It goes without saying that France is home to some of the hottest tourist landmarks today. Beyond the iconic Eiffel Tower, the grand Château de Versailles, and the famous Notre Dame Cathedral, the country also houses Disneyland Paris—a huge theme park complex in Marne-la-Vallee that promises magic, fun, and special memories!
Whether you're backpacking across Europe with your mates or finding family friendly activities in Paris, Disneyland Paris is the place to be.
Not to mention, this part of France is also brimming with other buzz-worthy sites you can conveniently pass by after your Disney adventure! That way, you can make the most out of your vacation without overloading your itinerary and spending too much on transportation.
Keep scrolling to plan your Europe trip and discover other things to do near Disneyland Paris!
What town is closest to Disneyland Paris?
The town of Meaux is one of the most unique attractions near Disneyland Paris. Credits: @moussa-konate on Pexels
Disneyland Paris is located in Marne-la-Vallée, a four-sector town developed in the 1960s. Aside from housing Disneyland Paris, Walt Disney Studios Park, and Val d'Europe, this eastern attraction also surrounds the French capital. That means it's close to other must-visit places like Torcy, Meaux, Noisy Le Grand, and even Paris itself!
In fact, the city is actually only less than an hour away if you take the fastest train from Marne-la-Vallée Chessy station in Disneyland Paris.
#KlookTip: Get a Paris Pass so you can freely enjoy landmarks in both Marne-la-Vallée and Paris, minus the hassle!
10 Fun Things to Do Outside of Disneyland Paris
1. See the Eiffel Tower
A memorable trip to the Eiffel Tower belongs to every traveler's itinerary. Credits: @magnusflechsenhaar on Pexels
Of course, every trip to France wouldn't be complete without an Eiffel Tower visit. Known as one of the most iconic tourist landmarks on Paris' left bank, the tower represents the ever-changing Parisian culture and sophisticated French engineering.
Those up for a challenge can climb several flights of stairs to admire the heart of the structure and the Paris skyline. It's also only less than an hour away from Disneyland Paris, so you can comfortably tour the Eiffel Tower after a thrilling morning of rides and parades.
- Location: Champ de Mars, 5 Av. Anatole France, Paris
- Cost: Around 29 AUD
- Operating Hours: Every day, 9:30 to 00:45
2. Visit the Arc de Triomphe
Check out the grand Arc de Triomphe while you're touring the city centre. Credits: @iankelsall1 on Unsplash
Another attraction in Paris near Marne-la-Vallée is the Arc de Triomphe, a 50-metre-high monument that celebrates French history. Forming a star, the arch is positioned at the centre of a round plaza east of the Place de La Concorde or Paris' famous public square.
While you're in the area, take an extra 10 minutes to walk through the Jardin des Tuileries to the Louvre Museum. Apart from enjoying the modern and contemporary art it showcases, you can see the Mona Lisa and more of Leonardo da Vinci's masterpieces!
- Location: Place Charles de Gaulle, Paris
- Cost: Around 21 AUD
- Operating Hours: Every day, 10:00 to 23:00
3. Shop at Val d’Europe
If you can't get enough of Paris' luxury boutiques, revive your inner shopaholic at the Val d'Europe mall! Credits: @pbernardon on Unsplash
Treat yourself to a well-deserved shopping day at Val d'Europe, which happens to be only one stop away from Disneyland Paris! With nearly 200 shops and 30 restaurants, this mall is sure to have something for everyone!
It even holds an immersive aquarium that allows you to feed turtles and observe sharks, seahorses, stingrays, and all kinds of aquatic animals!
- Location: 14 Cr du Danube, Serris, Seine-et-Marne
- Cost: Free entry
- Operating Hours: Every day, 10:00 to 20:30
4. Discover the Luxembourg Gardens
The Luxembourg Gardens offers a feast for your senses. Credits: @dhenry on Pexels
It would feel wrong not to mention the Luxembourg Gardens or Jardin du Luxembourg in any conversation about central Paris attractions. Vast and impressive, this lush oasis houses the Palais du Luxembourg, a former royal palace and World War II headquarters that now serves as the French senate house.
Fun fact: The garden is actually one of the "Emily in Paris" filming locations that tourists can visit for free in the City of Love!
