Journey to Meaux: A Family Adventure

Our family has always been drawn to the stories of the past, and the Museum of the Great War in Meaux promised a deep dive into the history of World War I. The journey itself was an adventure, starting with a train ride from Gare de L’Est to Meaux. The train, covered by our Navigo pass, took about 40 minutes. While there were no washrooms on board, the ride was smooth and offered a glimpse of the French countryside.

Upon arrival, we faced the challenge of reaching the museum. It was a Sunday, and the bus schedule was sparse, with Bus G being the only direct option, arriving every 55 minutes. We missed one by a hair, but a kind local advised us to take an alternative route. We hopped on a bus that stopped at Jean Vilas, and from there, embarked on a 35-minute walk to the museum. The walk, though long, was a chance to stretch our legs and enjoy the fresh air.

Immersed in History

The Museum of the Great War is a treasure trove of artifacts and stories. With an entry fee of just 7 euros for seniors, it offers incredible value. We spent hours exploring the exhibits, which included life-sized models, short films, and a fascinating section on the role of women during the war. The collection, amassed by historian Jean-Pierre Verney, is vast, with over 70,000 objects that bring the era to life.

Our children were particularly captivated by the interactive elements and the children’s area, which made the experience engaging for them. However, we did notice that many exhibits were in French, with limited English translations. This was a minor hurdle, but it did spark an impromptu French lesson for the kids as we tried to decipher the texts together.

A View from the Rooftop

One of the highlights of our visit was the museum’s rooftop. By late afternoon, we found ourselves there, enjoying a simple meal of pâté baguettes while taking in the panoramic views of what was once a battlefield. The rooftop offered a moment of reflection, a chance to ponder the stories we had just encountered.

As the sun began to set, security gently ushered us off the rooftop at 5:30 pm, though the museum remained open until 6 pm. We lingered a bit longer, soaking in the last moments of our visit. The journey back to the train station was another adventure, with the bus arriving every 55 minutes. We sat patiently, enjoying the warm sun and recounting the day’s experiences.

Our visit to the Museum of the Great War was both educational and moving. It offered a unique perspective on history, one that resonated with each member of our family. Despite the language barrier, the museum’s stories transcended words, leaving us with a deeper understanding of the past.