Les Villages Nature Paris resort review

Les Villages Nature Paris is a Center Parcs resort that combines nature with activities, situated not far from Paris and Disneyland Paris. Our writer Debra Waters visited with her husband and son. Here, she tells us what it’s really like for families in our Les Villages Nature Paris resort review.

Childhood, as most of us know too well, is fleeting, which is why a holiday that can combine wholesome activities with a trip of a lifetime is a winner. This is when Les Village Nature Paris comes into its own. Close to the French capital (for those looking for a spot of culture) and a stone’s throw from Disneyland Paris, it’s also a fantastic site in its own right – a Center Parcs with comfortable and spacious accommodation, pools and slides galore and loads to do for kids and adults of all ages.

What’s more, thanks to its proximity to the UK, it’s a greener and more convenient way to ‘do Disney’ than flying to the US. Just a three-and-a-half hour drive from Calais, it’s not too taxing a journey by car.

The look and feel of Les Villages Nature Paris

Les Villages Nature Paris does, indeed, feel like a large, sprawling village – and a verdant one at that. Expect a spacious park (544 acres) dotted with attractive self-catering cottages and apartments. There is a focus on wood and water – large lakes adorn the site, while the impressive aqualagon (think “aqua lagoon”) houses both indoor and outdoor pools and some impressive slides, as well as an array of lush greenery (there’s not a plastic pot plant in sight!). You are surrounded by foliage and animals, yet a ‘Disneyfied’ version of nature it is not. There are birds in abundance, a farm with goats and horses and pets are allowed. It’s surprisingly quiet, and you definitely don’t feel you’re on top of other holidaymakers.

BRITMUMS TOP TIPS

• Download the Les Villages Nature app. This indispensable app allows you to manage your stay, get directions, use the map, book activities and find out opening times and restaurant menus.

• Do your research before you go. This will help you decide whether you want stay near the action or opt for accommodation a short walk away (you can request this when you book, depending on your budget). It also means you can book activities in advance.
• The park is very spread out, which is great for a feeling of space. However, if you’re in in a cottage (rather than an apartment) expect a walk or a cycle ride to the action.

The accommodation at Les Villages Nature Paris

There are two types of accommodation of varying sizes – 385 apartments for 2 to 4 people and 483 cottages that sleep 4 to 12. Accommodation comes in three options – Comfort, Premium and VIP – the difference in price is reflected in extra space, facilities or added luxuries (all options include towels, bed sheets, a baby bed and high chair). Some of the accommodation has a charming weathered wood exterior, and the cottages are subtly nestled between trees and lakes.

Where we stayed

We stayed in a waterside VIP cottage for four (two bedrooms, two bathrooms), which was clean, roomy and stylish in an understated way – think a plethora of wood with green, taupe and mushroom tones. Inside, there was a good-sized living and dining area (the VIP apartments and VIP and Premium cottages also boast a fireplace for chillier evenings). The kitchen included a large fridge, induction hob, microwave grill and dishwasher, plus a coffee maker, coffee pod machine (Dolce Gusto), kettle and toaster – enough for a self-catering break. Outside, on the decking area overlooking the lake, we found sun loungers and a hanging wicker chair – perfect for reclining with a book – and there was a table and chairs for al fresco dining.

One highlight was the lavish addition of a large spa bath, where parents can spend a blissful hour in bubbles, perhaps with a glass of French rosé. The beds were comfortable too, although bedrooms can get hot at night. There’s no inbuilt air-con – this would go against the eco-friendly nature of the park and its commitment to sustainable development – but you can hire an air-con unit. Alternatively, if you’re driving, bring your own fans.

BRITMUMS TOP TIPS

• If you drive, it’s good to know that there are allocated car parks by your accommodation.
• There are accommodation options for guests with reduced mobility.
• If hot weather is predicted, ask for an air-con unit before you get there so you don’t need to chase it on arrival.
• Nature isn’t necessarily quiet! We loved waking up to swans and ducks but they can be loud at night, so take earplugs if this might be an issue for you.

