Les Villages Nature Paris by Center Parcs – Everything you need to know before visiting

Over May half term we visited Les Villages Nature Paris a Center Parcs in France. It is also a Disneyland Paris-affiliated hotel which means that you can benefit from certain things if you are also planning a trip to Disneyland. When we visited Center Parcs Paris during the May half term it was not school holidays in France and so out of peak opening times. But the resort was still busy. Mainly with English families. During our stay, I overheard a number of conversations about how much more preferable it was compared to other Disney hotels. That is is much cheaper than Center Parcs in the UK and how impressed everyone was with it. There were even several people on video calls showing friends around the Aqualagon. So the question is have we stumbled upon a secret? Here is our overview of Villages Nature Paris.

AD – We were gifted a stay at Les Village Nature Paris Center Parcs France Disneyland Paris Hotel, in return for this review. All words and opinions are my own.

Where is Center Parcs Paris France located?

The eco-friendly resort of Villages Nature Paris which uses geothermal energy is located 40km from central Paris. This means it can be reached in a number of different ways. We drove from central Paris where we had been staying and it took around an hour and a half to reach the resort. In theory, it should take about an hour, but traffic around Paris is notoriously bad. If you are driving from Calais then it takes just over three hours if you use the toll motorways. If you are visiting in your car then you should access the resort via the East Entrance. 

It is also possible to reach the resort via public transport. Take the Eurostar trains into Paris, from here you can take the RER A train towards Marne-la-Vallee. From here you can pick up the number 47 bus which takes around twenty-five minutes to the resort. Or pick up a taxi for the fifteen-minute drive. 

What accommodation is offered at Center Parc Village Nature Paris

Just like the Center Parcs here in the UK there are various different types of accommodation available. Depending on your budget and the number of people in your party. There are three levels of accommodation, Comfort, Premium and VIP. With either cottages or apartments available. As you would expect the cheapest option is a Comfort Apartment with incremental increases all the way up to a VIP Cottage. Apartments sleep 2-4 people and cottages 4-12 people for a larger family gathering. All accommodations come with complimentary wireless internet access.

Each accommodation type is accessed by a wristband that you are given at check-in. It is also possible to load the wristband with cash so that you do not need to worry about taking valuables into the pool area. Or on the various activities. The wristband is also used for other things around the village such as storing credits or opening lockers in the Aqualagon. They have a serial number of the back so you can link them with the app (see below). But other than that there is no way of identifying who the wristband belongs to. This means if you lose it then you do not need to worry about anyone accessing your accommodation. 

Review of VIP Cottage – Center Parcs Paris France

We stayed in a VIP Cottage that slept four people. All on one level, the cottage itself was really large with so much space and storage. You open the door into a small hallway off to the right there was the boy’s room with twin beds and a separate bathroom. Straight ahead you come into the living area. It has a large fully equipped kitchen with everything you need for a self-catering break. As well as a large long area including a dining table, sofa, flatscreen TV and log burner. Along the end of the room, there is full-length French glass doors that lead out onto a wooden veranda. Complete with sun loungers, deck chairs and a hanging chair. There is also a large umbrella and another set of tables and chairs for dining alfresco. 

There was no BBQ but I think you can hire one of these from the Welcome House. Back inside off of the lounge area was our bedroom with a large double bed and bathroom. The bathroom had a separate toilet, a large sink with an illuminated mirror, a hair dryer and a Jacuzzi bath which was very luxurious. There were also fluffy white gowns left for the parents to use. The bedroom had a large Queen sized bed, a wardrobe with safe and large windows onto the lake. 

Many of the properties have a lake view. It was lovely watching the sunset over the lake and listening to the baby birds on the water. In the evenings as it got dark the frogs would sing a chorus. Our VIP Cottage was very comfortable with plenty of space the boys could get up to their thing without us adults getting in the way. Although we did not eat in much during our stay. I was impressed with the quality of the kitchen appliances and was pleased to find a dishwasher. 

All linen and bed sheets were provided, with some toiletries in the bathrooms. Although you will need to bring your own washing-up liquid/dishwasher tablets. So much more space than a standard hotel at Disneyland Paris.

