The pretty tourist village of Chessy in Seine-et-Marne is both the gateway to Mickey's world and the birthplace of Babar.
It is generally considered that Disneyland Paris, which welcomes more than 15 million visitors each year, is located at Marne-la-Vallée. However, most of the park is actually situated in the commune of Chessy. With a range of hotels serving all budgets, Chessy is therefore the ideal place to stay for a prolonged visit to the wonderful world of Disney.
But Chessy is not all about Mickey. It is also the birthplace of Babar, at least in the imagination of local residents Cécile and Jean de Brunhoff. You can see the statue of Cornélius, the king's wise adviser, in the old town, which will delight both young and old.
Located on the south bank of the River Marne, the Dhuys' Sculpture Gardens, created by Jacques Servières and inspired by Angkor in Cambodia, is a green space with forty statues, some of which are particularly imposing. Interesting fact: the statues are made of stones that originally belonged to an aqueduct which was destroyed during a bombing in 1939. Full of beauty which is both raw and delicate, the Sculpture Gardens are certainly worth a visit.
History buffs will not be disappointed by the Château de Chessy which dates back to the 17th century and has retained all its original glory through significant restoration work. The dovecote gives it the stunning appearance we see today. La Pièce de Neptune, the garden's centrepiece which was created in the 18th century and has recently been restored, evokes ponds seen in Italian palaces.
The RER A, TGV, Eurostar and the Pep's bus network connect Chessy with Marne-la-Vallée. The village is located close to the A4 and A104 motorways and enjoys quick access to Orly and Roissy airports.
An unforgettable holiday in Chessy awaits!