Cleanliness

Our VIP cottage was clean and unmarked (in the interest of journalistic integrity I even checked under the beds). The kitchen – cutlery, crockery, dishwasher, microwave – and bathrooms were all clean and in good working order. There are some reports online of dirty accommodation but we didn’t experience this. Hopefully, this is something the park is dealing with.

When we stayed our experience of the cleanliness and tidiness of communal areas (promenade, paths, pools and restaurants) was positive. We didn’t see any litter during our stay, and the aqualagon family changing rooms were cleaned even in busy periods, although some of the (numerous) showers didn’t work.

BRITMUMS TOP TIPS

• If possible, take some cleaning products from home (e.g. multi-purpose spray, bin bags, washing-up liquid, dishwasher tablets). The accommodation comes with a handy kitchen pack with a sponge and a small amount of detergent but you’ll need more than you’re given.
• While towels and sheets are provided, if you have the space in your luggage it’s worth taking your own beach towels, extra tea towels and even another pillow each.

Services & facilities  

You could spend weeks at Les Villages Nature Paris and still not do everything there is to do. There are several free activities for all ages, which we took full advantage of. The pools, slides, indoor play area and farm, for example, are included in the price, as is standard for a Center Parcs. Expect to pay for the arcade and Action Factory (an indoor facility with climbing playground, ninja obstacle course, karaoke, laser challenge and more), bicycle and boat hire, classes such as bread making and wine tasting, activities such as swimming lessons, pony riding and tree trails, and kids club. Some activities are seasonal or weather-dependent, so check before you book.

I loved being at Les Villages Nature as much as being at Disneyland!

Arthur, age 11

The Segway experience

We opted for a leisurely trip around a lake in an electric boat (€25) – a relaxing choice after a fun-packed day cycling and swimming – but it was riding Segways (from €16) and the tree trails (from €22) that got our adrenalin pumping. Not only were Segways easier to master than we thought (my hubby isn’t known for his balance but he didn’t fall off once!), exploring the park on a Segway with our friendly, helpful guide was a refreshingly different way to see what the site had to offer.

Tree trails at Les Villages Nature Paris

The tree trails (also known as Parcours) were particularly adventurous. Similar to Go Ape in the UK, after a safety talk you’re left to your own devices to travail the timbers. There are varying heights to scale (some are unexpectedly high) and a pleasing amount of zip wires (if you’re 11… I took a bit more convincing). Safe yet exhilarating, it was a family highlight.

Here are just some of the things you can do:

Activities, including: archery, boating, mini golf, tree trails, paddleboarding, Segway

• Amphitheatre concerts
• Beach games  
• Bowling
• Children’s farm

Fitness centre

• Kids club (check dates before you book)
• Indoor play area

Pools, slides and water-related activities such as swimming lessons, aqua gym and aqua scooters

• Spa with a steam room, sauna and salt cabin

BRITMUMS TOP TIPS

• If you’re on a budget and you’re driving, take your own bikes (or at least helmets and locks). Bike hire is from €20 a day for adults and €11 a day for kids, though the day rate gets cheaper the longer you hire them for. We had bikes for four days, which cost €30 each for us and €18 for our son.
• To keep costs down, make the most of what’s free, adding in a few well-chosen activities.
• The welcome house (open 10am-7pm) is friendly but service is a little slow. When we were there it was understaffed, so expect a wait. Our advice: Be patient, it’s much appreciated by the lovely staff.
• Don’t forget medicines. The nearest pharmacy is a 10-minute drive away in a nearby village. You’re surrounded by nature so if you have hay fever you’ll need antihistamines.

Food & drink

There’s a range of restaurants, cafes and bars offering family favourites, including burgers, pizza and crêpes, as well as an excellent (albeit pricey) bakery offering divine French bread, pastries and cakes, and delicious salads. You’ll find traditional French cuisine at Cépages – a restaurant and wine bar where we enjoyed a cheese and charcuterie platter, washed down with a well-priced bottle of excellent French vino. The interchangeable kids menus – at €12 – were great value.

There’s also a wide range of Italian cuisine at the popular Vapiano (pizzas from €12.40; €9 for the kids menu) and generously sized burgers served with a smile at Miam Miam Burger (from €16; €12 for a kids meal).

