Ruth Haines
Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport is the second busiest airport in Europe, serving as the principal entry point for exploring France. The airport offers a range of experiences and activities for travellers, from dining to shopping and sightseeing. If you have a long layover, you can explore the airport's culinary offerings, luxury brand outlets, and art exhibitions. For those who wish to venture out, Paris's iconic landmarks, such as the Eiffel Tower, Louvre, and Notre Dame, are accessible via a 30-40 minute train ride from the airport.
Things to do around Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Transport | CDGVAL free automatic shuttle service, RER B train, taxis, high-speed train |
| Dining | I Love Paris by Guy Martin, La Maison, Brioche Dorée, Paul, Pret A Manger, Exki, Bert's, Naked, Paname Tap House, Caviar House & Prunier Seafood Bar, Le Café Cubiste, Frenchy's, La Table de Michel Roth, The French Taste by Guy Martin, Ladurée, Sushi Shop, IT Trattoria |
| Shopping | Duty-free shopping, luxury brands (Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Dior, Céline, Hermès, Longchamp, etc.), perfumes, jewellery, cosmetics, wines |
| Leisure | Espace Musées, guided tours, "Hop-on Hop-off" bus tours, cruise on the River Seine, Eiffel Tower, Louvre, Notre Dame, Musee d'Orsay, Ile de la Cite, Montmartre, Montparnasse Tower, Champs-Elysées, Luxembourg Gardens |
| Relaxation | Icare lounge, Be Relax (massages, facials, manicures) |
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What You'll Learn
- Explore Espace Musées' exhibitions at Terminal 2E, featuring works from top Parisian museums
- Enjoy gourmet meals at restaurants like I Love Paris by Guy Martin or La Maison
- Shop for luxury perfumes, jewellery, cosmetics and wines from iconic French brands
- Take a cruise along the River Seine, passing the Eiffel Tower, Louvre and Notre Dame
- Relax in the Icare Lounge in Terminal 1, with comfortable seating and scenic outdoor views
Explore Espace Musées' exhibitions at Terminal 2E, featuring works from top Parisian museums
If you're looking for things to do around Paris Airport, specifically Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG), there are plenty of options to keep you entertained. One notable attraction is Espace Musées, a dedicated exhibition space located in the heart of Departure Hall M at Terminal 2E. This unique space showcases temporary exhibitions featuring works loaned by leading Parisian museums.
Espace Musées at Terminal 2E offers a cultural experience for travellers passing through the airport. With two new exhibitions organised each year, it provides a glimpse into the rich French cultural and artistic heritage. The exhibitions are free to visit and have featured renowned artists in the past. One notable exhibition was "Picasso Plein Soleil," showcasing 35 original works that explore Picasso's connection to the Côte d'Azur. Another exhibition, "Rodin. Les Ailes de la Gloire," presented 50 original works by the artist Rodin. These exhibitions offer a taste of Paris's dynamic cultural life and provide an educational and enjoyable experience for travellers.
In addition to Espace Musées, CDG Airport also offers various facilities and services for layover passengers. The airport has improved its food options, offering a variety of cafes and restaurants. For those seeking accommodation, the YOTELAIR hotel in the international transit area of Terminal 2E provides a convenient option, with rooms bookable by the hour for a minimum of four hours. The airport also offers a "Shop & Collect" service, allowing travellers to shop duty-free and pick up their purchases upon their return.
While CDG Airport provides plenty of options for a layover, those with a longer layover or those wishing to explore Paris can venture into the city. CDG is well-connected to Paris, although it takes about an hour to reach the city centre. With at least eight hours between flights, travellers can consider storing their bags and taking the TGV (high-speed) train or the RER B train line to the city. Paris offers a wealth of attractions, including the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, Notre Dame, and the iconic Montmartre neighbourhood, where Picasso once lived.
Whether you're exploring Espace Musées at Terminal 2E or venturing into the city, Paris and its airport offer a range of cultural, historical, and entertainment options to suit different interests and layover durations.
