Disney Village and Beyond: Make Your Paris Trip Unforgettable

The fun doesn’t stop at Disney! Here’s what else deserves a spot on your Paris adventure.

Published: March 12, 2026
Disney Balloons

You’ve wandered Disney Village, picked up those perfect souvenirs, and maybe grabbed a Mickey-shaped pastry or two. Now what? Here’s the good news: there’s a whole world of Parisian fun, family-friendly attractions, and unique experiences just steps away. Whether you want more theme park thrills, a taste of French history, or a dash of relaxation, this corner of Marne-la-Vallée serves up surprises for all ages. Ready for the full adventure? Here’s where to go (and what to eat!) once you’ve conquered Disney Village. 

Make your Paris plans pop with our top things to do near Disney Village: 

  • Wild West Show at Disney Village 
  • Parc Asterix 
  • La Vallée Village 
  • Palace of Versailles 
  • Aquarium de Paris 
  • Bateaux Parisiens River Cruise 
  • Val d’Europe Shopping Center 
  • Ô Chateau
  • The Gourmet Chocolate Museum

Wild West Show at Disney Village: Yeehaw for Dinner & Drama 

Don’t rush back to your hotel—stick around for Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Show (within Disney Village), where stunt riding, rodeo tricks, and cowboy comedy come with a heaping plate of Tex-Mex grub. The saloon-style arena, with generous helpings of chili, ribs, and cornbread, has a rootin’-tootin’ atmosphere the whole family will love. 

The action is non-stop, with horses thundering around the arena, buffalo herds, Native American dancers, and even a little Disney sparkle. Kids can cheer on their team, grown-ups can lean into the boisterous fun, and everyone leaves with a face full of cornbread and a huge smile. 

Parc Asterix: Adventure, Laughter, and Roller Coasters Galore 

If you’ve had your fill of fairy tales and want a wilder ride, Parc Asterix is the perfect next stop. This high-spirited theme park (a short drive or shuttle ride away) is packed with Roman and Gaulish antics, big splash rides, and some of France’s best roller coasters. Themed zones whisk you from ancient Greece to Viking villages and there’s no shortage of live shows—inventive, jam-packed with slapstick, and (of course) just a little bit mischievous. The food here is full-on fun, too—giant turkey drumsticks and wild boar stew if you want to eat like Obelix! 

What do we love most? Parc Asterix has all the energy and color of Disney, but with a distinctly French sense of humor. If you’re traveling with teens, thrill seekers, or anyone who appreciates a little irreverence, you’ll leave with huge smiles (and maybe a few toga party photos). 

La Vallée Village: Designer Finds in a Chic Outdoor Setting 

If shopping is your idea of a magical day, La Vallée Village, just a few minutes from Disney Village, is a fashionista’s dream. Think charming outdoor lanes, cute streetlamps, and over 100 top French and international brands—always up to 60% off retail prices. Browse luxury labels like Longchamp and Lacoste, or discover chic French designers you won’t spot back home. 

The vibe here is more open-air village than busy mall, with sweet cafés, sun-soaked benches, and plenty of people-watching. Even if you’re purely window-shopping, it’s a lovely way to spend an afternoon (and snap some effortlessly stylish Parisian Instagram shots). Grab a cappuccino at Amorino and a blissful scoop of gelato while you wander. 

Palace of Versailles: A Day Trip Fit for Royalty

Palace of Versailles

Want a total change of pace from the theme park buzz? Hop a train and experience one of France’s greatest treasures: the Palace of Versailles. Just an hour from Disney Village, this dazzling château sweeps you back through centuries of royalty, intrigue, and over-the-top garden parties. Marvel at the Hall of Mirrors, lose yourself in the manicured gardens, and stroll the Grand Trianon like French kings and queens. 

Versailles isn’t just about the past—the palace hosts concerts and events year-round, so there’s always a dash of modern sparkle to go with the gilt. Why go? Because this isn’t just sightseeing—it’s a spellbinding dose of French history, pure grandeur, and endless selfie opportunities. 

Aquarium de Paris: Dive Into an Underwater World 

Even after the Disney magic, the wonder continues at Aquarium de Paris, where families can trade mouse ears for mermaid vibes. Home to over 10,000 sea creatures, tunnels of swirling fish, and even live mermaid shows, this spot is equal parts education and enchantment. Touch tanks let little ones get up close with starfish or sea urchins, while shark tunnels and giant tanks amaze all ages. 