For us, the foodie highlight was Les Délices de la Ferme – the airy, open restaurant at Bellevie Farm (open for breakfast and lunch). We loved the freshly made rustic fare, the seasonal veg and the organic wine. The French appreciate the value of a menu du jour and here we paid €23 for two courses, while our 11-year-old’s main with two sides, dessert and a drink was €12. Considering the current cost of living is high, we didn’t balk at these prices. However, like many families, we ate out less than usual.

BRITMUMS TOP TIPS

• The supermarket is well stocked but not cheap. This isn’t unusual for resorts such as these, so if you’re driving, stock up from a local supermarche en route.
• Meals aren’t extortionate but to make your trip more cost-effective, take advantage of the self-catering facilities to minimise how many times you eat out.
• The restaurants do get booked up so it’s worth making reservations.

Is Les Villages Nature Paris family-friendly?

Les Villages Nature is, without a doubt, a family-friendly place. France is renowned for its brilliant campsites and parks and this one doesn’t disappoint. There are activities both inside and outside, so if it rains, you won’t be trapped in your accommodation. As well as indoor pools there are indoor play areas, such as the farm-themed Lait’s Play Indoor Play World (4-11-year-olds), the Ninja Obstacle Race (for 6+), the Action Factory (suitable for all ages), or the Escape Room (8+) – to name a few. Plus there’s the all-important kids club for children aged 4-12 (from €16 for two hours; book in advance).

While some activities won’t suit all ages, others are for everyone – whether that’s cycling (or being transported), the pools, watching the interactive live shows, tours of the farm, or pitching dance skills against each other at Let’s Dance.

Adult-only activities include wine tastings and the spa. Again, in the interest of journalistic integrity, I booked a 45-minute massage (€105, which includes access to the sauna, steam room, salt cabin and relaxation area) and wiled away a very pleasant couple of hours in the low-light of a wonderfully scented spa, enjoying the heat of the sauna, the salty environs of the salt cabin and the child-free relaxation area (I even managed to read a whole chapter of my book without being interrupted).

Is it up to date?

There are no complaints about the overall tidiness and look of Les Villages Nature Paris. The outside areas were clean and well-kept and the greenery and space is a perfect antidote if you live in a city or you want to avoid a crammed holiday park.

TIP: The internet is patchy. Take a dongle or expect to use your phone’s WIFI data if you want to access streaming services or emails, or keep the kids entertained at night.

Visiting Disneyland and Walt Disney Studios

2022 is Disneyland Paris’ 30-year anniversary, and now that life is (kind of) getting back to normal, there’s definitely a sense of renewed excitement at Disneyland. I first went to Disneyland when I was 11 – my son’s age now – and this time it felt as magical as when I was a child. If your kids like Disney at all, or love rides, it’s worth it for the once-in-a-lifetime experience. And because Disneyland Paris is much closer to the UK than the American parks, it’s arguably a more convenient (and greener) option for Brits.

It’s nigh impossible to be in a bad mood at Disneyland – the sense of joy and wonderment is pervasive. It’s cornucopia of colour and sound and is generally spotless. We got there at opening time (9.30am though this time varies depending on the season) and we didn’t have to queue to get in, but the park fills up quickly. While it never feels rammed, it’s usually full. We headed straight for the rides we wanted to do the most – namely the ‘Big Thrills’ such as Big Thunder Mountain and Indiana Jones and the Temple of Peril. Expect queues of 30 minutes or more on a typical day. Rides for the little ones are equally popular – Dumbo the Flying Elephant and Peter Pan’s Flight are two examples.

Tips for visiting Disneyland Paris

It really pays to plan ahead, especially if you’re only visiting Disneyland for a day. Downloading the Disneyland Paris and MagiPark apps is a must – these are founts of information. The former allows you to buy tickets and Premier Access (so you don’t have to queue for certain rides for as long) and to book shows and restaurants. The MagiPark app provides ride wait times and availability (sometimes rides are closed).