Getting around Center Parc Village Nature Paris

Les Villages Nature Paris is spread over 16 hectares. It is a large park even by Center Parcs standards with over 900 cottages and apartments. There are various ways of getting around the vast area as we found that activities are quite spread out. But there are plenty of ways you can get around without too much trouble. Of course, you can walk which is totally doable but if time is of the essence then you could try one of these:

• There is an electric shuttle bus which stops at various points around the resort. When we visited it was not running due to the pandemic. However, once it starts up again it runs frequently throughout the day.
• It is possible to hire golf buggies. These are perfect if you do not fancy cycling or if you have members in your party that can not ride a bike. They are quite limited in number so I would recommend booking one of these well in advance of your stay. 
• You can hire bikes which include karts, kids’ seats and I even saw a few family cycles. Where the children sit in the front and the parents cycle at the back.
• You can drive to your accommodation, unpack and then return your car to the nearest car park detonated by a letter. You are given this when you check in. It is free self-parking all over the Disneyland Paris-affiliated hotel,

 

The Aqualagon at Center Parcs Paris France

One of the biggest draws of this particular Center Parcs in France is the complimentary water park. Many people google does Disneyland Paris have a water park? Well this is as close as you are going to get. And it is amazing for a number of reasons. The first is that it is constantly heated to a warm 30 degrees inside and out. This means it’s one swimming pool I am more than happy to get in. There are also plenty of lifeguards on duty and free to use swim aids. Which we made use of for Harry. Secondly, there are so many things to do.

Indoor Area

Inside there is a central indoor pool which has a wide sloped entrance. Almost like the beach with plenty of seats. This is the wave pool there is a wave machine which goes every half an hour or so. There’s a baby play area with a shallow children’s pool, small slide and ball pit. Plus a slightly larger splashdown area that has various jets, a large bucket that empties and three more slides. Harry who is six particularly liked this area. Next door to this there is another smaller pool with a climbing wall and hanging ropes for the super fit! Two further jacuzzis and more water slides than I can count. 

The slides are accessed from the towers and there are suggested routes to make sure you try them all. Charlie at 145cm could go on them all. Harry was more limited at 120cm but still went on a couple including the ones with the double rings. There are even one of those slides where the bottom drops out when you stand in the chamber. With a snack bar in the pool complex, you don’t even need to leave to eat.

Outdoor Area

The main pool leads into a lazy river which was probably my favourite part of the complex. Within the lazy river, there was also another slide which was short and steep. Also outside there was a large outdoor pool with an assault course. Where you had to cross the water using yellow floating pads and a cargo net. This was very popular with the kids. Part of the outside area was not opened when we visited which was another wading pool. This area is only open in the high season. There are plenty of sunbeds around the outside pool if you want to relax all you need is a poolside bar.

Other free things to do at Center Parcs Paris France

As well as Aqualagon which is included in the price of your accommodation. I was very impressed with the other ‘free’ activities on offer with no additional charges. I think this is really important especially if you are planning a trip to Disneyland Paris and want to keep the cost down on the other activities you get up to. Not something that is possible with a standard Hotel at Disneyland Paris.

Lait’s Play Indoor Play World

This was located next to one of our favourite restaurants (see below). And the boys loved it. Ideal if the weather is a bit iffy the play area is made up of various different zones. With plenty of opportunities to climb, slide and explore. There is even a small ball pit. With seating and a coffee bar, it has also been thought about from a parent’s perspective. The area continues outside as well with a giant wooden tractor and more slides. 

Bellevie Farm – Ferme Bellevie

Right next door to the play area is the farm. This is where some of the paid-for animal activities take place. However, you can still access many other farm animals. The goat enclosure is open and you can walk through it. Plus there is an opportunity to feed the goats and sheep. There are several pigs and also a large barn housing some very pretty cows. Round the back, there is a pony field. One of the paid-for activities is pony rides. But you can still visit the ponies in the field or stables when they are not part of the pony club on that day.

Outside play area in the Forest of Legends

We only discovered this on our last day. Located near the woodland the outside play area is made up of various towers and slides. All in bright colours. There are also rope bridges and a climbing area. With colourful ropes and interesting structures, the boys really enjoyed running off some steam before we left. There are several other smaller play areas located around the parc, but this one was by far the most impressive.

I have written about these more in-depth in the below blog post. Including some of the other things we also got up to while we were that didn’t cost a penny.

READ MORE – 16 Free Center Parcs Activities at Villages Nature

The paid-for activities at Center Parcs Paris France & free app

Just like Center Parcs in the UK, you can book various different paid-for activities. There is so much choice in the range of activities. That there is bound to be something for the whole family. There are over 100 in total and a full-service spa. You can book your activities via the welcome centre or the app. It is a really simple process and the app shows you all the activities in one place that are on for that day. So really handy if you want to fit something in but are not sure what. As we visited out of season as such (it was not school holidays in France). We could get on all the activities we wanted. However, if you are planning a trip in the Summer months then I would suggest getting them booked in prior to arrival to be sure. 