What sets this aquarium apart? The sense of discovery and delight, whether you’re learning about coral conservation or watching a diver feed the rays. It’s right in the heart of Paris—a quick RER train ride from Disney Village—and a refreshing way to keep those vacation “wow” moments rolling. 

Bateaux Parisiens River Cruise: Classic Parisian Views 

The fun doesn’t stop once you leave Disney Village. For a real Paris postcard moment, head into the city and hop aboard a Bateaux Parisiens River Cruise. Glide under historic bridges, watch the twinkling Eiffel Tower, and spot Notre Dame from the water—no traffic jams, just gentle breezes and amazing photo ops. The boats are comfy, with outdoor decks and commentary that spins the city’s stories as you glide along the Seine. 

We especially love these cruises at sunset, when the monuments are bathed in golden light and Paris feels utterly magical (even after a day at Disney!). Kick back with a glass of bubbly—kids will love spotting landmarks, and grownups will love the change of pace. 

Val d’Europe Shopping Center: High Street Faves & French Flavors 

Just a quick stroll from Disney Village, Val d’Europe is way more than your average mall. Yes, there are all your favorite international retailers, but Parisian style sneaks in everywhere—artisan bakeries, cheese shops, and a gorgeous glass roof that lets in tons of light. Pick up picnic supplies, snack your way through the patisseries, or even book a beauty treatment. 

There’s a massive Auchan hypermarket if you want to try French snacks without breaking the bank (pro tip: pick up salted butter caramels or mini madeleines for the train ride home). The food court serves up everything from sushi to crêpes, so everyone’s taste buds win. 

Ô Chateau: Sip Like a Local (Adults Only!)

Wine Glasses and Charcuterie

When it’s time for a grown-up treat, hop on a train to central Paris and head for Ô Chateau, one of the city’s best hubs for all things wine. Expert sommeliers make tasting accessible, even if the only thing you know about Bordeaux is how to spell it. Classes are relaxed, friendly, and fun—think laughter, nibbles of cheese, and stories that make French wine culture easy to love. 

From introductory tastings to food-paired dinner experiences, Ô Chateau is a must for wannabe wine buffs or anyone wanting a special night out. You’ll finish not just a little rosier but a lot more “in the know” about French life, all in a sleek, contemporary setting. 

Gourmet Chocolate Museum: A Sweet Escape for All Ages 

Ready for a treat? Head into Paris and indulge your senses at the Gourmet Chocolate Museum (Musée Gourmand du Chocolat). This delectable spot is a dream come true for chocolate lovers of all ages—an easy RER ride from Disney Village and a surefire hit with families and curious foodies alike. 

The museum’s interactive journey takes you from the fascinating origins of chocolate in ancient civilizations to the confections that make French pâtisseries famous today. You’ll find gob-smacking displays of antique chocolate molds, intricate sculptures, and endless varieties of chocolate bars just begging to be sampled. Whether you’re looking to brush up on your chocolate knowledge, nab a box of Parisian truffles to take home, or just add an extra sprinkle of sweetness to your Paris trip, the Gourmet Chocolate Museum is an unmissable detour. It’s the perfect way to follow up the high-energy fun of Disney Village with pure, tasty delight. 

 

And there you have it—the best ways to keep the fun rolling near Disney Village! From high-octane theme parks and chic shopping to ancient palaces and swoon-worthy eats, this part of Paris is packed with things to do, see, taste, and explore. So wherever your Paris trip takes you after Disney Village, we guarantee more magical moments are right around the corner. Happy adventuring! 

Enjoyed this? Check out Everything You Need to Know About Go City’s Paris Passes or Things to Do Near Parc Asterix 

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Two women enjoy a walk along the banks of the Seine
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Cheap things to do in Paris

