Travelling as a couple means discovering new places together, creating memories and sharing special moments. There are few cities that epitomise romance as much as Paris, and no place that brings so many childhood dreams to life as Disneyland Paris. But what happens when you combine the two in one trip? An unforgettable adventure full of charm, luxury and magic!
Travelling with the TGV Lyria – Relaxed & comfortable to Paris
Our journey began with one of the most relaxed and comfortable ways to get to Paris: the TGV Lyria. From Zurich or Geneva, you can reach the French capital in just four hours, without the chaos and waiting times of an airport. The high-speed train not only offers spacious seats with plenty of legroom, but also free Wi-Fi and an excellent on-board restaurant where we indulged in French specialities. Through the large windows, we could watch the picturesque landscape pass by – a perfect way to get in the mood for the days ahead.
As soon as we arrived at Gare de Lyon, we continued on to one of the most beautiful neighbourhoods in Paris: Montmartre.
Discover charming Montmartre
The Hôtel Littéraire Marcel Aymé
For our stay in Paris, we opted for the Hôtel Littéraire Marcel Aymé, a unique boutique hotel that pays homage to the French writer Marcel Aymé. You can feel the artistic flair as soon as you enter: books, quotes and illustrations characterise the lovingly designed rooms, which offer a perfect blend of history and modernity. From our room we could see the mill on the hill – simply marvellous.
The location of the hotel could not have been better. Montmartre, one of the city’s most romantic neighbourhoods, exudes an incomparable charm with its narrow alleyways, charming cafés and artists’ studios. We strolled to the famous Place du Tertre, where street artists showcased their work, and marvelled at the majestic Sacré-Cœur Basilica, from where you have a breathtaking view of the city. A must for couples: a walk to the ‘Mur des je t’aime’, a wall on which ‘I love you’ is written in over 250 languages – the perfect place for a romantic moment.
Culinary highlights – La Couvée Montmartre
A visit to Paris is not complete without a culinary experience. French cuisine is world-famous, and there is hardly a more romantic place to sample the exquisite specialities of France. Our first dinner took us to the charming La Couvée Montmartre, a hidden gem in the heart of Montmartre.
We opted for a classic French menu. With a glass of wine in hand, surrounded by the romantic backdrop of Montmartre, it was one of those perfect moments that you remember for a long time.
Shopping & luxury in the Galeries Lafayette
The next morning, our route took us to one of Paris’ most famous landmarks:the Galeries Lafayette. This legendary department stores’ on Boulevard Haussmann is not only a paradise for shopping enthusiasts, but also an architectural masterpiece. As soon as you enter, you are greeted by the impressive Art Nouveau glass dome that floods the building with golden light – a sight that takes your breath away.
But our visit to Galeries Lafayette wasn’t just about shopping – we had the unique opportunity to take part in a cookery workshop. Under the guidance of a top Parisian chef, we immersed ourselves in the world of French cuisine and learnt how to prepare a delicious cordon bleu.
The Galeries Lafayette offer much more than luxurious boutiques and designer stores. On the bottom floor is the Wellness Gallery, a true oasis of relaxation in the centre of vibrant Paris. We treated ourselves to a soothing treatment, which re-energised us after the many impressions of the last few days. The soft music, subtle lighting and aromatic fragrances ensured total relaxation – a moment of pure regeneration that we thoroughly enjoyed.
A real insider tip, however, is the rooftop of the Galeries Lafayette. Here you can enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view over Paris – from the majestic Sacré-Cœur Basilica to the Eiffel Tower. It’s the perfect place to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city and admire the impressive skyline.
Fairytale days at Disneyland Paris – a dream come true
After a few days full of culture, enjoyment and shopping, it was time for the next highlight of our trip: Disneyland Paris. The arrival itself was a magical moment – the imposing entrance, the cheerful music and the lovingly designed details immediately transported us to another world. The atmosphere in the two theme parks – the Disneyland Park and the Walt Disney Studios Park – was simply indescribable and we immersed ourselves in the magical world of Disney.