- Location: Rue de Medicis - Rue de Vaugirard, Paris
- Cost: Free entry
- Operating Hours: Every day, 8:00 to 17:00 in winter and 7:30 to 20:00 in summer
5. Visit the Château of Champs-sur-Marne
The Château of Champs-sur-Marne still stands tall and stunning after 300 years. Credits: @chateauchampssurmarne on Instagram
If you have a thing for French art and architecture, add the Château of Champs-sur-Marne to your bucket list. Originally built in the 18th century, this gorgeous castle is the perfect representation of neoclassical architecture in the Ile-de-France region.
It's also nestled in the town of Torcy, an elegant yet accessible village three stops away from Disneyland Paris!
- Location: 31 Rue de Paris, Champs-sur-Marne, Torcy, Seine-et-Marne
- Cost: Around 13 AUD
- Operating Hours: Every day except Tuesday, 10:00 to 17:00
6. Explore Disney Village
Spend another Disney-filled day at Disney Village! Credits: @disneylandparishopping on Instagram
Still looking for more theme parks even after your Disneyland Paris expedition? Lucky for you, Disney Village is just a few steps away from Disneyland Paris!
It contains several Disney shops, bars, and restaurants that will immerse you in the same Disney magic without breaking the bank. The best part: You don't need a ticket to enter, so admission is free for all!
- Location: Disney Village, Avenue Paul Séramy, Chessy
- Cost: Free entry
- Operating Hours: Every day, 8:00 to 0:00
7. Unwind at Meaux
Soothe your senses in the quiet town of Meaux. Credits: @pbernardon on Unsplash
A short 20-minute ride away from Marne-la-Vallée, the village of Meaux offers lots of exciting things to do outside of Disneyland Paris. The quaint and cosy town is home to numerous art galleries and history museums that will fully immerse you in the rich culture of France.
You can also unwind at Meaux's relaxing old city centre and visit the Saint-Étienne Cathedral, a famous cathedral with an intricate gothic facade.
- Location: Meaux, Seine-et-Marne
- Cost: Free entry
- Operating Hours: 24 hours
8. Go on a Seine River cruise
Located to the right of Paris' Latin Quarter, the Seine River stretches nearly 800 kilometres long. Credits: @uncertainthink on Unsplash
As France's second-longest river, the river Seine flows all the way from the capital city to the Burgundy region. That's why Paris tourists get to enjoy a scenic cruise along the slow-moving river Seine, passing by picturesque French monuments such as the Musée d'Orsay, the Musée du Louvre, and the Grand and Petit Palais!
While there are no available cruises in Disneyland Paris itself, the city is easily accessible from Marne-la-Vallée via train, car, or bus.
- Location: Pont de l’Alma, Paris
- Cost: Around 24 AUD
- Operating Hours: Every day, 12:00 to 22:45
9. Ride a hot air balloon by Lake Disney
Fulfill your childhood dream of riding a hot air balloon with PanoraMagique. Credits: @tomasnozina on Unsplash
Nearby Disneyland Paris awaits Lake Disney, where one of the world's largest hot air balloons are moored. Since its installation in 2005, the PanoraMagique has been treating Disney Village tourists to one-of-a-kind 360° views over a hundred metres above sea level.
During the six-minute ride, expect to enjoy stunning views of Walt Disney Studios, Golf Paris Val d'Europe, and even the Eiffel Tower!
- Location: Disney Village, Avenue Paul Séramy, Chessy
- Cost: Around 32 AUD
- Operating Hours: Every day, 9:00 to 23:00 from April to October and 10:00 to 20:00 from November to March
10. Hike at Fontainebleau Forest
The Fontainebleau Forest is perfect for experienced hikers and tired travellers alike. Credits: @matnapo on Unsplash
Although France is usually lauded for its modern art and innovative architecture, there's also much to say about its natural landmarks. For example, the Fontainebleau Forest, just south of Paris, is the biggest and most beautiful national forest in the Ile-de-France region.
The vast forest originally served as a hunting and training spot for royalty, but it's been welcoming rock climbers, photographers, cyclists, and all kinds of city dwellers since the 19th century. Whether you're an outdoorsy hiker or a big-city lad, the forest's verdant pathways, colossal trees, and flourishing greenery will surely enchant you!
- Location: Fontainebleau, Seine-et-Marne
- Cost: Around 23 AUD
- Operating Hours: Every day except Tuesday, 9:30 to 18:00 from April to September and 9:30 to 17:00 from October to March
No matter which of these activities you end up trying out, you're guaranteed to have a fun time as long as you're in France! Don't miss out on these other Disneyland Paris tips to travel like a local and enjoy your Europe vacation to the fullest.
Written by: Leika Golez
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