Val d'Europe is the shopping centre of the new town beside Disneyland Paris. It opened in 2000, was last renovated in 2017 and, according to its owner, has more than 190 brands and 37 restaurants, with an Eiffel-inspired glass-and-cast-iron roof and a large digital chandelier over the fashion shops. It is adjacent to the Vallée Village outlet centre and a short ride from the parks, and it has its own RER A station, one stop before Marne-la-Vallée-Chessy. There is no entry charge, so you can wander, eat and use the centre as a base for a rest day. It is also home to Sea Life Paris. For many families it is the place to buy anything forgotten, find a non-Disney meal, or pass an afternoon when the weather is poor or the children need a break from the parks.
Why visit
The centre is bright, clean and easy to navigate, and it has a range of high-street fashion, electronics, bookshops and a large food offering. It is a calmer, cheaper alternative to the park restaurants, and a good option for a family lunch when you want something familiar. Sunday opening rules in France can vary, so check the current hours before you go, particularly outside the normal retail season.
Getting there
Take the RER A to Val d'Europe station, which is the stop before the terminus at Marne-la-Vallée-Chessy, and the centre is a short walk from the platform. From the parks it is a few minutes by train, so it is easy to combine with a park day. The centre has a large car park, which makes it useful if you are driving. The Vallée Village outlet centre is next door and has its own entrance for people who like to browse designer outlets.
Planning an easy afternoon
Pair it with Sea Life Paris, which is inside the centre, and a meal before you head back to your hotel or to Paris. Weekdays are quieter than weekends and school holidays, and the centre is busiest on Saturday afternoons. If you are staying nearby, it is a handy place to buy snacks, nappies and last-minute gifts at normal shop prices rather than in the park. Check opening hours at the centre's website, and carry a bag for your shopping on the train.
What to expect
The experience
A large indoor shopping centre with fashion, electronics, restaurants and an aquarium, free to enter and next door to the Vallée Village outlets.
Best time
Weekday afternoons are calmest, and it is a good plan in poor weather or on a rest day between park days.
How long
Two to four hours with lunch and some shopping.
Tips
Take the RER A to Val d'Europe, check opening hours before you go and combine it with Sea Life Paris.
Quick picks
- Best for
- A non-park afternoon, a family lunch away from park prices, and last-minute shopping.
- Families
- Easy to navigate with pushchairs, with plenty of food options and the aquarium inside.
- Couples
- Browse the shops, have a relaxed lunch and then return to the hotel or Paris.
- Pair with
- Sea Life Paris, the Vallée Village outlets and a rest day between park days.
- Time needed
- Two to four hours.
Good questions
Is Val d'Europe free to enter?+
Yes, it is a public shopping centre with no entry charge. You pay only for what you buy or eat.
How do I get there from the parks?+
Take the RER A one stop from Marne-la-Vallée-Chessy to Val d'Europe, and the centre is a short walk from the station. It takes only a few minutes by train.
How big is it?+
According to its owner, it has more than 190 brands and 37 restaurants. It opened in 2000 and was last renovated in 2017.
What else is nearby?+
The Vallée Village outlet centre is next door and Sea Life Paris is inside the centre. Disneyland Paris is a few minutes away by train.
Is it open on Sundays?+
Opening days and hours can vary, so check the centre's website for the date you plan to visit. Do not assume the same hours as a Paris department store.