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Enjoy gourmet meals at restaurants like I Love Paris by Guy Martin or La Maison
Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport is a bustling airport with a confusing layout. While its layout and the duration of your layover may affect your enjoyment, there are still some great options for dining. If you're looking for gourmet meals, two great options include I Love Paris by Guy Martin and La Maison.
I Love Paris by Guy Martin is a fine dining restaurant located within the Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport. The restaurant, which opened in 2015, is the brainchild of chef Guy Martin, who holds a three-Michelin-star rating. The menu features exquisite elements of French cuisine, with dishes inspired by the Palais Royal. The interior, designed by Iranian architect India Mahdavi, fuses oval and circular shapes and is adorned with velvet, leather, stone, and brass, encapsulating the wonder of Paris.
La Maison, located in Terminal ZP 2F, offers a welcoming dining area to enjoy a delicious meal before your flight. Indulge in handcrafted desserts, buttery viennoiseries, and renowned pastries like their famous Chocolate Éclair and macarons. They also offer gourmet sandwiches, hot dishes, and fresh salads to satisfy any craving. La Maison du Chocolat, another branch of the La Maison brand, offers luxurious chocolates and tailor-made macarons, perfect for sophisticated shopping before your flight.
If you have a long layover, you may consider venturing into the city. Paris's city centre is about an hour away from the airport, so it is recommended to have at least an 8-hour layover to explore. You can easily reach the city centre by storing your bags at the TGV-RER Station and taking the high-speed TGV train or the RER B train line, which departs every few minutes. Once in the city, you can explore iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, Notre Dame, and the Musee d'Orsay. Stroll through the tiny Ile de la Cite, an island in the river with cafes, cobblestone streets, and shops. Art lovers can head to the Montmartre neighbourhood, where Picasso spent much of his life.
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Shop for luxury perfumes, jewellery, cosmetics and wines from iconic French brands
Paris, the city of lights, is known for its rich perfume culture and heritage. The city has a long history of producing luxurious scents that are beloved by perfume enthusiasts worldwide. If you're looking to shop for luxury perfumes, jewellery, cosmetics, and wines from iconic French brands near Paris Airport, here are some options to consider:
Perfumes:
- Guerlain: Founded in 1828, Guerlain is synonymous with luxury and quality. With a charming flagship store centred in the 8th arrondissement on the Champs-Élysées, Guerlain has created timeless fragrances that have captivated millions.
- Fragonard: Fragonard offers high-quality perfumes at more affordable prices. Their scents are inspired by the vibrant colours and lush landscapes of the French Riviera. You can visit their flagship store and the famous Fragonard Museum near the Palais Garnier in the 9th arrondissement.
- Annick Goutal: Characterised by delicate, romantic, and feminine notes, Annick Goutal perfumes capture the essence of French elegance and charm. Their flagship store is located in the 7th arrondissement on Boulevard Haussmann.
- Maison Francis Kurkdjian: Kurkdjian's passion, craftsmanship, and dedication to excellence have made him one of the most respected perfumers. His fragrances, inspired by his Armenian heritage and travels, offer a sensory journey that captures the essence of luxury and elegance.
- Diptyque: This renowned French perfume house has captivated fragrance enthusiasts since 1961 with its high-quality, emotionally evocative scents. They are also famous for their high-end candles. The Diptyque flagship store is located in the first arrondissement on Rue Saint-Honoré.
- Frédéric Malle: Known for its unique approach to fragrance creation, this popular Parisian perfumery collaborates with talented perfumers to create innovative and timeless colognes.
- Jovoy Paris: Located in the Louvre district, Jovoy Paris is a concept store that showcases little-known and new perfumes.
- Binet-Papillon: A few steps away from Jovoy Paris in the Galerie Vivienne, Binet-Papillon invites you to discover its Made-in-France fragrances in a boudoir-style setting.
- Candora: With two locations in the 4th arrondissement, Candora has been the custom-made perfume specialist since 2011.
Jewellery:
Paris is known for its trendy design and fashion-designer boutiques. While specific jewellery recommendations near the airport are scarce, the city itself is sure to offer a plethora of options, from iconic brands to niche boutiques.
