Top 15 Must-Do Activities in Noisy-le-Grand, France

Situated roughly midway between Paris and Disneyland, Noisy-le-Grand is not a notable tourist destination by itself. However, if you choose to stay here, numerous captivating attractions are available in the vicinity.

The Disneyland resort, featuring two theme parks along with various amenities and attractions, is located a short distance to the east. Additionally, you can embark on brief excursions to various châteaux, museums, parks, and other significant sights in the surrounding suburbs.

Moreover, the renowned City of Light is accessible within just 15 minutes using the suburban rail network. There is truly no other place that matches its cultural, culinary, and historic offerings.

Let’s explore the best experiences in Noisy-le-Grand:

1. Avant-Garde Architecture

The demographic of Noisy-le-Grand doubled within a mere 15 years up to 1990, primarily due to a wave of innovative residential developments. These projects were spearheaded by prominent architects including Dominique Perrault from France and Spanish architects Manuel Núñez Yanowsky and Ricardo Bofill.

Be sure to visit the Arènes de Picasso, a modernist housing complex situated around an octagonal square, which was completed in 1985. At the east and west ends, you will find two large cylindrical structures embedded in the buildings, affectionately referred to as the Camemberts by local residents.

Other architectural highlights include Perrault’s sleek design for the EISSE engineering school and the stunning Espaces d’Abraxas, a Utopian housing estate that draws inspiration from Hellenistic architecture and served as a filming location for Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 2.

2. Château de Champs-sur-Marne

This exquisite early-18th-century estate has been under the ownership of various distinguished individuals, including the Princesse de Conti, the daughter of Louis XIV. The most celebrated owner, however, was Louis César de La Baume Le Blanc, known for his relationships with prominent literary figures of the era, such as Voltaire and Diderot.

The château experienced another cultural highlight in the 1800s when Louis Cahen d’Anvers hosted Marcel Proust there. Visitors can enjoy a cultured day in the expansive 85 hectares of meticulously maintained grounds and gardens, designed by Claude Desgots, a nephew and follower of André Le Nôtre, who originated the French formal garden style.

The opulent interiors of the château have been featured in Hollywood films, including Dangerous Liaisons (1988) and Marie-Antoinette (2006).

3. Paris Sights

While Noisy-le-Grand is an eastern suburb, it is conveniently located 15 minutes from the Gare de Lyon via the RER, providing access to the extraordinary City of Paris.

While you are likely familiar with the numerous unforgettable experiences available in Paris, allow us to refresh your memory with some suggestions: stroll along the Seine, partake in a sightseeing cruise, ascend the iconic bell tower at Notre-Dame, explore the 19th-century covered passages, capture photos of iconic landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower and Arc de Triomphe, and immerse yourself in the artistic atmosphere of Montmartre.

These experiences are merely a glimpse into the vast array of offerings that await you just minutes away.

4. Paris Culture

If your ideal day involves immersing yourself in museums and galleries, Paris offers an extensive array of options that could occupy weeks of exploration. This assertion is not exaggerated, as the number of world-class museums dedicated to art, decorative pieces, archaeology, engineering, natural history, and more exceeds the hundreds.

A comprehensive visit will require several days to fully appreciate major institutions such as the Louvre, Musée d’Orsay, Musée de l’Orangerie, Musée Marmottan, and Musée National du Moyen Âge.

In the evenings, indulge in high culture at the Palais Garnier for ballet performances and the Opéra National (advance reservations are advisable for both); the city also boasts a vibrant nightlife and excellent live music venues.

5. Église Saint-Sulpice

Long before the modern architectural marvels, Noisy-le-Grand served as the site where Merovingian King Chipelric I of the Franks established his court in the 6th century. This medieval church is believed to have been constructed on the location of an ancient oratory erected by Chipelric in memory of his son Clovis, who was murdered on the orders of Fredegund, an estranged spouse.

The current structure was completed in the 1200s and underwent multiple renovations until the 1800s to adhere to contemporary styles. However, extensive renovations between 2011 and 2013 revealed the original stark Romanesque beauty by stripping away later additions from the portal, bays, vaults, and choir.

6. Château de Ferrières

This magnificent Neo-Renaissance château was commissioned by Baron James de Rothschild in the mid-19th century. Inaugurated by Napoleon III in 1862, it stands as one of France’s most opulent 19th-century palaces.

During the 1960s, the estate was under the ownership of Guy de Rothschild, who hosted extravagant parties attended by luminaries such as Grace Kelly, Brigitte Bardot, and Audrey Hepburn. Visitors can explore the lavish decor and furnishings from May to September; it was also the backdrop for a music video by Beyoncé and the film Prêt-à-Porter directed by Robert Altman in 1994.

7. Disneyland Park

The original theme park at Disneyland Paris ranks as Europe’s most frequented attraction. It is essentially a dream destination for children aged 12 and under, yet also features numerous activities suitable for older family members.

The Sleeping Beauty Castle, inspired by the namesake film, provides a stunning entryway into Fantasyland. From there, visitors can venture into five additional “Lands,” each filled with an array of rides and shows based on beloved Disney characters and films.

