The Luxury Travel Magazine
The Luxury Travel Magazine
Synonymous with romance, art and culture and great adventures, Paris has it all, but sometimes the pace of life can get so furiously frantic, one craves the solace of the country. Just half an hour’s drive from the Eiffel Tower is a natural oasis of calm. Deep in the heart of a sprawling forest, idyllic cottages fan around a lake which swans gracefully swim upon. This is Les Villages Nature Paris.
This 300 acre Les Villages Nature Paris eco-resort has so much fun in store for families. There’s a huge swimming area, plenty of restaurants and entertainment space and ten-pin bowling and giant game of chess in the open air. The resort is a partnership between Disneyland Paris and Pierre & Vacances (Center Parcs). It is but a short drive from the theme park and a 40 minute private transfer from Charles De Gaulle airport.
There’s so much to do for family members of all ages. Ensure you pack a swimming costume to make a splash in the Aqualagon, enjoy swimming lessons or hop on an aqua scooter or bike. The entire family can enjoy canoeing, bike riding or exploring the forest. Then there’s an action factory to run off some energy, and an Escape Room to test your wits. Visit the Extraordinary Gardens or the Forest of Legends all along the Lakeside Promenade. There are shops to browse and cafes to enjoy a light bite and there’s even baby massage for the littlest ones, soft play for toddlers and pre-schoolers can make their very own stuffed bear.
At BelleVie Farm meet dairy cows that produce milk, butter and cheese. Have fun on the ice rink, high adventure area and enjoy pony riding, archer and beach games. An aqua gym and mini golf will tire them out. The whole family can engage in breadmaking classes or make chocolate together. While mum and dad unwind in the spa and wellness area or partake in yoga or visit the salt cabin, their children can be entertained at the kid’s club or spend time being a park ranger for the day. Then each night everyone can come together for a quiz and parents can have a drink while the children enjoy their disco.
When it comes to resting your weary head, the VIP cottages are sustainable and leave little impact on the environment. They feature a luxury bathroom with a whirlpool bath and jacuzzi and a rainfall shower that massages. These lakeside cottages have large living spaces and a fully equipped open-plan kitchen where you can prepare an evening meal. These kitchens are stacked with crockery, a dishwasher, cooker, fridge, electric coffee maker, kettle, toaster and waste-sorting bin. Such cottages are great for families, containing a baby bed and a highchair. If you are travelling with an entourage there are cabins with six bedrooms sleeping 12 people or VIP apartments above the promenade close to the shops and activities.
The whole family will enjoy feeding the swans and watching the heron’s fish out of the pond and the swans glide by. Kids can watch the tv, while you indulge in me time on the outside terrace with a glass of wine.
Les Villages Nature Paris offers a variety of restaurants serving fresh and local produce including a brasserie, an Italian restaurant and a wine bar and a bakery that offers a breakfast delivery service. Start the day right at Les Délices de la Ferme, located within the BelleVie Farm.
As soon as you walk into the vast dining room you are welcomed by the friendly staff and invited to choose a variety of pastries and croissants and unlimited coffee and tea. In the warmer months, the kids can let loose on Lait’s Play playground as parents unwind on the large outdoor terrace. Discover a selection of refreshing drinks, hot drinks, beers, local farm ice creams. Fill the day with adventures and work up an appetite for delicious snacks at the Bowling Bar between strikes. Then in the evening, visit Vapiano a contemporary Italian, where you can feast on pizza and spaghetti in a stylish atmosphere, surrounded by natural plants.
The building itself is concealed by greenery and inside chefs cook up a storm on the live cooking stations and there’s an area for the kids to play in, filled with toys and games.
Disneyland Paris
Children will hardly be able to contain their excitement as they make a short car journey to Disneyland Paris. Mickey, Minnie, and the whole Disney crew welcome you into the park and watch your little one’s eyes light up with magic as they clasp eyes on Sleeping Beauty’s magical pink castle.
Excitement and magic fill the air as you walk around the park taking in all the sights and sounds. Jump the queue with a Fast Pass to all the top rides and you will not notice where the time has flown. When you’re feeling hungry pick from hundreds of restaurants. You can plan to eat with your favourite princess in a fine dining restaurant or enjoy fish and chips at Toad Hall or just enjoy packed sandwiches as you meander around the park. Browse the shops of downtown Disney and then get a prime spot for the daily parade.
Back at the hotel unwind in the jacuzzi, planning the next day’s adventures. In the evening enjoy sumptuous meals at one of the many restaurants or stock up on food and snacks at the local supermarket. There’s so much to do here that you need at least a week to enjoy it all. You will be longing to return for a fun-filled family adventure. The next time you plan to visit Paris, consider an antidote to the city at Les Villages Nature Paris. You won’t be disappointed.
