Travel Guide: Airports Serving Normandy, France

is there an airport in normandy

Normandy is a favourite region for international travellers visiting France. While there are a few small airports in Normandy itself, the primary gateways for most international travellers heading to Normandy are the international airports of Roissy Charles de Gaulle and Orly in Paris, with daily flights from destinations all over the world.

Airports in Normandy

Characteristics Values
Number of airports in Normandy with commercial flights 2
Names of the airports Caen, Deauville–Normandie
Location of Deauville–Normandie Airport 7 kilometres (4.3 miles) east of Deauville
Airports near Normandy Paris Charles de Gaulle, Paris Orly, Nantes International Airport, Beauvais (BVA)
Airports with connections to Normandy Roissy Charles de Gaulle, Orly

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Caen Airport

Normandy is served by three international airports: Paris Charles de Gaulle, Paris Orly, and Nantes International Airport. There are also two airports in Normandy with commercial flights: Caen and Deauville.

The airport has been serving commercial aircraft since the late 1960s, when Caen City Council developed it for civilian use. In May 1968, a terminal building was constructed, which included a public concourse, service offices, and a restaurant. Caen Airport has been managed by the Urban community of Caen la Mer since March 2007.

Several scheduled routes operate from Caen Airport, including to Paris Orly, Lyon, and London Southend Airport.

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Deauville-Normandie Airport

Normandy, France, is served by several airports, including Paris Charles de Gaulle, Paris Orly, Nantes International Airport, and Caen. Notably, Deauville-Normandie Airport (DOL), located amid the stunning landscapes of Normandy, stands out as a gateway to luxury and convenience. Here is some more information about the airport:

The airport boasts a range of luxury services and amenities for private aviation customers. From exclusive lounges to bespoke in-flight services, travellers can expect a sophisticated and indulgent experience. The airport is also a key destination for those attending the renowned Deauville American Film Festival, adding to its prestige.

LunaJets, a private jet charter company, is particularly notable for its presence at Deauville-Normandie Airport. They offer a seamless booking experience, an extensive fleet of aircraft models, and 24/7 dedicated advisors to cater to all your travel needs. Their innovative jet comparator tool ensures you find the perfect aircraft for your journey, whether it be the Challenger 300, Falcon 2000, or Learjet 60.

For travellers to Normandy, a combination of transportation methods, including ferry, train, plane, car, and bike, can be utilised to navigate the region effectively.

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Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport

The airport is named after World War II leader and former French President Charles de Gaulle (1890-1970), with his initials forming the airport's IATA code. In 2024, Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport handled over 70 million passengers and nearly half a million aircraft movements, ranking as the world's ninth busiest airport and the third busiest in Europe in terms of passenger numbers. It is also the busiest airport in the European Union for cargo traffic, handling over 2 million tonnes of cargo in 2019.

For travellers heading to Normandy, Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport offers a range of transportation options. Bus services, such as BlaBlaCar and Flixbus, provide connections between the airport and various cities in Normandy. Additionally, sustainable travel initiatives in the region encourage visitors to explore Normandy by train, bus, or bike, offering exclusive discounts at attractions when using these environmentally friendly methods.

Airports: Essential Business or Luxury?

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Paris Orly Airport

The airport was originally known as Villeneuve-Orly Airport when it opened in 1932 as a secondary airport to Le Bourget. During World War II, Orly Airport was used as a combat airfield by the German Luftwaffe and the US Ninth Air Force. After the Battle of Normandy and the retreat of German forces from Paris in August 1944, the airport was partially repaired and used by the US Air Force until control was returned to the French government in March 1947.

Over the years, Paris Orly Airport has undergone various development projects, including a plan in 2012 to merge the south and west terminals into a single great terminal. In 2015, a technical failure caused a temporary cessation of operations, and during the COVID-19 pandemic, the airport was closed to commercial traffic for a period. Paris Orly Airport has also been the site of environmental initiatives, such as a tree-planting project announced in 2023, which aims to capture 329 tonnes of carbon per year.

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Nantes International Airport

Normandy is surrounded by three international airports – Paris Charles de Gaulle, Paris Orly, and Nantes International Airport, which are the primary gateways for most international travellers to the region. Nantes Atlantique Airport (IATA: NTE, ICAO: LFRS), formerly known as Aéroport Château Bougon, is an international airport serving Nantes, France. It is the largest airport in the west of France. The airport is located 8 kilometres (5.0 mi) southwest of the city, in Bouguenais, and is operated by the Chambre de commerce et d'industrie de Nantes.

The airport handled 7,221,000 passengers in 2019, an increase of 16.6% compared to 2018. Nantes Atlantique Airport owes its beginnings to a military airfield, which was established in 1928 on the current site. The first paved runway was constructed in 1939, with a length of 900 m (2,953 ft). During World War II, the airfield served as a British Royal Air Force base before being seized by German forces.

The airport has a separate freight terminal located south of the passenger terminal, which includes 6,000 m2 (65,000 sq ft) of entrepôt storage. The Airbus Nantes factory, which specialises in the construction of the centre wing box for the Airbus fleet of airliners, is also located near the passenger terminal. Several car parks, both open and covered, are available in the terminal area, each with its own pricing structure.

An express shuttle bus, the 'Navette Tan Air', connects a stop outside the airport terminal to the Nantes station and the city centre. This service is part of Nantes's Tan public transport network and charges a higher Tan Air fare for the entire trip.

Frequently asked questions

Yes, there are two airports in Normandy with commercial flights: Caen and Deauville.

Normandy is surrounded by three international airports: Paris Charles de Gaulle, Paris Orly, and Nantes International Airport. Beauvais (BVA) is also an option, although it is about 90km from Paris.

Caen airport is described as a small airport that serves commercial aircraft. Deauville–Normandie Airport is also a small international airport situated 7 kilometres (4.3 miles) east of Deauville.

Paris Charles de Gaulle and Orly are the primary gateways for most international travellers heading to Normandy. However, if you are focusing on the D-Day sites, Caen is a convenient option.

You can get from Paris airports to Normandy by bus or train.

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