Marne-la-Vallée Travelers Recommend

Less than an hour east of Paris, Marne-la-Vallée has a broad old-meets-new appeal. The town’s unabashed highlight is Disneyland® Paris, which draws scores of visitors seeking a dose of magic—but the region also boasts châteaux, luxury shopping stops, and more. Here’s how to spend three days in Marne-la-Vallée.

Day 1: Disneyland Paris

One of Europe’s top amusement parks, Disneyland Paris attracts millions of visitors each year. Set aside a full day for your explorations, as Disneyland Paris encompasses two different theme parks. Book a flexible 1-day pass to journey between the two parks at your own pace, and enjoy access to all main rides and attractions. Begin in Disneyland Park, where you’ll find a host of beloved characters and five themed areas, such as Fantasyland (home to Sleeping Beauty Castle) and Adventureland (ideal for thrill seekers). After lunch at one of the dozens of on-site restaurants, continue to Walt Disney Studios Park. Head to the Front Lot for some movie magic; go for a studio tour in the Production Courtyard; see animated characters come to life at the Toon Studio; or watch high-octane stunts in the Backlot. At the end of the day, hop on a free shuttle back to your hotel.

Day 2: Shopping

It isn’t a trip to France without some shopping—and happily, Marne-la-Vallée is home to several destination shopping centers that entice Parisians and international visitors alike. If scoping out luxury brands at bargain prices is how you roll, make a beeline for La Vallée Village, a high-end outlet mall moments from Disneyland Paris. Following lunch at one of the mall’s cafés, continue to nearby Val d’Europe. A guided excursion can help you navigate the labyrinth in the company of a personal shopper.

Day 3: A Day Trip to Remember

On your final day, discover one of the area’s major landmarks—the grand Château de Champs-sur-Marne (about a 20-minute drive or ride from Disneyland Paris). Recently restored to its 18th-century glory, the château is celebrated for its neoclassical architecture and 210 acres (85 hectares) of formal gardens and parks. Alternatively, spend the day in Paris. If you prefer to explore independently, book round-trip shuttle service for hassle-free travel. Otherwise, full-day sightseeing tours whisk you around the city—from the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre to the Luxembourg Gardens and Montmartre—without the stress of navigating on your own.

Marne-la-Vallée has long been overshadowed by its star attraction, Disneyland Paris, but with shopping centers and outlet malls springing up in recent years, the Parisian suburb has also garnered a reputation as one of Europe’s top shopping destinations. See below to find out more about Marne-la-Vallée’s best shopping spots. 

Val d’Europe

Featuring a curved-glass-and-iron roof inspired by Paris’ art nouveau–style Grand Palais, the large indoor Val d’Europe complex offers a chic shopping environment. The center contains more than 160 retailers, ranging from high-street clothing chains to sportswear, housewares, tech, and beauty brands. When you need a break from shopping, you can take a seat at any of the mall’s 20 or so restaurants, or even pay a visit to the aquarium Sea Life Paris, situated within the complex. 

La Vallée Village

This designer outlet mall offers high-end shopping at discounted prices. More than 110 brand-name boutiques, set in an open-air village-like setting, sell previous seasons’ clothes from the likes of Burberry, Céline, Givenchy, Michael Kors, and Marc Jacobs. Shuttle buses run bargain-hunting shoppers to and from central Paris.

With iconic rides such as Big Thunder Mountain and a whirlwind of parades, performances, and firework displays, you’ll never be short of entertainment at Disneyland Paris. But if you need a break from Mickey and friends, the City of Light is just minutes away. Here’s what you need to know about Paris sightseeing tours from Disneyland Paris.

Highlights

• Tour the city’s top sights, such as the Eiffel Tower, the Arc de Triomphe, and the Champs-Élysées.

• Skip the line at the Louvre, France’s largest art museum and the home of Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa and the ancient Greek marble statue Venus de Milo. 

• Float along the Seine during a river cruise, sailing past the gargoyle-guarded Notre Dame Cathedral on Île de la Cité.

• Find out more about the history of the city on a guided sightseeing tour. 

• Enjoy free time to shop, sightsee, and experience Paris’ famous café culture.

• Discover charming Parisian neighborhoods such as Montmartre, Le Marais, and the Left Bank (Rive Gauche), an area associated with artists, philosophers, and writers from Picasso to Jean-Paul Sartre to Hemingway.

Things to Know

Disneyland Paris is just 20 miles (32 kilometers) east of Paris. 

Choose a private transfer and explore Paris independently, or opt for an organized group tour with a fixed itinerary. 

Most sightseeing day tours from Disneyland Paris last for about nine hours. The length of private tours can be adjusted according to your schedule.

Day tours typically include free time for lunch.

Opt for a tour that includes a hop-on hop-off bus ticket so you can travel efficiently between Paris’ top tourist sights.