Best Things to Do and See near Disneyland Paris

Best Things to Do and See near Disneyland Paris

Updated by Vanessa M in July 2023.

To get to Disneyland from Paris, one must catch a train or car directly east out of the city, riding for about 40 minutes. It’s one of the most convenient day trips you’ll do from the French capital, as well as the most fun. 

The theme park is situated in a village known as Chessy, and because of the daily influx of tourists from around the world, the area has adopted a number of things worth seeing and doing. Many of the surrounding attractions were actually developed by the Walt Disney Company, as the brand wanted to have a developed and attractive town surrounding the park. 

Read also; Best Theme Parks and Attractions in and Around Paris

Click here for 10 facts about Disneyland Paris!

Shop ’til you Drop at the Val d’Europe near Disneyland Paris

One of the first structures to have been built by Disney was the Val d’Europe outlet shopping center close to the resort. 

This is a stand alone attraction, as a lot of tourists actually make the trip to Chessy just to spend a day shopping here. One can get great rates on branded clothing that would otherwise cost a fortune out in the rest of the world. 

Val d’Europe – by RosezZen – Wikimedia Commons

The center has a massive food court where you can reenergize throughout the day. It can take quite some time to work one’s way through all that the complex has to offer, so you’ll be grateful for the abundance of food and drink options as you go. 

For more unmissable outlet stores near Paris, click here!

Getting around in Chessy can be tricky, so it’s good to know that there is a shuttle service between Val d’Europe and the Explorers Hotel. The latter is well known by everyone in the neighborhood; you’ll never get lost. 

Visit the Aquarium near Disneyland Paris

Not everyone is a fan of cartoon characters, and Disney were the first to acknowledge that. So to cater to those who like things to be a bit more realistic, they put a massive aquarium right in the heart of the Val d’Europe shopping center — the Sea Life Val d’Europe. 

This immersive sea space has thousands of creatures from around the planet. Much of the viewing takes place in tunnels running through the tanks, and you can enjoy excursions such as feeding penguins, or lazing in the summer lounge. 

Sea Life Val d’Europe – by Sea Life Val d’Europe – Sourced from their Facebook

For an aquarium that is closer to Paris, click here!

Again, the same shuttle service from the Explorers Hotel will take you to and from the complex. This is a wonderful outing for children in Chessy. 

Read also; Things to do outside Paris

Tee Off at Golf de Bussy-Guermantes near Disneyland Paris

When one parent is keen on exploring the theme park, and the other is not, the golf course awaits with open arms. Situated not far north from the resort, the Golf de Bussy-Guermantes is a beautiful French course offering 18 and 9 holes. 

All are welcome, and the course embraces visitors year round. The scenery is picturesque, and a lot more relaxing than thousands of people inside of Disneyland. 

Golf de Bussy Guermantes – by Golf de Bussy Guermantes – Sourced from their website

There is an on site restaurant, as well as a pro shop and numerous practice areas. The facility recommends booking in advance if you are intending to tee off on the 18 hole course; it can be fully booked most of the time. 

Visit the Ile de Loisirs de Jablines-Annet near Disneyland Paris

Just a short drive north from the Disneyland resort, there is a lesser known amusement zone that you probably want to give some consideration to. 

There is a river called the Marne that runs throughout this part of France, and in this particular area are large scale natural pools and mangroves that have developed in the land. The town have turned it into a formal entertainment area, where people can come to enjoy the sun and waters in the warmer months. 

Ile de Loisirs de Jablines-Annet – by Ile de Loisirs de Jablines-Annet – Uploaded by them

This is a fantastic place for swimming in France, and the surroundings look like something out of Canada or western Europe. 

For more places to swim near Paris, click here!

There is an onsite campsite for anyone who wants to make a weekend out of their visit. There is also an equestrian center where people of all ages may ride horses and enjoy the landscapes. More than this, this area is flooded with great places to eat, most of them on the water’s edge. 

Eat at the Renowned Planète Indienne near Disneyland Paris

On the main road into Chessy, there is a restaurant that has made quite the name for itself amongst tourists who flock to the park. It’s called Planète Indienne, and it’s been a part of this neighborhood since 1998 — and they’ll make sure you know that. 

At surface level, this is simply well done Indian food made by a Mughal family living in France. The food is fantastic, the service is memorable, and the setting is wonderfully authentic. 

Planète Indienne – by Planète Indienne – Uploaded by them

Click here for the top 5 Indian restaurants in Paris!

After a few minutes inside of Planète Indienne, you’ll realize this is a bit of an amusement park in its own right. Every one of your senses are being tantalized, to the point where there is even song and dance at a specific point in the evening. 

A great spot for vegans and vegetarians, too!

Catch a Fish at the Etang des Grouettes near Disneyland Paris 

The Etang des Grouettes is a city park not far from the Disneyland entrance. It features a sprawling lake in the middle of a suburban setting, and fishing is welcome to anyone with the appropriate gear. 