Some prime attractions include Indiana Jones and the Temple of Peril, Space Mountain, and Star Tours, with the latter two having been renovated in 2017 to incorporate characters and scenes from the recent Star Wars prequels.

8. Walt Disney Studios Park

This newer theme park, which debuted in 2002, invites visitors to immerse themselves in the enchanting world of film production. At Toon Studio, children can interact with their favorite animated characters and enjoy rides inspired by Pixar films.

The Production Courtyard, featuring a Hollywood theme, offers shows like CinéMagique, which blends live performances with projected images. The Backlot section dives into the intricacies of filmmaking, showcasing spectacular stunt performances during events like Moteurs… Action!

9. Château de Vincennes

Merely a ten-minute journey on the RER leads to a formidable medieval fortress situated at the eastern boundary of Paris. This fortress is known as the only medieval stronghold in the Paris region, with its keep, at 52 meters, once reigning as the tallest in Europe.

These ancient walls, dating back 800 years, whisper tales of French kings who lived, ruled, and perished here during the 13th and 14th centuries. Notably, England’s Henry V died within the keep in 1422 following injuries sustained in the Siege of Meaux.

Over time, as French royalty transitioned to more refined Renaissance castles, Vincennes was repurposed into a prison, housing notable figures such as Mirabeau, an important player during the Revolution. In a more recent dramatic chapter, World War I spy Mata Hari was executed in the moat in 1917.

10. Bois de Vincennes

The hunting grounds of the château now constitute the largest green space in Paris, spanning nearly 1,000 hectares and accounting for one-tenth of the city’s total area. Within it lies the Parc Floral de Paris, a botanical garden established in the 1960s, featuring a bonsai greenhouse, water mirror, and the central Vallée des Fleurs, which is updated annually with a different theme.

Additionally, the park includes a miniature railway, an outdoor concert venue, and a mini-golf course. However, the Parc Floral represents only a small section of Bois de Vincennes, which is also home to the Paris Zoological Park, the Hippodrome for horse racing, the Velodrome, and the Art Deco Palais de la Porte Dorée, housing the Museum of Immigration and a tropical aquarium in its basement.

11. Château et Parc Culturel de Rentilly

Approximately 15 minutes to the east of Noisy-le-Grand lies the suburb of Rentilly, which has creatively reimagined its park. The 16th-century house at its center was once owned by Jean de Ligny, secretary to King Henri IV. After falling into disrepair, the estate underwent a stunning transformation into a contemporary cultural center.

The château is now adorned with reflective stainless steel panels, while its renovated interiors house art galleries and an auditorium. Visitors have the opportunity to ascend the building for panoramic views from the rooftop or stroll through the sprawling 50-hectare grounds.

Even if art does not pique your interest, the park remains a beautifully landscaped haven, featuring mature exotic trees including giant sequoias and vast Atlas cedars.

12. Maison Natale de Louis Braille

A refreshing contrast to the bustle of Disneyland, this museum is situated nearby in Couvray. Despite its modest exterior, this residence is significant for having initiated a series of events that profoundly impacted the lives of millions.

Here lies the birthplace of Louis Braille, who, during the first half of the 19th century, invented the Braille tactile writing system for the blind and visually impaired. Guided tours allow visitors to experience the very workshop where Louis lost his sight at the age of five due to an accident.

The exhibit provides captivating insights into the invention of his system, along with displays showcasing his notable academic achievements. Visitors are also welcome to practice writing a few lines in Braille themselves.

13. Murs à Pêches

A short journey on the RER to Vincennes reveals a distinctive remnant of a bygone era. Until the arrival of railways, Paris cultivated a substantial portion of its fruit in what are now the city’s eastern suburbs.

In Montreuil, a vast network of walled orchards produced 16 million peaches annually in a sustainable agricultural practice. The soil, rich in gypsum, was utilized to construct heat-retaining walls, allowing cultivation of fruit not typically viable in the cooler northern climate.

A federation has been established to preserve this heritage, hosting an annual festival in May that features concerts and art installations within these historic gardens.

14. Ferme de Buisson

A mere ten-minute drive or train ride will take you to the district of Marne-la-Vallée, home to a contemporary cultural center that merits a visit. The Ferme de Buisson, constructed in 1880 as a dairy to supply the local Menier chocolate factory, has since been transformed in the 1990s into a performing arts venue.

Visitors will appreciate the elegant Art Nouveau detailing within the spacious stone barn. The facility features an 800-seat auditorium (designated as an official French Scène Nationale), in addition to smaller venues and an art center housing workshops and galleries.

For those interested in film, nightly screenings of arthouse cinema are also available.

15. Val d’Europe Mall

Val d’Europe refers to the new town established around Disneyland in the early 1990s. This expansive shopping center serves as a convergence point for holiday villages, showcasing a modern design characterized by soaring glass and metal canopies, reminiscent of the elegant shopping arcades of 19th-century Paris.

Inaugurated in 2000, the mall features 120 stores, including a Carrefour hypermarket, along with a diverse range of dining options.

While your shopping needs might already have been met in Paris, consider visiting the Sea Life Paris aquarium located within the mall’s basement for a unique alternative.