MARNE-la-VALLEE
Area: Cities
Country: France


Location:
In N France, starting from about 3 miles W of Disneyland Paris and about 5 miles E of Paris. 12 miles S of Roissy/Charles de Gaulle international airport and about 10 miles NE of Orly international airport.

Telephone code from UK:
33

Position:
Running for approximately 7 miles along the flat valley of the River Marne.

Description:
A modern residential and business buffer state between Paris and Disneyland Paris, this is a revolutionary series of "new towns" constructed in a lengthy constellation pattern instead of the traditional gathering around a focal point. Marne-la-Vallee is spread over an area of several square miles, separated by woodlands, recreational centres and flat farmland, including the occasional sleepy village and linked by a network of fast, modern roads. Architectural variety and cultural self-sufficiency have been priorities so that, in theory, inhabitants should be content educating themselves, working and relaxing locally, without wanting to overcrowd Paris. To date they seem to be. Of the half-dozen districts, Noisy-le-Grand is the only one to live up to its name and indulge in buildings more than a dozen storeys high; the others rarely pass four or five. Parts of the banks of the River Marne still conjure up scenes from French films between the wars _ people enjoying themselves on a Sunday, strolling, cycling, flirting to the spell of a skittish accordion. There are woods and lakes, but the predominant landscape is flat fields with eruptions of very modern architecture of all shapes and sizes.

Suitability:
Mainly used as an alternative, cheaper base for visiting Disneyland Paris, but its many technical firms also attract plenty of business people.

Accommodation:
Wide selection of fairly mundane 2- and 3-star hotels, B&Bs and the occasional hostel. Much cheaper than those in Disneyland Paris. Though not essential, your own transport is an advantage.

Shopping:
Each village or township has its own central provincial-style shops supplemented by outlying supermarkets and malls with the accent on quantity rather than variety.

Entertainments:
Daytime: Disneyland Paris theme park is the biggest draw. Outdoor activities in the woods or recreation areas with picnic and parking facilities; footpaths; cycling lanes; fishing; water sports; horse riding. Aviation and parachuting. 18-hole golf course. Nightlife: low-key in general. Each village has its own complement of bars and cafes.

Eating:
This is France after all, so fare is varied and generally good quality, if unsophisticated.

Public-transport:
Served by regular fast train (RER) and a rather haphazard local bus service. Abundant taxis.

Local-excursions:
Disneyland Paris and Paris itself (both full day).