When visiting Disneyland Paris, you will probably spend most of your time in the theme parks.
But if you would like to explore the surrounding area and see what this part of France offers, here are some ideas of things you can do near Disneyland Paris.
Shop at Val d’Europe and La Vallée Village
Val d’Europe is a large shopping centre near Disneyland Paris. You can walk from the resort or take a shuttle bus to one of the hotels in Serris. From there, it is only a short walk to the shopping centre.
There are many stores at Val d’Europe, including fashion brands such as Zara, H&M, Gap, and Mango. You will also find a food court with fast food restaurants and a supermarket.
If you are looking for luxury brands, you can visit La Vallée Village. This is an open-air outlet shopping centre with stores like Gucci, Ralph Lauren, and Michael Kors. Here you can find luxury items at a significant discount.
Take a train to Paris
If you want to explore the city of Paris, you can take a train from Marne-la-Vallee station. The ride into the city centre takes about 45 minutes.
Once you are in Paris, there are plenty of things to see and do. Of course, you don’t want to miss the famous Eiffel Tower, the Arc de Triomphe, and the Louvre Museum. Also, don’t forget to take a boat tour on the Seine to see the city from a different perspective.
Paris is also great for shopping. You can find everything from high-end designer stores to small boutiques selling unique items. We really enjoy going to Galleries Lafayette, which are high-end shopping centres.
And of course, there are plenty of cafés and restaurants where you can enjoy some traditional French food. But no worries, even if you don’t want to eat snails, you will be perfectly fine. You can also get hamburgers, fries, and sandwiches.
Visit the Palace of Versailles
The Palace of Versailles is one of France’s most popular tourist attractions. It is located about an hour from Disneyland Paris and easily reachable by train or car.
The palace is a former royal residence built in the 17th century. Today, it is a museum that is open to the public. Visitors can explore the lavish rooms and gardens of the palace, as well as learn about its history.
In the summer, musical fountain shows are also held in the palace’s gardens. You will need to buy a ticket in advance through the official website or at the entrance.
There are also many other things to see and do in the town of Versailles, such as the market, the cathedral and the local shops.
Enjoy the seven pools and many slides of Aqualagon
In Villages Natures Paris, 10 minutes from Disneyland Paris by car, you will find Aqualagon. This water park has seven pools, including a wave pool and many slides for adults and children.
If you visit with young kids, there is also a separate area just for them, with shallow water and small slides. When you need a break from swimming, you can relax on the sun terrace or grab a bite to eat at one of the restaurants.
Aqualagon is open all year round, so you can even enjoy a swim in the winter! You must buy a separate ticket to visit this water park online or at the gates.
Go to Château of Fontainebleau and other castles in the area
The Château de Fontainebleau is a large palace located about an hour from Disneyland Paris. This palace was once home to many French kings and queens, and one of its most famous inhabitants was Napoleon.
Today, visitors can explore the palace and its grounds, which include 130 hectares of parks and gardens and about 1500 rooms filled with beautiful art and reminiscences of the royal inhabitants. No worries, you won’t have to visit all the rooms, but be prepared to spend at least 2 hours here.
If you are interested in visiting more castles during your stay, there are also many other ones in the area, such as The Castle of Blandy-Les-Tours and Chateau Champs-sur-Marne. Both can be easily reached by car.
Explore the medieval town of Meaux
Meaux is a medieval town about 20 minutes from Disneyland Paris by car. This town is home to many historical landmarks, such as the Meaux Cathedral and the Museum of the Great War.
You can also walk around the town’s cobbled streets, shop at the local stores, or enjoy a meal at one of the restaurants. If you are visiting with kids, they will be sure to enjoy the town’s large park, which has a playground and a paddling pool.
Don’t forget to visit the local market, where you can find fresh produce, local specialities and more.
One final note
If you plan on visiting Disneyland Paris and some of the many sights in the area, it’s usually cheaper to book a room at one of the Partner Hotels or camping grounds nearby.
The Partner Hotels offer a free shuttle to the parks, and the two camping grounds, Villages Nature Paris and Disney’s Davy Crockett Ranch, are just a 10-minute drive away from the parks.
Disney Hotels are the most convenient and expensive, especially when you are not visiting the parks.
