From Disneyland Paris to Paris City: Why It Was the Perfect Way to End Our Trip
After spending several unforgettable days at Disneyland Paris, we weren't quite ready for our holiday to end.
Instead of heading straight home, we decided to continue our journey by spending time exploring Paris. Looking back, it was one of the best decisions we made.
Disneyland Paris gave us days filled with excitement, storytelling, and unforgettable memories. Paris offered something completely different. It slowed the pace of our trip and gave us the chance to experience another side of France—one filled with history, beautiful architecture, charming cafés, and iconic landmarks.
Together, they created a holiday we'll never forget.
A Different Side of the Journey
Although Disneyland Paris and Paris are only a short distance apart, they couldn't feel more different.
After days of early mornings, rides, shows, parades, and exploring the Disney Parks, arriving in Paris felt like stepping into a completely new chapter of our holiday.
There was no rush.
Instead, we spent our time wandering through the city, taking in the atmosphere, admiring the architecture, and simply enjoying being there together as a family.
Sometimes slowing down is exactly what a holiday needs.
Where We Stayed in Paris
For our stay in Paris, we chose Novotel Paris Centre Tour Eiffel, and it turned out to be an excellent base for exploring the city.
One of the biggest highlights was the location. As soon as we stepped outside the hotel, we were greeted with views of the Eiffel Tower, and from there it was only around a 15–20 minute walk to one of the world's most iconic landmarks.
Since we visited during the festive season, the walk was even more enjoyable. Opposite the Eiffel Tower was a charming Christmas market, along with a variety of food stalls that made the whole area feel incredibly lively and festive.
The hotel itself was comfortable and surprisingly spacious by Paris standards.
Our room featured:
A large and comfortable bed
A sofa bed for additional space
A mini fridge for convenience
A large TV
A bathroom with both a shower and a bathtub
A separate toilet, making getting ready more convenient
We also enjoyed having access to the hotel's gym and indoor swimming pool, which were a nice bonus after long days exploring the city.
Another thing we appreciated was how well connected the area was. Within just a few minutes' walk there were supermarkets, cafés, restaurants, shops, a shopping centre and even the Metro, while the neighbourhood itself remained quiet and peaceful away from the busiest tourist areas.
No hotel is perfect, and we did experience a couple of minor downsides during our stay. Soundproofing between rooms could have been better, as noise from neighbouring bathrooms was occasionally noticeable. We also had an unannounced housekeeping visit one morning while we were still getting ready, which caught us by surprise.
Even with those small issues, we genuinely enjoyed our stay. The combination of comfortable rooms, fantastic facilities, and an excellent location made Novotel Paris Centre Tour Eiffel a hotel we would happily consider staying at again on a future visit to Paris.
Exploring Paris with the Hop-On Hop-Off Bus
To make the most of our time, we decided to explore the city using the hop-on hop-off bus.
It was an easy and relaxing way to visit many of Paris' most famous landmarks without worrying about navigating public transport or walking long distances between attractions.
Throughout the day we were able to see some of the city's most iconic sights, including:
The Eiffel Tower
Arc de Triomphe
Champs-Élysées
The Louvre
The River Seine
Notre-Dame Cathedral
Beautiful Parisian streets and neighbourhoods
For anyone visiting Paris for a short stay, we found it to be a fantastic way to experience the city while still enjoying the journey between each stop.
What We Loved Most About Paris
Paris wasn't just about ticking famous landmarks off a list. What stayed with us most was the atmosphere. The beautiful streets lined with historic buildings. The cafés on almost every corner. The relaxed pace compared to the excitement of Disneyland Paris. Simply sitting, walking, and watching the city come to life became some of our favourite memories.
Just like Disneyland Paris, it reminded us that travel isn't always about doing more. Sometimes it's about slowing down enough to truly appreciate where you are.
Is Paris Worth Adding to a Disneyland Paris Trip?
Without hesitation—yes.
If you're already travelling to Disneyland Paris, adding a day or two in Paris city creates a wonderful balance.
You experience the excitement and magic of Disney, followed by the history, culture, and timeless beauty of one of the world's most famous cities.
The two destinations complement each other surprisingly well.
Watch Our Full Video
🎥 Watch our Paris journey on YouTube: The Atlas Journey, where we share our full experience.
Final Thoughts
Our time in Paris reminded us that some of the best travel experiences come from combining different types of destinations. Disneyland Paris gave us magical family memories. Paris city gave us the opportunity to slow down, explore, and appreciate a completely different side of France. Together, they created a holiday that felt complete.
If you're planning a trip to Disneyland Paris and wondering whether it's worth extending your holiday to visit Paris as well, we'd absolutely recommend it. It was the perfect way to finish an unforgettable family adventure.