Paris has a reputation for being très cher – very expensive. But, au contraire, it doesn’t have to be. There are a huge number of fun things to do which don’t cost the earth. If you’re heading to the City of Light on a budget – and even if you’re not – check out these cheap things to do in Paris. You won’t regret it! Feel like a local Budget travelers are likely to find themselves in the further reaches of the Paris suburbs, meaning potentially expensive taxi fares to the world-famous landmarks dotted on and around the River Seine. However, as you might expect, there are a variety of cheaper alternatives. Not only that, but some can become attractions in themselves. A great addition to trips aboard a Hop-on Hop-off sightseeing bus are the city’s public buses. Route 89 takes in the sights of the Latin Quarter, including the Panthéon and Jardin du Luxembourg. The north-south route 69 incorporates the Bastille, Louvre, Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame Cathedral. When the sometimes-fickle Paris weather holds, one of the most charming ways to explore Paris is by bike. The bike-sharing stations of Vélib’ are located across greater Paris. A mix of pedal and hybrid electric cycles, they have rates starting at just €1 for 30 minutes use. Whilst covering 41 square miles, the majority of Paris’s major landmarks are centrally located, making an afternoon stroll an excellent way to absorb the city’s atmosphere. So why not wander along a portion of the Seine, or follow the Champs-Élysées from the Arc de Triomphe towards the masterpieces of the Louvre? Check out the markets You’re unlikely to discover a lost artwork by Monet or Degas among the stalls of Saint-Ouen flea market, located in the same neighborhood as the Sacre Coeur and Moulin Rouge. But even if you don’t, a bit of friendly-haggling with the stallholders can still get you a bargain. One of the largest flea markets in the world, stalls hold everything from vintage fashion to diamond bracelets. There’s no better place to discover Parisians’ love of food and fine ingredients than the oldest covered market in Paris. Founded in 1628, the Marché des Enfants Rouges – or Market of Red Children, after the orphanage of the same name – is a great place to pick up some freshly-baked bread or a bunch of flowers. Should it get your stomach growling, there are also a good selection of cafés and restaurants, many of whom use produce direct from the market’s stalls. Thursdays and Sundays sees another market appearing in the park to the north of Place de la Bastille. In addition to groceries, there’s also a good number of tempting objet d’art and other trinkets you’ll wonder how you ever lived without. Discover the city’s green spaces No list of cheap things to do in Paris should be considered complete without mentioning the city’s array of parks and gardens. Among one of the best is the Jardin des Plantes botanic garden. Largely formal in style, there are few better places for a romantic walk, whilst the small zoo’s collection of animals is sure to enthrall the kids. It’s easy to forget about the city beyond once inside Parc Monceau too. Created by the Duke of Chartres in 1778 as one of the world’s first public parks, it contrasts with the Jardin des Plantes because of its informal English landscaping style. But for a park like few others, head to the Promenade Plantée, also known as the Coulée verte René-Dumont. Similar to New York’s High Line, but opened a full 15 years beforehand, this elevated park gave a long-abandoned railway viaduct a new lease of life as an urban oasis. Take in the views In a city without the skyscrapers of New York or London, the Eiffel Tower has been the main vantage-point for citywide views since it was first erected in 1889. But for views of the Iron Lady herself you’ll need to turn your attention to the opposite end of the Champ de Mars and the Tour Montparnasse (Montparnasse Tower). Although its observation tower is not the cheapest thing to do in Paris, the bar on the 56th story has equally beguiling vistas plus lively conversation for the cost of a drink. Paris is also an excellent place to grab a street-side cup of coffee or plat du jour as you watch the world go by. If you’re keen to break through the frosty exterior some Parisians exude, many bars host a happy hour. Usually sometime between 5PM and 8 PM, just look for the advertising boards outside. Grab a bargain It’s unlikely you’ll have such luck with the stores of Rue Faubourg du Saint-Honoré outside of January or July, but there are several ways to feel a million dollars without having to splash that sort of cash. For instance, top department store Galeries Lafayette hosts regular 30 minute fashion shows curated by some of the biggest names in the industry and complete with catwalk models. Elsewhere, Shakespeare and Company has been supplying the English-speakers of Paris with reading material since 1951. As well as the new books you would expect, you’ll also find a treasure trove of secondhand tomes and also a free reading library. Would-be authors can even stay the night in exchange for helping out – it’s been estimated that more than 30,000 people have stayed since the store first opened its doors. Seeing Paris on a budget Just because you have a budget to stick to doesn’t mean you have to miss out on Paris’s big-ticket attractions. It’s possible to fully explore with Go City – allowing you to save on attraction admission and expensive overseas credit card charges without having to say goodbye to flexibility. Together with our recommendations for cheap things to do in Paris, Go City can help create an unforgettable vacation. You can stay up to date with all the latest tips by connecting with @GoCity on Instagram and Facebook.
Ian Packham
A toddler enjoys a snow shower in Paris in January
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What to do in Paris in January

