This news post highlights five places to visit outside of Paris that offer a variety of experiences that will appeal to teenagers, from thrilling rides and adrenaline-pumping activities to historical sites and immersive experiences. Bonus: this might just get them off their screens (unless they’re taking selfies!)
The first suggestion is Disneyland Paris, located just 32 kilometres east of Paris. The park features thrilling rides, live shows, and parades, as well as plenty of dining and shopping options. Whether your teenager is a fan of classic Disney characters or prefers the Marvel superheroes, there is something for everyone at Disneyland. There are several ways to get there, including the RER A train line journey (40 minutes) which runs directly to Disneyland Paris from central Paris.
Disneyland Paris is open every day of the year, but the opening hours vary. If your teens are planning a visit without you, be aware that they will invariably want to stay until the firework display (Disney Illuminations) which starts around 9.30pm.
https://www.disneylandparis.com/en-gb/
Château de Versailles is another must-visit destination, located just 20 kilometres southwest of Paris. The palace was the residence of French kings and queens from the 17th to the 18th century and is now a UNESCO World Heritage site. Visitors can explore the palace’s opulent rooms, gardens, and fountains, as well as the Hall of Mirrors, which is considered one of the most beautiful rooms in the world. You can impress your teens with your pop culture knowledge that the Château has also featured in many TV shows and films, such as Outlander, Gossip Girl, and The Queen’s Gambit.
https://en.chateauversailles.fr/
Parc Astérix is a theme park located 35 kilometres north of Paris. The park is based on the popular French comic book series Astérix and features rides that will appeal to teenagers seeking adrenaline-pumping activities. The park also has a variety of shows, restaurants, and shops, making it a fun and entertaining day trip for teenagers. There are several ways to get to Parc Astérix from Paris, including the RER B train line from Paris to the Charles de Gaulle airport station, and then a shuttle bus directly to Parc Astérix.
https://www.parcasterix.fr/en
Provins is a medieval town located about 80 kilometres southeast of Paris. Provins offers several attractions and activities that can appeal to teenagers. They can visit the impressive fortified walls, the Tour César (a medieval tower), and the underground galleries known as Les Souterrains. The most famous event is the Provins Medieval Festival, which takes place during the summer. This festival features medieval re-enactments, jousting tournaments, street performances, and a bustling medieval market. Teenagers can enjoy the lively atmosphere, dress up in medieval costumes, and participate in interactive activities. Provins’ picturesque medieval scenery provides great opportunities for teenagers to capture some original photographs for their social media accounts.
https://provins.net/en/
Giverny is a small village located about 75 kilometres northwest of Paris. The village is best known as the home of the French impressionist painter Claude Monet, who lived and worked in Giverny from 1883 until his death in 1926. Exploring Monet’s gardens might ignite your teens own artistic passions, or they might just enjoy taking some photographs of the vibrant flowers and serene water lilies. Giverny is also home to several other museums and galleries, as well as a variety of shops and restaurants. The most convenient way to reach Giverny is by taking a train from Paris to Vernon, the nearest town to Giverny. Trains depart from Gare Saint-Lazare in Paris, and the journey takes approximately 45 minutes. From Vernon, you can take a shuttle bus or a taxi to Giverny, which is just a few kilometres away.
Each location is easily accessible from Paris by train or shuttle bus. By venturing outside of Paris, families can create lasting memories with their teenagers and anchor in some positive moments*. You can also encourage your teenager’s independence by encouraging them to visit these places by themselves from 14+ Get involved in the prep and planning with them and look forward to receiving some selfies throughout the day.
*Anchoring is a very effective NLP technique – to learn more, have a look at some of my course and coaching offerings.
Photos taken by R (16) on a solo outing to Giverny with M (15) in June 2023
