Wouldn’t it be great to take a day trip  from Disneyland Paris to Paris?

For many Disney fans, a trip to Disneyland Paris is a high priority. But to make that vacation even better, try to work in a day trip from Disneyland Paris to Paris to see the city itself and visit some of the real life locations from your favorite Disney movies.

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How to get from Disneyland Paris to Paris

While at Disneyland Paris, Disney fans will brave the decidedly-more-scary-than-the-American-version of the Haunted Manor and scamper with Remy in the Ratatouille Adventure Ride. But once you’ve visited the park, wouldn’t it be great to see some of the real-life locations these Disney rides were inspired by?

One thing I’ve read more than a few times is how surprised visitors are that Disneyland Paris is not exactly close to Paris. In reality, Disneyland Paris is located in Chessy, a suburb roughly 20 miles (32 km) from the center of Paris itself.

In this article, I’ll discuss how to get to Paris from Disneyland Paris, some tips on making the trip as smooth as possible, and finally provide an example walking route. Along the way, I’ll show you how to see the most important sights on your list, as well as take you off the beaten path a bit to experience a Paris that many tourists miss.

Tip: Download My One-Day Itinerary Disneyland Paris to Paris Map. In this post, I’ll make reference to many of the points you will find there, and it will help you to string together sights in a great walk through some of the most interesting parts of the city.

So how do you make the trip from Disneyland Paris to Paris?

By far the best way to travel from Disneyland Paris to Paris is to hop on the RER. The Réseau Express Régional, or Regional Express Network in English, is a commuter train that will get you to the center of Paris from Disneyland Paris in roughly 40 minutes.

To make this trip, simply purchase a ticket at an RER station nearest to your accommodations at Disneyland Paris. The RER Stations you will most likely be choosing from will be Marne-la-Vallée Chessy, which is the closest to the Disneyland Paris main entrance, or Val d’Europe, which is located near many of the hotels frequented by visitors to Disneyland Paris.

Once you’ve decided which station to depart to get from Disneyland Paris to Paris, it’s time to head there and buy a ticket from a multilingual kiosk or ticket desk. You will want to purchase a ticket headed for the station Chatelet-Les Halles in central Paris. A one-way ticket will cost around €5 per person (discounted for children), and you’ll need to buy another one-way ticket on the return trip. Luckily, RER trains are fairly efficient, and you’ll get a chance to sit back, relax, and get ready for your day in Paris.

TIP: While on the RER, in other forms of public transit, or in any type of crowd, be aware of your surroundings and your belongings. Pickpocketing is the most common crime in Paris. However, it’s easy to prevent yourself from becoming a victim by simply being vigilant and careful with your valuables.

After about 30 minutes or so, keep an eye and an ear out for the station Chatelet – Les Halles. This is Paris’ busiest station, but don’t sweat, get your bearings and follow signs for Exit 6 – Porte de Pont Neuf.

You made it from Disneyland Paris to Paris. Welcome to the City of Light!

First Steps in Paris

You made it from Disneyland Paris to Paris and right now, you’re standing in a very business-oriented district on the Right Bank, so let’s head for something that feels a bit more like the Paris you imagined. Walk south on Rue du Pont Neuf until you reach The River Seine and a bridge known as Pont Neuf. Cross about halfway over the Pont Neuf and stop for an excellent photo opp with a beautiful view of the Louvre on the Right Bank and a glimpse of the Eiffel tower in the distance on the Left Bank. Now THIS is what we were looking for!

From the midpoint of the Pont Neuf, walk between the buildings that seem to form the point of a triangle, and you’ll find yourself in Place Dauphine. This is the first of a few stops on this itinerary that many visitors miss since they are almost hidden in plain sight! Take in this tree-lined square (and maybe take note of a café or bistro that looks good for dinner) then head for the northeast exit of Place Dauphine.

Churches of Paris

You’re currently on Île de la Cité and walking east on Quai de l’Horloge with the Seine on your left. Île de la Cité is where Paris began and is home to two of its most important and oldest churches. If you turn right on Boulevard du Palais, you’ll see France’s first public clock on the side of Le Conciergerie. Continue south and look to your right where you can see the Saint Chapelle, the royal chapel, and first of the historic churches on this walk. Before you reach the Seine again (hey, that rhymes), turn left on the scenic little Rue de Lutece then turn right on Rue de la Cité. Walk until you reach Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris.

Trust me, you can’t miss it.

