8 day trips under an hour from Disneyland Paris: the best of Seine-et-Marne

People come to Marne-la-Vallée for Disneyland Paris and are often surprised by everything Seine-et-Marne has to offer. Medieval towns, royal châteaux, waterside villages, famous cheeses, major museums and sports venues: the département is one of the richest in the Paris region. Here are our 8 favourite day trips, all under an hour’s drive from our apartments, to add an unforgettable day to your stay.

Distance: about an hour’s drive. Our tip: allow a full day and check the show calendar before you go.

2. Meaux, home of brie and the Great War museum

Twenty minutes away, Meaux charms with Saint-Étienne Cathedral, its historic centre and gardens by the Marne. It is of course home to the famous Brie de Meaux, sold by the town’s cheesemongers.

History lovers will visit the Musée de la Grande Guerre, one of Europe’s most important museums on the 1914-1918 war, with impressive collections and reconstructed trenches. A powerful visit, suitable for children from about 8 to 10.

3. Crécy-la-Chapelle, the “Venice of Brie”

Its canals, wash-houses and little bridges make for a charming stroll. Painters came here for the light in the 19th century. An hour’s walk is enough, ideally late in the day. Combine it with Parrot World, the nearby wildlife park.

Distance: about 45 minutes to an hour. Our tip: book the candlelit evenings ahead, they often sell out.

5. Fontainebleau, château and forest

Home to almost every king of France, then Napoleon, the Château de Fontainebleau is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its apartments, François I Gallery and gardens tell eight centuries of French history.

Around it, the Fontainebleau forest is a paradise for walking, with boulders famous worldwide among climbers. An excellent outing for active families.

6. Coupvray, Louis Braille’s house

Just minutes from the parks, the village of Coupvray is where Louis Braille was born in 1809. His birthplace, now a museum, tells the story of the inventor of the tactile writing used by blind people worldwide. A short, moving and very instructive visit for children.

7. Vaires-sur-Marne, the Olympic water sports venue

Home to the rowing and canoe-kayak events at the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games, the Vaires-sur-Marne water sports centre is open to the public. Depending on the season you can try some white-water activities, or simply enjoy the neighbouring leisure park for a day outdoors.

8. The banks of the Marne

For a nature break without the car, the banks of the Marne offer lovely walks and bike rides, minutes from our apartments. Towpaths, riverside cafés in season, anglers and barges: another, peaceful side of Marne-la-Vallée.

At a glance

Day trip	Drive time	Ideal for
Provins	≈ 1 h	Families, history lovers
Meaux	≈ 20 min	Foodies, WWI history
Crécy-la-Chapelle	≈ 20 min	Romantic strolls, photographers
Vaux-le-Vicomte	≈ 45 min – 1 h	Châteaux, gardens, summer evenings
Fontainebleau	≈ 1 h	French history, forest, climbing
Coupvray	≈ 10 min	A short visit with children
Vaires-sur-Marne	≈ 20 min	Active families
Banks of the Marne	On the doorstep	Walking, cycling

Disneyland Paris to dream, Seine-et-Marne to discover: the perfect stay combines both.

Specialities to take home

Day trips without a car

No car? Several of these outings are still reachable by train from Paris, going via Marne-la-Vallée or returning through the capital:

Destination	How to get there	Our view
Provins	Transilien line P train from Paris Gare de l’Est	Doable in a day, the town is explored on foot
Meaux	Transilien line P from Paris Gare de l’Est	Quick, the cathedral and museum are reachable from the station
Fontainebleau	Transilien line R from Paris Gare de Lyon, then bus to the château	Well served, ideal for a château and forest day
Vaux-le-Vicomte	Train to Melun, then a seasonal shuttle	Check shuttle times before you go
The banks of the Marne	On foot or by bike from several Marne-la-Vallée towns	The easiest outing, no transport needed

Frequently asked questions

Do you need a car?

For most of these trips a car is the simplest option. Meaux and Provins can also be reached by train, with a longer journey.

What about young children?

Provins and its knights’ shows, Parrot World, the banks of the Marne and Louis Braille’s house are the best outings for little ones.

And on a rainy day?

Choose the Great War Museum in Meaux, or the interiors of Fontainebleau or Vaux-le-Vicomte.

Your base camp

With a 123HOME apartment in Chessy, Serris or Montévrain, you are ideally placed to alternate Disney days and day trips. Several apartments have a parking space, handy for excursions. And for a day in Paris, see our RER itinerary. Cleaning included, self check-in from 4 pm. Book your stay.

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