inner architect, and design a scale model of a new building. It's your chance to add a contemporary twist to the old architecture.
For ages 6 and up.
Participation conditions: 8 spots available. The activity is accessible with the "Archi Pass": €6 per person. It is valid for the full 2 days and grants access to all proposed activities (subject to availability). Suitable for ages 6 and up. - Special rate | No booking required
Hours: Saturday, October 17, 2026 — 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM | Sunday, October 18, 2026 — 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM
Archi Conte, a featured activity at the Archi Family Weekend!
Welcome to Meaux in 1910!
Let yourself be guided by Berthe Lefèvre, a schoolteacher, in 1910, on a singular tour where tales and legends bring the museum’s walls, fireplaces, and floors to life. A journey where grand history meets the imagination.
Participation terms: 20 spots. Access to activities with the "Archi Pass": €6 per person. Valid for two days and granting access to all offered activities (subject to availability). - Special rate | No booking required
Schedule: Saturday, October 17, 2026 – 11:00–11:45, 16:00–16:45 | Sunday, October 18, 2026 – 11:00–11:45, 16:00–16:45
Archi Mask, a highlight of the Archi Family Weekend!
Take a close look at the palace details, pick your favorite elements, and craft your very own Archi Mask. With cut, paste, and a splash of imagination, transform the Bossuet Museum’s architecture into a unique mask and head home with your creation!
Ages 4 and up.
Participation conditions: 8 spots. Access to the activity with the "Archi Pass": €6 per person. It is valid over the full 2 days and will allow you to take part in all proposed activities (subject to availability). For ages 4 and up. - Special rate | No reservation required
Times: Saturday, October 17, 2026 – 14:00–15:00, 15:30–16:30 | Sunday, October 18, 2026 – 14:00–15:00, 15:30–16:30
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Dates and Opening Time
From October 17, 2026 to October 18, 2026
Le Jardin Bossuet, a bucolic park overlooking Meaux cathedral (77)
