We have seen already, in the case of the Porte Maugarni, how vehemently the canons defended their prerogatives.
The Old Bishop's Palace
The old bishop's palace, the courtyard front of which faces the cathedral, dates from the twelfth century, and was altered in the sixteenth and seventeenth. On the ground floor are two fine vaulted twelfth century rooms. An inclined plane leads to the second floor. According to tradition, one of the bishops had it made that he might go up to his rooms without dismounting from his mule.
THE OLD BISHOP'S PALACE
Amongst the first-floor rooms are those of Marie-Antoinette and the king. Meaux was in fact a halting place for Louis XVI. and the royal family on their return from Varennes.
The king's room was also occupied by Napoléon I. when he came back from the Russian campaign.
The town of Meaux is now establishing a museum in the buildings of the bishop's palace.
The north front looks over a pretty garden, laid out by Le Nôtre (to be seen on Thursdays and Sundays. On other days apply to the lodge-keeper in the entrance courtyard. Gratuity.)