disney paris-day trips using bus/train?

[elaine]

we are going to Marriott Disney Paris Aug. 2013. We prefer not to rent a car. Are there any places to see nearby via bus/train (local bus, not a tour bus)? We will go into Paris 2 days via train and Versailles 1 day via train (yes, I know it's a long ride), but we are looking for little villages or a chateau that might be accessible via a local bus or the train. Tx. Elaine

 

[pipet]

I am not aware of any Chateau right by the Disney area that is super easy to get to via train since most train connections require you to go into Paris first. I've done entire Paris trips by train/walking & had a great time, but it sure is a lot easier if you stay near a main train hub (i.e. in Paris).

As for Chateau, Malmaison, Fontainebleau (lots of walking), Rambouillet, Chantilly are all in the Paris vicinity. Some other relatively close day trips from the area are Chartres (easy walk from train to Cathedral), & Epernay (reasonable walk from train station to Moet & some others). There is some type of bus service from Chessy to Provins (google provins to chessy bus - had looked at it when I was considering train/bus only).

When we went recently, we decided to rent a car. It gave a lot of flexibility & saved a lot of time compared to the train/bus, but you can do the train/bus only trip. The rate for renting a car turned out to be pretty reasonable, too (shopped around a lot, AutoEurope is supposed to be good but we found Hertz with discount codes for cheaper).

 

[Bill4728]

Do not even think of renting a car while in the heart of Paris BUT the Disney area is well outside of Paris and renting a car there and driving in the area isn't difficult. The town, a short walk from the resort, may have a car rental place but the train station at Disney has several car rental companies.

 

[elaine]

we have 6 people, so would need larger, more $$ van. We might ultimately decide to rent something for the day, but want to have some bus/train options that don't involve car. The #50 bus to Provins looks OK. Thanks, Elaine

 

[Pompey Family]

we have 6 people, so would need larger, more $$ van. We might ultimately decide to rent something for the day, but want to have some bus/train options that don't involve car. The #50 bus to Provins looks OK. Thanks, Elaine

When weighing up the cost of renting a 7 seater compared to train and bus fares for 6 people over several days it may just work out more preferable to hire a car. There's not much scope for visiting sights via public transport and the roads are so quiet that it's a real joy to drive so I would always, without hesitation, hire a car. I would not, however, attempt to drive in central Paris though!