Inside the real-life town that Disneyland Paris built – with Italian-copycat homes and no rubbish on the streets

The Sun

4 days ago

LOVE Disneyland Paris so much you could live there? That's not actually impossible…
Because the much-loved European theme park has built its own town called Val D'Europe - which is only a six-minute drive from the theme park.
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Just like any normal town, there are thousands of homes, offices, restaurants, schools, supermarkets and even a hospital.
Essentially, it has everything you'd ever need... just with a world-class theme park on the doorstep.
It all started back in 1987, when Disney started to build Euro Disney, which is now known as Disneyland Paris.
Working with the French Government, the park was sold the surrounding land and it soon began to build its own town for people to live in.
Today, more than 50,000 people have set up home in the town, with houses selling from €250,000 (£215,521) to €465,000 (£400,869).
Many of the houses and buildings town were inspired by both Regent's Park in London and Tuscany in Italy, according to The Times.
Frank Hetherton, one of Disney's leading architects, admitted: "We did borrow from there. It's an authentic style."
As the town rose from the ground, Disney had grand ambitions for it, like a job for every resident.
They're big on cleanliness to, with visitors claiming they never see any Ideals rubbish or graffiti on the streets.
And locals are overwhelmingly satisfied with the town, scoring 90 percent on happiness with their surroundings in previous surveys among residents.
If you are a Disney mega fan, you definitely won't want to miss exploring the town as it is home to many Disney-themed locations.
Elsewhere in Val d'Europe you can explore a large shopping centre with lots of French brands but household favourites too like H&M.
Just nine-minutes walking from the shopping centre is one of the many hotels in the town - the Relais Spa Val d'Europe.
Inside guests can enjoy a serene spa, with an indoor pool, hot tub, sauna and steam room, and stay costs from £135 per night.
Or you could opt to stay at the Grand Magic Hotel, which is sat next to a park overlooking a pond.
The fantasy-themed hotel even has it's own character named Monsieur Maurice who looks after all the hotel has to offer including flamboyant interiors, a Grand Hall and immersive animations.
Back into the town, there is also La Vallée Village, which is home to different outlet stores offering designer items at discounted prices.
The destination is owned by the same company as Bicester Village found in Oxford, UK and at La Vallée visitors will find similar brands, as well as more local designers.
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For a little history hunting, you can head to Château de Chessy, where you will find a pretty castle in the middle of an expansive park with a lake.
And if you are looking or a bite to eat, you won't be short of options.
You could head to the classic french spot, Le Diplomate Cafe and Bar, which has a range of cocktails, organic wine and champagne.
Dishes include grilled aubergine and beef tartare.
Alternatively, head to Wonderwoods Restauran, which features a fun interior that looks more like an enchanted woodland.
The immersive restaurant features fairy creatures, mushrooms and woodland paths.
You could experience snails or opt for a classic truffle pasta, or even treat yourself to afternoon tea.
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The entire town is split into six communes, each with different places, attractions and spots to eat worth exploring including multiple green spaces and bicycle paths.
For those living there, it has been designed so that everything they could ever need is within a 10-15minute walk.
And across the entire development there are no high rises, as it was designed to be a very liveable community that wasn't overdeveloped.
That isn't the end either, as over the next 15 years Val d'Europe will double in size.
By 2040, there will be even more shops, restaurant and 1,800 more hotel rooms.
And by then, 80,000 people are expected to live there thanks to over 6,000 new homes, 1,880 new residences and more office spaces.
Philippe Descrouet, mayor of Serris and president of Val d'Europe Agglomeration told Envie de Villes:"We are only halfway through the development of this new city.
"The first part of the story, written over the past 35 years, has been a success.
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"The second part will bring us to 100,000 inhabitants and the development of 350,000m² of office space as well as 300,000m² of additional activities."
Nearby, Center Parcs ' Villages Nature site is also undergoing development which is expected to be completed by 2037.
Visitors will be able to enjoy 170 new holiday homes, making there a total of 1,100 at the site.
Closer to 2037, there will also be 1,500 more places to stay in the park, leading to 3,000 in total by 2037.
Eventually, the village will have new restaurants, shops and leisure activities too.
A Sun reporter also recently went behind the scenes of Disneyland Paris' huge park expansion – with a new Frozen land and first ever Lion King ride.
Plus, the ground-breaking new Disneyland Paris show that makes you feel like you're inside a Disney movie.
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