I really liked that there was a focus on some alternative activities such as bread making and chocolate making. Along with learning to care for farm animals. Of course, there are your traditional activities too but many are based around the resort. What is missing is the large selection of racket sports as there is no undercover sports area. But instead, these are replaced with things such as tree top ropes which is a lot of fun. And activities that centre around the lake. 

Over the week we visited we fitted in the chocolate making, electric boats, bowling, the tree top ropes and wall climbing at the Action Factory.

Chocolate Making

Taking part at the farm the boys learnt all about how chocolate is made. They also had the chance to do it themselves as did we. The session lasts about an hour. Once you have collected the chocolate from the machine you start the job of spooning it into the moulds. Before scraping off the excess. Naturally, the boys thought this was great fun and Harry promptly got covered. Once we had all had a turn they were popped in the fridge to cool. At this point, our instructor explained where chocolate comes from and how it is made. It was completely done in English. He was very knowledgeable and allowed a lot of questions. Cost 12€ for children and 14.50€ for adults.

Electric Boats

On the central lake, you can either take mini boats or electric boats out. Each lasts for half an hour. All life jackets are provided and adults need to wear them too. Children are not allowed to drive the electric boats. We were given instructions on which areas we could take the boat and which areas we couldn’t. It did allow us to get up close to some of the birdlife. As there were a number of floating platforms on which they had built nests on. They did not seem bothered by our presence at all. Cost 25€

Bowling

We went ten-pin bowling on our first full day. The bowling alley is located just behind the bar area on the lakeside promenade you can order drinks to your lane. The price is 38€ for one hour and depending on how quick you are, depends on how many games you get. We managed one and a half. There are lots of lower-weight balls for the kids and they have some dinosaurs which also you to position the ball to roll it down the lane. When you set up your players you can also choose bumpers or no bumpers. This is really handy as they come up automatically. 

Tree Top Ropes

This was the boy’s favourite activity at Center Parcs Paris. Depending on height will depend on which trails you can go on. Harry at 120cm could go on the light green trails. While Charlie could go on everything other than the black and red ones which are designed specifically for adults. When you arrive you are given a wristband and a time. The time is when you should leave the ropes. Although at two and half hours they were still going around a course so we completed them before leaving. There is a full safety briefing by video and then an indication where you are shown how to use the ropes and carabiners. It was a lot of fun and I felt very proud of Harry who really enjoyed himself. 

I spent most of the time supervising him. While Charlie and the husband tackled some of the higher courses. I was quite shocked by just how high Charlie went! Cost 22€ for children and 29€ for adults. 

Action Factory

Located in the middle of the resort the Action Factory is an inside climbing area. There are also other activities each of which allows you to score points and see your position on the leader board. When we visited we only took park in the climbing rock walls. But there is also karaoke, dancing, interactive games and for the older kids a ninja assault course. To play you either pay with euros or credits on your blue wristband. 45 minutes in the climbing wall area cost 3€ each which is very reasonable. Specialised shoes are also provided. Harry enjoyed trying the easier yellow climbs and tapping his wristband once he reached the top to gain points. It wasn’t long before he was giving the medium difficultly ones a go!

The Restaurants at Center Parcs Paris France

As you would expect there are plenty of eating options at Les Villages Nature Paris. During our stay, we tried out the main ones. I have written about them in a separate post which I have linked below. There is a wide choice and we did not need to book. However, I think you can book via the Welcome Centre which I would recommend doing at busier times. 

You can check opening times for each restaurant on the app as well as see all the menus. I think this is a really good idea. Especially if you have a fussy child like us! Expect to pay around 12€ for a kid’s meal. I actually think that generally the restaurants are priced well considering it is a captive audience. The cottage is fully self-catered so you can eat in. There is an on site supermarket where you can pick up everything you would need and it is reasonably priced. It is also possible to hire a BBQ. If you may a booking online then it s also possible to choose a meal card for 19.50€ for either lunch or dinner per adult/teen. Children’s meals are generally cheaper than this so there is no need to book for them. 

There is also a bakery on site with delicious-looking pastries. Well while in France… It is also possible for you to arrange to have breakfast delivered to your door! It arrives between 7 am and 8 am – there is something delicious about fresh pano-chocolates and croissants in the morning. 

READ MORE – Les Villages Nature Paris Restaurants. 

Disneyland Paris affiliated Hotel – Disney Nature Resort

Les Villages Nature Paris is a Disney-affiliated hotel and in my opinion, the best ‘way’ to do Disneyland Paris. This means that guests of villages nature Paris get magic time in the Disney parks (including Walt Disney Studios Park) being able to access it a whole hour before the general public. Not only that but you also get free parking which saved us 30€. It is around a 15-minute drive to the car park. However, you can also pick up a bus from the West Entrance of the resort. The Number 47 timetable is available at the Welcome Center and it runs from early in the morning until late into the evening. The bus takes around twenty-five minutes to reach Disneyland Park from the Hotel and costs 2€ per person. 

