Marne-la-Vallée is home to one of Europe’s most visited tourist destinations, Disneyland Paris. In addition to the attractions and rides of the world-renowned theme park, enjoy Marne-la-Vallée’s excellent shopping, beguiling architecture and interesting historic attractions.
Marne-la-Vallée is a planned town on the outskirts of Paris. It, along with five other “new towns,” was established near Paris in the 1960s. Since then, it has been gradually built up. Rather than one main town center, it has many smaller towns, villages and points of interest.
Most visitors to Marne-la-Vallée head to Disneyland Paris, a sprawling theme park filled with thrilling rides, entertaining venues and other family-friendly attractions. Step on the runaway mine train on Big Thunder Mountain, visit Sleeping Beauty’s castle and take a journey into space in Discoveryland.
After you’ve enjoyed rides, roller coasters and Mickey Mouse, explore beyond the theme park boundaries. Visit the town of Noisy-le-Grand, stroll along the banks of the River Marne and journey to nearby vineyards and wineries. Watch for Noisy-le-Grand’s striking post-modernist architectural projects, such as Les Espaces d’Abraxas and Les Arènes de Picasso. These unusual structures were built in the 1970s and 1980s in response to the proliferation of purely functional modernist buildings.
In nearby Champs-sur-Marne, visit the neoclassical mansion of Château de Champs-sur-Marne. Known as “Le Petit Versailles,” this grand 18th-century residence hosted famous people including Marcel Proust, Prince Philip and Madame de Pompadour in its most popular period.
Stop off in Noisiel to see the old Menier chocolate factory. This landmark industrial complex now houses the Nestle chocolate company. Among other worthwhile attractions in Marne-la-Vallée is the Val d’Europe outlet shopping center located 5-minutes’ drive from Disneyland Paris. Scour the designer village for brand-name bargains or visit Sea Life Paris to see turtles, sharks and piranhas up close.
Marne-la-Vallée is located about 11 miles (17 kilometers) east of Paris and can be reached in 20 minutes by metro from the center of Paris.