For our stay we decided in favour of the Disney’s Newport Bay Club, an elegant hotel in the style of a luxury holiday resort on the American east coast. With its charming maritime design and beautiful views of Lake Disney, it was the perfect retreat after an exciting day in the parks. The hotel also offers a spa area, ideal for soothing relaxation after a day of adventure.
Disneyland Park – A place full of magic and adventure
Disneyland Park is the centrepiece of Disneyland Paris and a place where childhood dreams come true. From the iconic Sleeping Beauty Castle to the various themed areas such as Adventureland and Fantasyland, each area offers its own magical experiences.
For those who like a bit of a thrill, the Phantom Manor is just right. This haunted house attraction takes you through the dark history of an abandoned manor house. Another must-do is the world-famous It’s a Small World boat ride. The Pirates of the Caribbean boat ride is also one of the classics, where you meet Jack Sparrow and immerse yourself in a thrilling pirate world. Don’t forget to take a photo with Mickey Mouse! There are numerous opportunities to meet Mickey and other Disney characters at Disneyland Park. These moments are not only very special for children, but also for adults and are perfect for unforgettable souvenir photos.
Disneyland Paris is not only known for its rides – there are also numerous parades and shows that round off the magical experience. The Disney Parade in particular, which takes place every day, is an absolute must. Here, all your favourite characters, from Mickey and Minnie Mouse to Donald Duck and Goofy, parade through the park and put a smile on everyone’s face. The colourful floats, the cheerful music and the many costumes make the parade an unforgettable experience for young and old alike.
The perfect end to every Disneyland day is the breathtaking Disney Tales of Magic show, which has been presented since January 2025. The show begins with a festive parade in front of Sleeping Beauty Castle, followed by a spectacular main performance in which the castle is transformed into a magical backdrop with vivid projections and fireworks. Particularly impressive is the use of modern effects such as drones, lasers and synchronised fountains, which bring the classic Disney stories to life in a completely new way. This impressive production is the ideal way to end the day at Disneyland Paris. Further information about the Disney Tales of Magic show and the exact times of the performances can be found on the Disneyland Paris Website.
This impressive production is the ideal way to end the day at Disneyland Paris. Further information about the Disney Tales of Magic show and the exact times of the performances can be found on the Disneyland Paris Website.
Walt Disney Studios Park – Experience cinematic adventures
Walt Disney Studios Park is home to numerous attractions centred on the world of films and film productions. One of the most famous is The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, which offers visitors an intense experience with a thrilling drop and a strong adrenaline rush. Another highlight is the Cars Quatre Roues Rallye, an attraction that is particularly popular with younger visitors and allows them to immerse themselves in the world of Lightning McQueen and his friends. For me personally, however, the highlight was the Spider-Man Web Adventure with 3D effects.
There are also numerous opportunities to take a look behind the scenes of Disney film production at the studios. We particularly recommend the Ratatouille 4D attraction, which makes you feel like you’re in the world of Remy, the little chef. Afterwards, it’s best to go straight to dinner at Chez Rémy, a restaurant that seems to have come straight out of the film Ratatouille. The whole atmosphere in the restaurant makes you shrink to the size of a mouse and you dine surrounded by oversized kitchen utensils and food. French specialities round off the magical experience perfectly.
You shouldn’t miss the impressive show The Lion King: Rhythms of the Pride Lands either. The background music, which included well-known songs such as ‘Circle of Life’ and ‘Hakuna Matata’, was particularly touching and took me right back to my childhood. The artists also wowed us with fantastic acrobatics and dance performances and wonderful singing, immersing us in the magic of Simba and his friends. The show was an unforgettable experience and an absolute must for all Disney fans!
Our trip to Paris and Disneyland was more than just a short break – it was a collection of unique experiences that brought us even closer as a couple. From romantic strolls through Montmartre to exclusive culinary highlights and luxurious shopping experiences in the Galeries Lafayette to the fairytale world of Disneyland Paris – Every minute was an adventure that we could enjoy together.
