Just five miles from the heart of Paris lies a suburban secret that most tourists completely overlook. Meudon, a picturesque hilltop town on the Seine's southern banks, offers an authentic Parisian experience far removed from the crowded queues at the Eiffel Tower.
A Taste of Heaven in Meudon
‘This might be the best thing I’ve ever put in my mouth,’ declared a friend while enthusiastically mopping up crumbs at Nanana Coffeeshop. The object of her affection? A brioche à la vergeoise brune that she described as ‘a slice of pure heaven.’
Despite being merely five miles from central Paris – equivalent to still being in London's heart – Meudon feels worlds apart from the bustling capital. ‘People think I’ve left Paris,’ remarked a local resident who moved there over a year ago. ‘But you can get into the city in 20 minutes.’
For British visitors, the comparison is clear: Meudon is to Paris what Richmond-upon-Thames is to London. The suburb features narrow cobbled streets weaving along steep slopes, elegant buildings with wrought-iron balconies, and flower-filled gardens, all shadowed by a 32-metre high railway viaduct and bordered by expansive forest.
Cultural Treasures and Green Spaces
Meudon has attracted artistic souls for centuries, with masters like Renoir and Sisley capturing its landscapes. The town boasts an observatory that remains operational today as part of the Observatoire De Paris.
For contemporary culture, Hangar Y represents one of Meudon's most exciting transformations. This historic airship hangar – the world's first, used during WWI – sat abandoned for forty years before its 2018 revival. Today it hosts large-scale art installations, exhibitions, and open-air concerts, currently featuring an immersive Matisse exhibition described as ‘a sensory experience guided by dance, gesture and color.’
The glass and iron structure itself is architectural marvel, built with materials from the 1889 Paris Universal Exhibition. The complex also includes a park, children's play area, and picturesque restaurant open Wednesday to Saturday.
Art enthusiasts shouldn't miss the Rodin Museum, where the famous sculptor lived, worked, and is buried. Visitors can explore his villa and gardens featuring iconic works like The Kiss and The Thinker, though note it's closed for winter until March.
For outdoor pursuits, Meudon Forest offers nearly 1,100 hectares of woodland featuring ponds, wildlife, and scenic hiking routes. The town's website suggests various trails, including accessible options for those with reduced mobility.
Don't miss Parc de l'Observatoire for breathtaking panoramic views of Paris, where on clear days you might spot the Eiffel Tower in the distance.
Culinary Delights Beyond Comparison
Meudon's food scene justifies the journey alone. Nanana Coffeeshop serves strong French coffee in aesthetic surroundings, with patisserie chef Anne-Charlotte creating fresh pastries daily.
For traditional French baked goods, Boulangerie de la Place comes highly recommended, though as the writer notes, ‘I don't think I've ever met a croissant in France I didn't like.’
The culinary highlight, however, was an al fresco dinner at Issy Guinguette, located one Metro stop away in Issy-les-Moulineaux (less than five minutes travel). This charming restaurant features a garden and its own vineyard, where local schoolchildren participate in annual grape harvesting.
The waiter explained this tradition while pouring wine, prompting the writer to reflect on ‘the most French thing I'd ever heard,’ contrasting sharply with British school trips to Alton Towers. The melt-in-your-mouth steak frites earned a perfect ‘10/10’ rating, representing traditional French fare without pretension.
Meudon represents the perfect destination for repeat Paris visitors seeking authentic experiences beyond the main tourist trail. With its stunning scenery, rich cultural offerings, and exceptional food scene, this hidden gem provides a peaceful retreat while remaining easily accessible from central Paris.