The area in front of Notre-Dame will likely be very crowded nearly any time of day (a quick reminder to keep an eye out for pickpockets). Of particular note to Disney fans on a day trip from Disneyland Paris to Paris are the stone gargoyles dotting the magnificent building that inspired Victor Hugo’s story, “The Hunchback of Notre Dame”. This book in turn was adapted into a Disney movie of the same name you’re likely familiar with. As Paris’ most iconic cathedral, enthusiasm for this beautiful place wasn’t diminished by the tragic fire that ravaged it in 2019. Though scheduled to reopen for services in December 2024, check for ticket information well in advance of your visit to Paris. Even without a ticket to enter, Notre Dame can be appreciated from the outside before heading back to Quai des Orfévres.

When you arrive once again at the Seine, you’ll be facing Pont au Double. This small bridge is easy to miss but important to Disney fans on a day trip from Disneyland Paris to Paris. This is the bridge where Linguini stops himself just before tossing Remy into the Seine in the movie “Ratatouille”.

When you’re sure there are no rats with culinary flair close by, continue down Quai des Orfévres until you reach the end of Notre Dame. Turn left and take a moment to walk through Square Jean XXII, the small park that sits at the rear of the grand cathedral.

TIP: This is a location that is much less photographed than the front of Notre Dame, but no less incredible. With fewer people around, take the time to get some pictures if you’d like. You’ll have plenty of friends asking where you took them.

When you’re ready, head northeast and cross the nearby Pont Saint-Louis bridge to Île Saint-Louis, bidding a fond farewell to Île de la Cité.

Île Saint-Louis, a Cozy Village in the Big City

Welcome to Île Saint-Louis. This smaller island to the east of Cathédrale Notre-Dame is often overlooked by tourists but well worth exploring for its quaint, village-like atmosphere. There’s plenty of cafes and boutiques to check out and quiet streets to explore. If you’re feeling like now might be a good time for a coffee or snack, the cafes you see as soon as you cross the bridge would be a good place to stop, namely Le Flore en L’Île. When you’re ready to continue, you can choose to walk down the middle of the island along Rue Saint-Louis en l’Île, where you’ll find many boutiques and the delicious Berthillon ice cream shop. Or you can stick close to the Seine and walk down Quai d’Orléans. Choose your own adventure, but no matter what, you’ll want to head south on Rue des Deux Ponts and cross over the Pont de la Tournelle to reach the Left Bank.

TIP: The Pont de la Tournelle provides another excellent photo opp of the backside of Notre Dame.

You Are Now on the Left Bank

As soon as you cross the bridge, you’ll be taking your first steps on the Left Bank of Paris. Historically, this has been the home of artists and students, literaries and philosophers. You started your day trip from Disneyland Paris to Paris on the Right Bank, walked onto the historic islands in the center of The Seine, and now you’ll find the Left Bank to have its own feeling distinct from the other parts of Paris. This type of variety within a relatively small area is one of the things that makes Paris the great city it is.

The first sight you’ll see on the Left Bank will be very familiar to Disney Fans on a day trip from Disneyland Paris to Paris. The restaurant La Tour d’Argent was the direct inspiration for Gousteau’s, the primary setting for the movie “Ratatouille”. Although it’s eye-wateringly expensive (and closed if you’re making this walk in the late morning), you can pop into the nearby La Petite Épicerie de la Tour. This impressive specialty store carries wine, cheese, and other tasty foods ideal for a picnic. Talk with the friendly staff and pick up something good if you’d like to start making a picnic lunch to be enjoyed later today.

The Best Baguette in Paris? You be the Judge

Newly acquired delicacies secured, it’s time to tramp further into the Left Bank. Using Rue du Cardinal Lemoine, head south. You’ll cross the tree-lined Boulevard Saint-Germain and stay on Rue du Cardinal Lemoine for a while. Notice the increasing number of boutiques, bistros, and cafés. You’re walking through the Latin Quarter now, so named for the numerous students that spoke exclusively Latin here in the 12th century.

Feel free to pop into anything that catches your attention, but absolutely make sure you stop by Boulangerie Guyot, a blue-faced boulangerie you’ll see as you walk on Rue du Cardinal Lemoine. This is easily one of the best baguettes in the entire city, and it’s highly recommended you pick one up (along with any other baked good that calls to you) to keep building a picnic lunch. Try not to break into your food just yet, but if the baguette is still warm, or even if it’s not, I certainly won’t blame you for having a sample right there.