We had our park entrance tickets in advance, but the welcome centre also sells tickets for the theme parks.

Best hotel at Disneyland Paris – Center Parc Village Nature Paris

I do think it is a brilliant way to do Disney as such. We have previously stayed in a Hotel at Disneyland Paris and as much as l love it. It can get a bit overwhelming and exhausting for the kids. By staying at Les Villages Nature Paris. You can get all the good bits, such as staying for the fireworks. But also spend some time relaxing in the tranquil surroundings with a complete change of scene. I really don’t think I would do it any other way now. 

I did notice that there definitely seemed to be busier days on the basis of how many people were at Disney. We chose to go on a Wednesday during a midweek break and I think this was a popular day. Plus we missed a couple of the activities we wanted to do such as the wine tasting. As this is only done on a Wednesday or a Saturday. So it is worth bearing this in mind. 

READ MORE – 21 tips for planning a day trip to Disneyland Paris

READ MORE – The Ultimate Guide to Disneyland Paris Rides

Other Day trips from Les Villages Nature Paris

Although Disneyland Paris may be the obvious day trip from Center Parcs Paris France. There are several others. As our stay with Les Villages Nature Paris was part of a larger holiday we picked these up before and after our stay. However, you could easily do these as day trips with all being around an hour’s drive away (when the traffic behaves). Failing that you can organise excursions at the Welcome Centre and use the local transport. My friend Beccy was also visiting and she took a day trip to central Paris which you can read about here. 

When visiting central Paris there are a number of different monuments – the obvious being the Eiffel Tower, but we also visited The Pantheon Paris, Arc Du Triomphe and Hotel Marine. If you have a car then you may also want to consider the Palace of Versailles with its fantastic water fountains. Parking is easy or you could extend your stay further by staying in a hotel as we did. 

READ MORE – 9 nights in the Paris Region with Kids

READ MORE – 2 nights in Paris with kids

 

Top tips for your visit to Les Villages Nature Paris France

We had an excellent time at Center Parcs Paris France and picked up a few tips which may help you with your own visit:

• Arrive early, although the time of check-in is not until 3 pm you can arrive early and use the facilities at Center Parcs Paris before this time. We noticed that Monday and Friday were particularly quiet as it was changed over the day. We stayed all day on Friday as we were going on to visit Versailles and so did not need to race back for the Eurotunnel. We had the outside play area all to ourselves. 
• When you leave all you need to do is leave your blue wrist bands at the exit giving you contactless check-out and a stress-free departure
• Combine your stay with a few nights in Paris, the resort makes an ideal place to wind down after the busyness of a city break. Or after a few days in Disney. 
• Bring your own loo roll. Depending on how you are travelling if you can bring your own loo roll then do. Just as it’s quiet on change over day the supermarket is not. Running out of loo roll by 5 pm on Monday. They did restock but it’s just easier to bring your own if you have a car.
• The electric golf carts are popular. They cost 143€ for a four-night break and you can book it at the same time as booking your accommodation. 

And more tips – Hotel Disneyland Paris

• It actually works out cheaper than a UK Center Parcs. And if you book more than two months ahead then you get lower prices 20% discount on the price. Booking can be done easily on their website and it is also possible for you to pick your specific numbered accommodation. Useful if you want to ensure you are central. Or if you are travelling without a car.
• Book restaurants if you can. We were really lucky and did not have to wait for long to be seated. However, when the park is at capacity I would imagine this could be a different story.
• Make sure you download the Les Villages Nature app in advance of your visit. Check activities for the whole week and plan your off resort days accordingly.
• If you are planning on eating on site then it may be worth considering the special 19.50€ meal voucher when you book. 
• The accommodation comes with a travel cot or infant beds, a stair gate if needed and a high chair.
• There is also a Europe Business Center if you need any work facilities during your stay. The free wifi is not bad and so you could work remotely quite easily.

Our Conclusions – Center Parc Village Nature Paris

If you can’t already tell we really enjoyed our break and had a wonderful stay at Les Villages Nature Paris in France. It is a fantastic resort and the best bit is that with so many activities we could easily return and have a very different break. It is well priced in comparison with other Disneyland Paris hotels. But this should not be your sole reason for visiting. We may have initially visited for Disneyland Paris but we left knowing that we will return for all that Les Villages Nature Paris offers in a family holiday. It really is a unique holiday experience.

Have you visited Les Villages Nature Paris? I would love to hear your thoughts about this Disneyland Paris Hotel.

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