If you’re not kitted out, this is a wonderful place for a walk through the French countryside. See how the locals live and what life is like in remote France. 

Read also; Top 10 attractions at Disneyland Paris

Have fun at Disney Village near Disneyland Paris 

One of the best things about Disney Village is that you don’t need a ticket to enter making it ideal for the days you arrive or depart from Disneyland Paris if you don’t have tickets for those days.

Benoît Prieur, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

Disney Village has everything from a cinema, sports bar, Disney shops, Lego store, Cafe Mickey, Wild West show, Starbucks, country music bar, Maccies plus much more!!! It’s still Disney prices and has the Disney feel but a great place for drinks after the parks or breakfast before you go.

It is also ideal for visitors visiting Disneyland Paris on a budget as Disney Village contains several of the cheapest restaurants in the park.

Enjoy yourself at Walt Disney Studios Park near Disneyland Paris 

Walt Disney Studios Park immerses you in the fascinating world of cinema and animation. You’ll feel like you’ve hit the big time with some stunning recreations of Hollywood landmarks, first-rate restaurants, and incredible entertainment.

Sean MacEntee from Monaghan, Ireland, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

On a five-star excursion with enjoyment for the whole family, you’ll see amazing effects, unforgettable rides, and awesome animation. The park is divided into four zones, Front Lot, Toon Studios, Production Courtyard, and Backlot, and it offers a true behind-the-scenes peek into the heart of the action, with thrilling activities and events for the entire family!

Go for a Hot Air Balloon ride near Disneyland Paris 

The panorama balloon is also in the Village however it is not included in the Park tickets. The Panoramic Balloon provides an excellent aerial view of the Disney parks and nearby areas.

Photo by Pixabay from Pexels

Please keep in mind that it is only operable during excellent weather. PanoraMagique allows up to 30 visitors to enjoy a 6-minute trip with unrivaled 360-degree views over Disneyland Paris sometimes as far away as 20 kilometers!

This helium-filled sphere, docked on Lake Disney in Disney Village, provides a tremendously uplifting experience for everyone.

Read also; The best way to visit Disneyland Paris

Visit the Versailles near Disneyland Paris 

If you want to go on a more cultural adventure, the majestic royal palace of Versailles is only a one-hour drive from the park. It’s an excellent site to learn about French history and a refreshing change from the parks.

ToucanWings, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Versailles is one of Europe’s most impressive palaces and it’s worth spending a day exploring it. You can visit the corridors and gardens where Queen Marie Antoinette lived before her famous and terrible death at Versailles while here.

Consider a Disneyland Day Trip to Paris

Photo by Chris Molloy from Pexels

If you want to spend the entire day away from the parks, the greatest thing to do near Disneyland Paris is to go to Paris where there are endless things to do. A 40-minute train journey from Marne la Vallee station allows for a day getaway from Disneyland. When you arrive you will be spoiled for choice between viewing the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre.

Enjoy a round of golf at Golf Disneyland near Disneyland Paris 

This gorgeous 27-hole golf course is just outside Disneyland Paris where you can enjoy a relaxed round before swinging into the clubhouse for a meal. Relax, enjoy the landscape, and practice your swing at this classic country club course, which is appropriate for both beginners and seasoned professionals.

Photo by Markus Spiske from Pexels

Open seven days a week, there are three 9-hole courses that may be joined in a variety of ways to provide a unique 18-hole round. Non-players and players alike can have lunch in the sun while watching the action from the Club House’s fully licensed bar and restaurant terrace. There’s also a pro shop, a conference room with a TV, and showers in the changing rooms.

Go hiking at Fontainebleau Forest near Disneyland Paris

Basile dit : Basili, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Fontainebleau Forest, only a 30-minute train journey from Paris, is one of Europe’s most popular tourist destinations. Hikers can enjoy 500 kilometers of well-marked paths. Do you enjoy going for hikes in the woods? The Fontainebleau forest contains several pathways for art enthusiasts, athletes, aficionados of unusual rock formations, families, and others.

Get a French theme park experience at Parc Astérix near Disneyland Paris

Oldayn, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

If you want a day away from Disney but aren’t theme-parked out, a short 50-minute car ride will take you to Parc Asterix. Parc Asterix offers a more authentically French theme park experience, as it is dedicated to the universe of French icon Asterix. This Parc’s theming revolves around the village of Gaul, where Asterix resides in the comics, and includes riddles and shows for people of all ages to enjoy.

Read also; 40 Cool Things you can do with Kids in Paris

Explore the Museum of the Great War near Disneyland Paris

Immerse yourself in this most moving of museums just a few minutes from Disneyland. The Great War Museum, located near Disneyland Paris, was erected on the symbolic “Bataille de la Marne” and opened in 2011, presenting a new viewpoint on the world’s first global war.

Chris at Dutch Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Many facets of the conflict are highlighted, from the involvement of women to the invention of camouflage–all of which are brought to life with the help of cutting-edge tour guide technology.