Brie

Brie (brē) [key], region, Marne and Seine-et-Marne depts., N France, E of Paris. Rich in wheat and cattle, it is famous for Brie cheese. The smaller section of the region (Brie française) forms part of the Île-de-France and is very fertile. There, many of the huge farms are fortresslike in their imposing architecture. Meaux, the former capital and major commercial center; Melun; and Château-Thierry are the chief towns. The former county of Meaux (E Brie) was combined (11th cent.) with that of Troyes to form the county (later province) of Champagne and Brie.

The Columbia Electronic Encyclopedia, 6th ed. Copyright © 2007, Columbia University Press. All rights reserved.

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