Jimmy Choos
Although Eurodisney Paris has lots of fun rides and attractions, unless you’re the best parent in the world, it’s probably not real high on your list of things to do in Paris. If you’re like many people, shopping is at or near the top.
But if you can find a volunteer to go with the kids to Disneyland Paris Resort, you can spend the day at La Vallee Village, the outlet mall that’s just a few minutes’ walk from the Disney park entrance. If you’ll have the kids in tow, there’s a play area for them at the Village.
The mall and the park can be reached via RER commuter train, or tour bus from Paris. To get to Vallee Village, get off at the Val d’Europe stop. Or sign up for their personal shopper service, which includes a private car from Paris, a 30-minute consultation, and three hours of guided shopping.
Designed with architecture that’s similar to what you’ll find in the neighboring Ile-de-France towns, La Vallee Village has nearly 100 designer outlets. It’s a pleasant, outdoor shopping mall that’s open every day except Christmas, New Year’s Day, and May 1. Which is particularly appealing on Sundays, when practically all the shops in Paris are closed.
It’s all decked out during the holidays, and since the weather in Paris is temperate, it’s a nice place to do your Christmas shopping on a budget.
L’Espace La Vallee is a cultural center that exhibits the work of established and emerging artists, fashion designers, and photographers. Four exhibitions are scheduled each year.
Most of the boutiques here sell last year’s designer fashions at discounts of up to 60%. But you can also find classics that never go out of style, like a little white blouse from Agnes B or lingerie from La Perla.
Find designer duds for the whole family
There’s clothing for men, women, and children from Armani, Burberry, Cacharel, Calvin Klein, Cerruti, Dolce & Gabbana, Faconnable, Givenchy, MaxMara, Polo Ralph Lauren, and Versace. Shoes from Jimmy Choo, Ferragamo, and Tod’s. And top-quality linens, housewares, and accessories from Baccarat, Dunhill, Lalique, Tumi, and Villeroy & Boch.
Non-French shoppers can get a VAT refund on their purchases. And there’s a Starbucks if you need a little caffeine.
Also in the neighborhood is a big, new mall called Val d’Europe. Adjacent to the train station, it has shops like H&M, Gap, and Zara, a supermarket, food court, aquarium, and several sit-down restaurants. Disney initiated the development to give people more reasons to visit — and stay — in the area.
Opened ten years, ago, La Vallee Village is one of nine outlet shopping centers in Europe. Other locations are near Milan, Barcelona, Madrid, Munich, Frankfurt, Brussels, London, and Dublin.
Find hotels in the area here or read about Walt Disney Studios here.
Jimmy Choos Image Flickr: trec_lit
Find designer duds for the whole family Image Flickr: hipposrunsuperfast.com
