Most travellers have never heard of Chessy, yet millions pass through it every year. This small town in the Seine-et-Marne department, about 32 kilometres east of Paris, is the home of Disneyland Paris, Europe’s most visited theme-park resort. For families and Disney fans, Chessy, and the wider Marne-la-Vallée area it sits in, is a destination in its own right, and an easy addition to a trip to the French capital. I travel solo as often as not, but some of my trips here have been with family in tow, and this is exactly the sort of place that earns its keep on those.

This guide covers the two parks, how to reach Chessy, and what else there is in the area beyond the mouse ears.

Two Parks in One Resort

Disneyland Paris is made up of two adjacent theme parks. The original Disneyland Park, built around the pink Sleeping Beauty Castle, is the classic experience, with its lands running from Main Street U.S.A. to Fantasyland and a Wild-West Frontierland. Next door, Walt Disney Studios Park focuses on film, animation, and bigger thrill rides, and has expanded in recent years with new themed areas.

Between and around them sits Disney Village, a free-to-enter strip of restaurants, shops, and evening entertainment, and a ring of Disney-run and partner hotels. You can plan tickets, opening hours, and shows through the official Disneyland Paris site.

Getting to Chessy

One of the great advantages of Disneyland Paris is how easy it is to reach:

• From central Paris, the RER A suburban train runs directly to the Marne-la-Vallée–Chessy station, right at the gates of the resort, in around 40 minutes.
• From further afield, the same station is a stop for TGV high-speed trains and the Eurostar, so you can arrive directly from other French cities, Brussels, or London without going into Paris at all, and as an unashamed high-speed-train enthusiast, I love that you can step off a TGV and practically into the park.
• From the airports, shuttle buses and rail links connect both Charles de Gaulle and Orly to the resort.

That connectivity is a big part of why so many visitors pair the parks with a stay in the city; the town itself is covered on its Wikipedia page.

Beyond the Parks

Chessy and the surrounding Val d’Europe development have grown up around the resort, and there is more here than rides:

• Val d’Europe shopping centre and the adjacent La Vallée Village, a large designer-outlet mall, draw shoppers in their own right.
• The Sea Life aquarium sits within the Val d’Europe complex.
• The wider Marne-la-Vallée new town has parks and open space if you need a break from the crowds.

Should You Combine It With Paris?

For most visitors, yes. A day or two at Disneyland Paris slots neatly onto a Paris trip, and the direct RER makes day trips in either direction simple. If you are deciding how to split your time, our guide on how many days you need in Paris can help you plan, and with the Eurostar stopping right at Chessy, it is even an easy add-on from London.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Chessy the same as Disneyland Paris? Chessy is the French town where Disneyland Paris is located. The resort sits within Chessy in the Marne-la-Vallée area, about 32 kilometres east of central Paris.

How do you get from Paris to Disneyland Paris? The RER A train runs directly from central Paris to Marne-la-Vallée–Chessy station at the resort gates in about 40 minutes. TGV and Eurostar trains also stop there.

How many days do you need at Disneyland Paris? One day is enough for a single park; two days lets you enjoy both Disneyland Park and Walt Disney Studios Park without rushing.

Final Thoughts

Chessy may be an unassuming name, but as the home of Disneyland Paris it is one of the most visited spots in France. With two parks, direct trains from Paris and beyond, and shopping and attractions on the side, it makes an easy and memorable addition to any trip to the region, especially for families.