January is a month many of us like to forget. The Christmas festivities have come to an end, yet the warm days of spring still seem a lifetime away. Paris in January is different. Whilst spurned by spoiled Parisians, if you come prepared, there’s no reason you can’t start the new year with a bang. Other advantages include smaller crowds at big name attractions and the chance to update your wardrobe with the winter sales. Wondering what’s on in Paris in January? You’ve come to the right place. What’s the weather like in Paris in January? The Parisian penchant for fluffy scarves is actually the result of an icy wind that can whip through the boulevards from the River Seine in the first months of the year. With temperatures ranging between 3 – 8°C and averaging 5°C much off the day, decent winter clothing is a must for visiting Paris in January. Skies can be a little overcast throughout the month, although the lack of rain means you can probably do without the waterproofs. Average levels for January are just 18 mm. It may also snow. However, it’s very unusual for snow to settle, so if you see flakes begin to drift across the city be sure to take a selfie! What to expect from Paris in January First off, it’s wrong to say that the Christmas period is all done and dusted. The first week to 10 days of January continues to spread much of the cheer of the season. Ice rinks and marché de Noël – that’s Christmas markets to you and me – often don’t shut up shop until after the new year begins. It varies by market – there are up to 20 each year – but the biggest in Paris at the Tuileries Garden is generally a reliable friend right into January. The Festival of Lights at the Jardin des Plantes botanic garden goes one step further, lighting up the 70 acre site until the end of the month. No ordinary light show, the festival is made up of large-scale lanterns in the form of various animals and other designs. At the same time, most of those taking advantage of these events after Christmas week will be Parisians rather than travelers. Visit Paris in January and you therefore don’t face the same crowds you will at other times of year. Now’s the time to experience Paris at its most authentic. Check out the Paris stores Paris is known as one of the finest shopping destinations in the world. Those keen to add a touch of Gallic elegance to their apparel are in luck. Not only do department stores including Galeries Lafayette host regular fashion shows, but January is the time of the winter soldes (sales) too. Nor do any passing rain showers have to put you off. Covered shopping arcades are hidden across the city. Often bathed with natural light on even the gloomiest of days, their history dates back several centuries. Passage de Panoramas has some excellent dining options, whilst Galerie Vivienne is lined with luxury boutiques. You might even find a patisserie selling galette de rois. Made from layers of puff pastry and almond paste, ‘king cake’ is a specialty of epiphany on January 6. Look out for the fève or figurine placed in each one. It grants the finder good luck for the following year, but has also been responsible for its fair share of broken teeth! Join the café culture Another way to fight off the January chill in Paris is in its cafés. A key part of French culture, each has its own ambience and clientele, be that the out of work artists of Montmartre or the bankers of the La Défense business district. Stop by for a freshly-brewed café, and you’re sure to be tempted into also buying a pastry. The only real question is which do you choose – croissant, madeleine or éclair? To feel at one with your adopted home, you might instead decide on a traditional Parisian breakfast at Café Louise. But that doesn’t have to stop you checking out the cake counter here or in any of the hundreds of independent coffee shops lining the streets of Paris. For drinks with a little more potency, the heritage of Harry’s New York Bar is hard to beat. Shipped across the Atlantic from the Big Apple in the first part of the 20th Century, it became a favorite watering hole of Nobel prize for literature winner Ernest Hemingway. Order a bloody Mary, sidecar or Paris 75 cocktail – the bar claims to have invented all three. Don’t miss Paris’s January events By far January’s biggest event is the New Year celebration. It is centered on the Arc de Triomphe rather than the Eiffel Tower. Hundreds of thousands of people gather at the monument to enjoy a spectacle that includes fireworks and live music. The cabaret clubs of Montmartre and the Paris Opera ballet company put on special new year’s shows too. Other places to spend the day include the city’s churches, who put on a host of concerts. Don’t expect much else to happen on January 1 though. A national holiday, many stores and restaurants give their staff the day off to be with family. Gear heads should also keep an ear to the ground for the Traversée de Paris winter vintage car and motorbike rally. Roughly 700 vehicles make the departure from Vincennes chateau in the southeast of the city before following a route that takes them to Les Invalides and the Place de la Concorde amongst other attractions. Save on Paris January attraction admission January is a great time of year for anyone who loves a bargain to visit Paris. There are the winter sales, some fantastic deals to be had on hotels and the ability to explore with Go City. Our passes give you reduced admission at many of the top museums and attractions in Paris. Our flexibility allows you to choose as you save. If the weather brightens up, you don’t have to find yourself trapped indoors all day, and vice versa.
Ian Packham

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