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Origin and history

Saint-Étienne de Meaux Cathedral, located in the Seine-et-Marne department in Île-de-France, is an emblematic Catholic building whose construction sized over nearly four centuries, from the twelfth to the middle of the sixteenth century. Its architecture reflects the evolution of the Gothic style, from the first structures of the choir (1175–1180) to the flamboyant additions of the sixteenth century. The Hundred Years' War and the English occupation of Meaux (1422–39) significantly slowed down the work, explaining this long period of construction.

The early choir, erected between 1175 and 1180, was quickly threatened by unstable foundations and heavy stands, requiring reconstruction between 1253 and 1278 under the direction of architect Gautier de Varinfroy. The latter inspired techniques used at Rouen Cathedral, removing the stands to stabilize the whole. The transept and the façades of the crusillons were modified in the 13th century, with direct influences from Notre-Dame de Paris, notably by Pierre de Varinfroy, descendant of Gautier. The work continued in a row, marked by royal gifts (Philippe V, Charles IV) and interruptions due to political and military crises.

The nave, shorter than the choir, was completed in several phases, with flamboyant spans added at the end of the 15th century. The 60-metre high north tower was completed between 1505 and 1540, while the south tower, made of wood and known as the "black tower", remained unfinished. The cathedral suffered damage during the wars of Religion (pillage in 1562) and major restorations in the nineteenth century (1839–94), where it sought to standardize its style, altering certain flamboyant parts for Gothic coherence.

The interior is distinguished by its brightness, due to the high bays of the collateral (15 meters) and the Varreddes stone used, as well as its rich carved ornamentation, especially in the transept. The choir houses the tomb of Jacques-Bénigne Bossuet (1682–104), bishop of Meaux and major figure in local history, commemorated by two statues. The organ, whose buffet dates from 1627, and the bells melted in 1859 complete this exceptional heritage.

Ranked a Historic Monument in 1840, the Cathedral of Meaux illustrates medieval architectural evolution, harmoniously mixing primitive Gothic, radiant and flamboyant. Its episcopal complex, including the palace of the bishopric (now the Bossuet Museum) and a partially preserved canonical district, bears witness to its historical and religious importance in the region.

Archaeological excavations revealed traces of a merovingian episcopal complex (VIth century), destroyed by Norman invasions (865, 887), as well as a pre-Roman flat bedside (IXth–Xth century) under the current choir. These discoveries highlight the site's continuity as a religious centre for more than a millennium.

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