Cutting Through the Latin Quarter and into History

Partial baguette in hand, continue down Rue du Cardinal Lemoine until you reach Rue Clovis and hang a right. You’ll immediately see off to your left a portion of the ancient wall that at one time surrounded the medieval city of Paris. Continuing along Rue Clovis, you’ll pass by the Église Saint Étienne-du-Mont on the right and soon arrive at another of the iconic sights in Paris, The Panthéon. This ornate building has served as a church at times and a temple to France at others depending on who’s in charge. Since 1881, it has been a monument to France’s history and, more importantly, the final resting place for many heroes of France. In the crypt below, you will find memorials to the most important figures in French history such as Voltaire and Marie Curie. By far my favorite monument is that of Josephine Baker, the entertainer, resistance member, and activist and the first woman of color to be enshrined here. As she is buried in Monaco, her tomb contains soil from her three homes: France, Monaco, and our shared hometown of St. Louis, Missouri, USA.

 

 

Paris’ Backyard

It’s time to head away from this monument to France and work our way towards a different kind of treasure. Walk west from the Panthéon along Rue Soufflot. From here, you’ll have a pretty nice view of the Eiffel Tower and walk past a number of inviting cafés. Keep walking past those until you reach the end of the traffic circle, hang a brief left then cross over to the opposite side and come face to face with Jardin de Luxembourg. This expansive park is one of the finest green spaces in the city, and a perfect time to take a break and enjoy some of the snacks you purchased earlier. You will see the famous green chairs all over, but one of the most fun locations to sit and people watch for a bit will be at the central fountain. Here you’ll be able to enjoy your snack and watch young and old alike play with the toy sailboats while the hustle of the city fades into the background.

Once you’re feeling up to it, head north through the park, aiming for the right side of the Palais du Luxembourg. While you walk along the Palais, to your right will be the Fontaine Médicis. This tranquil fountain was commissioned by Marie de Medici remains a beautiful example of Italian Renaissance style.

As you head further north away from the fountain, cross the road and you’ll walk on Pl. Paul Claudel around the Odéon Theatre de l’Europe. Get a look at the theater and then continue north up Rue de l’Odeon. Again, you’ll start to see and feel the neighborhood changing around you. You’ll know we’ve entered the 6th Arrondisement with all the cafés starting to appear, and we will soon come upon the Saint-Germain neighborhood

Café Culture in Saint-Germain

From where you’re standing, facing Boulevard Saint-Germain, you have options for a stop at a café.

• Directly behind you is Le Comptoir du Relais which is popular amongst tourists and locals alike.
• If you turn left on Boulevard Saint-Germain, a brief stroll will bring you to the famous (and pricier) cafés Les Deux Magots and Café de Flore. These will be crowded most times of the day but it’s a good experience to sit outside with a drink and people watch in such historic locales. Outdoor tables will cost a bit more, inside tables will have more locals and if I had to choose just one of these cafés, it’s Les Deux Magots for the better food and usually less hurried atmosphere.
• Finally, if you cross Boulevard Saint-Germain you’ll see a blink-and-you-miss-it passage that leads to Brasserie Des Prés and the oldest literary café, Le Procope. Continue walking north along that passage and make a left towards Rue de Buci which features several cafés perfect for people watching, namely Maison Sauvage, The Bar du Marché and La Diva. La Diva especially is suited for photos with its over the top pink and neon clad decor.

TIP: most cafes will charge a bit more if you sit at one of the sidewalk tables, but the people watching is worth it if it’s a nice day.

The Prettiest Hidden Square in Paris

After you pay your tab, no matter which café you chose to enjoy, make your way to Place Furstemberg. This small square can be easily found on my One Day Itinerary Paris From Disneyland Paris Map. Once you arrive, take a minute to walk around this perfectly hidden square with a humble lamppost in the middle. You’ll see a flower shop, spices shop and the former workplace for famed French artist Eugene Delacroix. This is yet another place that many will cruise right past on their journeys in Paris, but it’s one more great example of why it pays to go off the beaten path a bit to see what you can uncover.

