Green it the Disney way

€500million Villages Nature Paris – massive ecotourism theme park destination now open

Just 32 km from Paris and 6 km from Disneyland® Paris, Villages Nature Paris is a destination for short- and medium-term stays, year-round. The first development includes 868 apartments and cottages and 5 interactive universes to explore.

Say Disney – the architectural design of the cottages and apartments is inspired by the idea that buildings and the surrounding vegetation become interwoven, and create a whole. Three types of residences are available: VIP Cocoon, Country Premium, and Clan Comfort.

Five different interactive universes are spread throughout the site:

• The Aqualagon, includes an outdoor 2,500m² lagoon open to bathers all year long with its 30°C temperature, just by one of the largest covered water parks in Europe and spanning some 9000 m2 and including 7 giant slides. Guests can access the pyramid-shaped building through a winding walkway to its summit, offering a panoramic view of Villages Nature Paris and the surrounding area.
• The BelleVie Farm, 2.6 hectares and gives guests a taste of farm life, with cows, ponies, goats, backyard animals, and educational themed workshops.
• The Extraordinary Gardens, span over 2 hectares, celebrate the four elements of nature: Earth, Fire, Air, and Water. The plants that thrive in these Gardens have been chosen because they flower year-round, and will delight guests as they follow contemplative or fun pathways through the greenery.
• The Forest of Legends is a wooded area measuring 2.5 hectares designed just for children aged 2 to 12, who will love exploring this magical play area.
• The Lakeside Promenade is the heart of the Villages Nature Paris lifestyle, the perfect spot to stroll and enjoy brands such as Nature et Découvertes, Franprix, Swind, Chez Meunier, Les Petits Chaperons Rouges, and restaurants like PUR etc., Cépages, and Vapiano.
• Villages Nature Paris pursues a sustainable approach through its Sustainable Action Plan. This includes ten targets with timelines, inspired by the One Planet Living methodology developed by BioRegional.

The strategy is focused on reducing the carbon imprint of the site, reaching social and economic balance, and valuing heritage and cultural wealth of the land it is based on, through qualitative and quantitative objectives for every phase of design, construction, and operation.

This commitment from Villages Nature Paris to sustainable development was recognized by UNEP, which chose the site as part of its "Global Partnership for Sustainable Tourism".

The site’s heating and hot water comes from the geothermal energy that springs from 1,900 metres below ground.  What is more, this renewable and sustainable energy source produces zero greenhouse gases.

Euro Disney S.C.A. and Pierre & Vacances-Center Parcs, chose to build Village Nature Paris in the heart of Val d’Europe. This area, developed for 30 years by the Euro Disney group, offers unprecedented business opportunities for relaxing holidays, just steps from major tourist areas.

Currently, Villages Nature Paris is planning to welcome 1 million holiday-goers each year, 50% of whom are French and 50% of whom are European (mostly Dutch, Belgian, and British).

Villages Nature Paris and its operation has generated 600 direct jobs, more than 75% of which are local.

"We are proud to officially open Villages Nature Paris, product of a unique partnership between two major players in global and European tourism. By combining innovation and sustainability, we have helped to write a new page in the tourism of the future," stated Catherine Powell, Présidente of Euro Disney S.A.S.

Valere Tjolle

@ValereTjolle