I will be accompanying my husband to Paris for a business convention right in Disneyland. As I will have some hours each day to spend exploring on my own, I'd like to know what there is to safely do alone in this area (or possibly book a tour). Having been to France only once while on a cruise, I was enchanted with small towns like St. Paul de Vence and Eze. I'm not interested in any long train rides, etc., and we'll probably end our trip in Paris proper together.
Posted by
victoria, Canada
11507 posts
There is an outlet shopping mall not too far away...I don't shop so can't offer more then that.. google Val D'Europe.
If you can find a tour to Provins ( google that ) its a great daytrip.. a National Heritage site.. medival town still surrounded by its original ramparts.. I think its easy to drive to .. but assume you will not have a car. I bet there are tours from Disney.. ask at your hotel.
Safety is not an issue... France is not a war zone and has less violent crime then North America.. normal common sense will keep you as safe or safer then at home. In Paris mind your purse ,, pickpockets.. but don't stress about it.. I have travelled to France alone and alone with my kids.. I never feel in danger.
Posted by
Rick Steves' Europe
16895 posts
Seeing Disneyland itself and Walt Disney Studios can easily take a day each, especially if you're meeting your husband by dinner time.
The chateuax of Vaux le Vicomte and Fontainbleau are close as the crow files, so you may find a bus tour for those that doesn't require going into Paris.
From Marne-la-Valee Chessy rail station, you can take a fast TGV train to Champagne-Ardenne and make a connection to Reims in less than an hour. Often departs around 10:30 a.m., but check your date. Regular, 2nd-class ticket price is 35 euros each way, if you'd rather not lock in dates and times before you go.
Posted by
Glasgow, Scotland
1692 posts
All the times we've stayed in one of their hotels, the check in has provided details of guided tours Disney run. Vaux le Vicomte is definitely one they did last time we stayed. I cannot say how good it is as I've always taken the car, but Vaux le Vicomte is certainly worth the visit being virtually the model for Versailles. Vaux has also 'played' Versailles in a number of films.
We did a night tour of Paris with Disney which was fantastic.
The Val d'Europe shopping centre is huge and only two stops along from the parks. If you need it they probably will have it. The Auchan supermarket in Val d'Europe is the size of some shopping centres. Val d'Europe also has an aquarium.
The parks themselves are worth visiting even if you've seen the American, Japanese, Hong Kong ones, as each is done differently, their star attraction to me being Frontierland. And if you get a chance as a couple to dine in the park, Blue Lagoon is an excellent restaurant.
Posted by
IJzendijke, The Netherlands
2085 posts
Near Disneyland Paris are two RER railwaystations, Marne-la-Vallée-Chessy and Val d'Europe (close to the shopping mall) for an easy direct connection to Paris. For unlimited travel with RER and Metro you can buy a 5-zone Mobilis ticket for about €15. Did this last year and it takes less then an hour to get to Châtelet-Les Halles.
On the way you can visit the UNESO listed chocolat factory of Noisiel and nearby Château de Champs sur Marne.