To avoid disappointment book tickets in advance – a dated ticket (for a set day or days) costs from around £50.15 for both adults and children; an undated ticket (which allows you to visit within a year of booking but you must register online for the day you want to go) costs from £94 for an adult and £86 for a child (children under 3 go free). Your ticket costs more if you want to visit Walt Disney Studios, and it’s highly recommended that you do.

If the thought of queuing for ages gives you a headache, Premier Access allows you to skip the longer queues on the most popular rides so you can get more out of your day. The downside is you don’t get a pass for all rides – you pay per ride, per person, and are allocated a time.

How far is it from Les Villages Nature Paris to Disneyland?

It’s only 6km to Disneyland Paris from Les Villages Nature Paris. The shuttle takes 15 minutes and is only €2 each, or you can get a cab or drive. The shuttle gets busy, so be prepared to queue for one, and you’ll probably need to stand, but it’s only a short journey.

BRITMUMS TOP TIPS

• The more prepared and comfortable you are for a day at Disneyland, the more you’ll enjoy yourself. Eat a good breakfast, wear comfortable clothing and shoes, and take sunscreen or rain macs depending on the weather.
• Premier Access ranges from €7-16pp. While this is by no means a cheap option, if it’s a once in a lifetime trip or you have the money, it saves a lot of time and will prevent fractious arguments and grumpy moods. Aim to buy Premier Access for 2-4 rides if you can.
• There are walk-in restaurants and takeaway places but if you’d like a sit-down meal, book in advance. We were there for 10 hours and in that time ate at one walk-in restaurant and had sandwiches and snacks for our other meals. Take water with you.

Is Les Villages Nature Paris a different way to do Disney?

If any of your children, like many kids post-lockdown, feel a tad overwhelmed by large crowds, Les Village Nature Paris is the perfect way to balance the hectic marvels of Disneyland with a quieter, more serene place to relax and rest your head. After a day at Disney that we will never forget, we benefitted from hopping in a cab (€8) back to the park to enjoy the peace that Les Village Nature offers. There are busy parts, of course, but lots of spots to get away. By staying at Les Villages Nature Paris, you get the best of both worlds.

Value for money

If you’ve been to a Center Parcs before you’re likely to be clued up as to what’s value for money and what’s not. While many activities cost, there are free pools, slides, playgrounds, a farm, a beach and sports areas to keep families occupied. To avoid arguments and the inevitable “Can we, can we, pleeeeease mumm” sleeve-tugging it pays to download the app before you go and do your research. On the app each activity is priced, so you can choose and book a couple in advance – spaced apart throughout your stay – to satisfy the family. For us, it was a case of: “It’s a no to the aqua scooter today, but don’t forget we’ve got mini jeep rides on Wednesday!”

A child’s review of Les Villages Nature Paris

Here’s what our son Arthur, age 11, thought”

“I was really excited about the pools and the slides and the activities, but mainly the slides. I was also really excited about Disneyland.

“My favourite place was the aqualagon. My fave slide was The Rocket [for 12 years or older, or 1.5m minimum height]. You stand on a trapdoor and after three seconds it releases you and you go flying down really fast! It’s scary but also so much fun. I also like the outdoor swimming pools because there’s a current that pushes you along as you swim.

“Our cottage was massive and so modern. There are lots of things in the shape of avocados – the mirror, and the green rug with the brown table that looks like a stone – and there’s massive tree on the wall.

“When I saw the indoor spa bath I was so excited – it even had LED lights! After mum’s turn, I went in in my goggles for an hour!

“The Segways are so much fun. You can go up to 20km! The guide was really friendly and nice and really good at the Segway. He could do lots of cool stuff. We went around the park and none of us fell off!

 “There are so many cool slides in the outdoor play area [Forest of Legends] and you can climb quite high into the trees. I loved being at Les Villages Nature as much as being at Disneyland!”

ADDRESS: Route de Villeneuve, 77700 Bailly-Romainvilliers, France

T: 00 33 161 10 77 77

W: www.lesvillagesnature.com;  

DIRECTIONS AND MAP LINK: https://www.lesvillagesnature.com/gb-en/france/fp_VN_holiday-park-villages-nature-paris/route

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