Créteil Soleil
About
Créteil Soleil offers a convenient one-stop destination for families visiting the Paris region, combining shopping with indoor entertainment perfect for rainy days or taking a break from sightseeing. The mall features dedicated play spaces, a cinema, and various activities designed to keep children entertained while parents browse shops or enjoy a meal at the food court.
Highlights
- ✓Indoor play spaces perfect for burning energy on rainy Paris days
- ✓Multi-screen cinema with family-friendly film options
- ✓Large food court with international and French dining choices
- ✓Variety of shops including toy stores and children's clothing
- ✓Easy metro access from central Paris attractions
Pro Tips
- 1.Visit on weekday mornings right after opening to avoid crowds, especially during French school holidays when the mall gets very busy with local families.
- 2.The mall is easily accessible via Metro line 8 (Créteil-Préfecture station), making it a convenient rainy-day option from central Paris without needing a car.
- 3.Many staff speak limited English, so download a translation app or learn basic French phrases for smoother interactions at the food court and entertainment areas.
- 4.Bring hand sanitizer and snacks from outside if you have picky eaters, though the food court offers familiar international chains alongside French options.
- 5.Check the cinema schedule online before visiting as many films are dubbed in French rather than shown with subtitles.
Best Time to Visit
Weekday mornings between 10:00 AM and noon offer the quietest experience. Avoid Saturdays and French school vacation periods (February, April, July-August) when the mall is packed with local families.
What to Know
The mall has free parking but it fills quickly on weekends. Food court prices are moderate (budget 10-15 euros per person for casual meals), and there are clean restroom facilities with changing tables throughout the complex.
Seasonal Notes
This indoor venue operates year-round and is particularly valuable during Paris's rainy autumn and winter months. The mall hosts special activities during French school holidays and Christmas season with decorations and themed events.
Nearby Eats
The extensive food court inside Créteil Soleil includes McDonald's, Italian restaurants, and Asian cuisine options, so there's no need to venture outside for kid-friendly meals.
More Activities Near Créteil
Colombier de Créteil
Colombier de Créteil is a charming local museum in the Parisian suburbs that punches above its weight with excellent contemporary exhibitions and family-focused educational programs. With its intimate setting and interactive workshops specifically designed for children, it offers a less overwhelming alternative to Paris's massive museums, perfect for introducing younger kids to art and local history.
Promenade des bords de marne
This scenic riverside promenade along the Marne River offers families a peaceful escape just outside Paris with dedicated play areas, smooth pathways perfect for bikes and scooters, and plenty of green space for picnics. The waterfront setting combines nature walks with convenient amenities like restaurants, making it an ideal spot for a relaxed family outing where kids can run free while parents enjoy beautiful river views.
Lac de Créteil
Lac de Créteil is a peaceful escape just outside central Paris, offering families a perfect blend of outdoor activities without the city hustle. This expansive artificial lake features gentle walking and cycling paths, paddleboat rentals that kids adore, open green spaces for picnics, and safe fishing spots, making it an ideal destination for families seeking fresh air and nature-based fun.
Parc DUPEYROUX
Parc DUPEYROUX is a charming neighborhood park in Créteil that offers families a peaceful escape with well-maintained playgrounds and open green spaces perfect for picnics and play. With its excellent 4.5-star rating and completely free admission, it's an ideal spot for letting kids burn off energy while parents enjoy the tranquil surroundings just outside central Paris.