A Short Yet Beautiful Stroll

Exit through the opposite side of the square and turn right on Rue Jacob. We’re now coming to the close of the main portion of this itinerary, but we have a few more surprises to enjoy. Continue walking past the excellent landscaped corner and turn left onto Rue de Seine. Saint Germain is a very desirable place to live and this street is a prime example why. Boutiques mingle with artist studios and a few bustling restaurants make it feel vibrant. Continue walking along Rue de Seine until you pass by a small square at an intersection. As you walk next to the large domed building to your right (part of the Institut de France) you’ll see a small arched walkway cutting straight through the wall. Walk through and take in the spectacular view of the Seine and the Louvre. This moment is mentioned in the excellent book “Paris to the Moon” by Adam Gopnik. He called it

“The most beautiful walk in the world: up the rue de Seine and then right through the little, unprepossessing-looking arch-a hole punched in a wall-that gives no promise at all that it opens right onto the esplanade of the greatest of grand siecle buildings, the Institut de France.”

I tend to agree. The contrast of going from the quiet yet lively neighborhood street and through the archway only to have Paris beautifully reveal itself the moment you step through to the other side can be staggering.

A View to Remember

Now that you’ve seen more than a few sides of Paris, it’s time for one more breathtaking view. Head across the Quai de Conti and walk halfway across the small bridge named Pont des Arts. You’ll likely see a massive amount of locks on the fencing, but resist the urge to add your own. The collective weight of the locks on Paris’ many monuments is already causing structural issues. Instead, look all around you and take in the many sights you can see. To the north you’ll have to keep moving your eyes to take in the Louvre in its entirety. To the west you’ll be able to see the Eiffel tower and the Musée d’Orsay. To the south you’ll get a great view of the Institut de France where you just came from. Finally, to the east, you’ll be looking right at where we started the day, the Pont Neuf.

TIP: if you’re here later in the evening, this bridge is a great place to bring a bottle of champagne to enjoy and watch the sunset or the lights on the Eiffel Tower every hour, on the hour.

The Most Famous Museum in the World

Finish crossing the Pont des Arts and use the crosswalk to walk over Quai François Mitterand. Keep going straight and head through the large arch to enter the Cour Carée of the Louvre. Yes, you are now technically IN the Louvre. Though the former palace is now much larger and serves as the world’s most popular museum, this area is a bit less tread upon than you would expect. As you take in your surroundings, picture this square divided into 4 smaller squares. It’s hard to imagine now that the Louvre is so massive, but the square in the southwest corner would be roughly the size of the original Louvre Palace when it was built.

Head on through the arch way to the west, if you see the Pyramide du Louvre, you’ve gone the right way. From this elevated perch you get a great look at the main entrance to the museum, and the mass of people waiting to get in. It’s one more great photo opportunity, so snap away.

Congratulations, you’ve wrapped up this quick tour from Disneyland Paris to Paris.

Depending on how much time this walk took you and how much time you have left, there are a number of ways you can finish your day trip from Disneyland Paris to Paris.

In this post, I build upon the walk you just finished, starting at the Louvre and stringing the most popular museum in the world together with the Arc d’Triomphe and the Eiffel Tower. If you’re only here for a day, I suggest skipping the time it takes to get into and out of these sights and just experience them from the vantage points I’ll describe. This walk can be done any time of day, but the sights start to look their best later in the afternoon as the sun slowly starts to go down.

Additionally, if you’re here into the evening, you can head to a number of excellent cafés and restaurants before getting on the train back to Disneyland Paris. In my Best of Paris map, I recommend a few options in the 1st Arrondisement near the Chatelet-Les Halles RER station where you arrived. If you’re ok with a bit of backtracking, I refer to some great restaurants in Place Dauphine as well as a good number in the Saint-Germain neighborhood that are perfect for having a bite and then hopping to another café for another drink (or two). Visiting at different times of day will show you how the vibe varies and is a fun way to experience the same place twice.

TIP: From the Louvre, the most convenient station to head back to Disneyland Paris will be where you started, Chatelet-Les Halles. Though safe overall, this area has a reputation for becoming a bit seedy after dark. Like any moment when traveling, stay vigilant and keep an eye on your belongings and you’ll be just fine. I suggest departing central Paris for Disneyland Paris well before the final train of the night.

Thank you for joining me on a day trip from Disneyland Paris to Paris

It pays immensely to explore a new place and I truly hope you had a wonderful time going from Disneyland Paris to Paris, no matter how long you were there. If you followed this itinerary and downloaded the map, you saw not only the Disney highlights and historic landmarks in this great city, but also many of my favorite spots as well. Paris is impossible to see in one day, and really even a lifetime isn’t enough to uncover all its secrets, so hopefully your time here already has you looking forward to a return trip to see even more.