Cosmetics:
Paris has countless places to stock up on cosmetics and beauty products for both women and men, catering to all styles and needs.
Wines:
While information on iconic French wine brands near Paris Airport is limited, the city of Paris and its surrounding regions are renowned for their wine culture and production. You can explore various wine bars, shops, and vineyards to discover and purchase wines from iconic French brands.
Remember, Paris is well connected to its airport, but it takes about an hour to reach the city centre. Therefore, if you have a long layover and wish to explore these options, ensure you have sufficient time between flights.
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Take a cruise along the River Seine, passing the Eiffel Tower, Louvre and Notre Dame
If you're looking for a unique way to experience Paris, a cruise on the Seine River is an excellent option. This is a great way to see the city, especially at night when the monuments and landmarks are lit up. Beginning at the foot of the Eiffel Tower, you can take in breathtaking views of iconic Parisian landmarks from the water.
As you glide along the river, you'll pass under historic bridges and gaze upon stunning landmarks. You'll enjoy a unique perspective of the city, with panoramic views of its most famous monuments. The cruise is a perfect way to experience the beauty and grandeur of Paris in a relaxing setting. You can walk around the boat to choose the best spot for your views or head to the top deck for an all-around panorama. Settle inside, where large windows offer a comfortable and scenic view as the landmarks unfold before you.
During the cruise, you'll pass by some of the world's most renowned monuments, including the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame Cathedral, the Louvre Museum, the Musée d'Orsay, the Musée des Armées, the Assemblée Nationale, the Institut de France, the Hôtel de Ville, and the Place de la Concorde. You can also opt for a private cruise with a professional skipper and a non-alcoholic drinks bar, accommodating 2 to 10 people for an exclusive experience.
The Seine River cruise offers informative audio commentary in multiple languages, allowing you to explore each landmark at your own pace and learn about the history and architecture of Paris. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a returning traveller, this cruise is a memorable way to take in the iconic sights of the city.
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Relax in the Icare Lounge in Terminal 1, with comfortable seating and scenic outdoor views
If you're looking for a spot to unwind and recharge at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport, the Icare Lounge in Terminal 1 offers a practical and tranquil space. Located airside, after passport control and before the security checkpoints in the international area on Level 10, the lounge is conveniently accessible for departing travellers.
The Icare Lounge boasts a well-designed layout with a variety of seating options, ensuring comfort for those seeking relaxation or a quiet workspace. The lounge provides refreshments, snacks, and a selection of drinks, including alcoholic beverages, catering to a range of tastes and preferences. For those who enjoy a breath of fresh air, the outdoor terrace offers a pleasant space to relax and stretch your legs before your flight.
To enhance your travel experience, the lounge is equipped with amenities like disabled access, internet access, and air conditioning. These features, along with the peaceful atmosphere, make it an ideal place to escape the hustle and bustle of the airport.
The Icare Lounge welcomes guests regardless of their flight class, accommodating both business and leisure travellers. Priority Pass cardholders and their registered guests can take advantage of the lounge's amenities, making it an exclusive yet inclusive space. So, whether you're looking for a quiet moment or a productive environment, the Icare Lounge in Terminal 1 at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport is the perfect spot to relax and rejuvenate during your travels.
Please note that passengers travelling within Schengen countries must present a boarding pass with confirmed same-day travel, and access remains subject to the discretion of the French Border Police.
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Frequently asked questions
Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport is well connected to the city, so if you have at least 8 hours between flights, you can store your bags and head into the city centre. Take the RER B train to Chatelet-les-Hall station, which should take about 40 minutes. Once there, you can stroll through the tiny Ile de la Cite, an island in the river with cafes, cobblestone streets and shops. You can also take a 1-hour cruise along the River Seine, passing by the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, Notre Dame, and the Musée d'Orsay.
Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport has plenty of facilities to keep you entertained during a layover. You can view rotating exhibitions of art loaned from reputable museums in Paris at Espace Musées in Terminal 2E, Departure Hall M. The airport also has a variety of dining options, ranging from quick bites at Brioche Dorée, Paul or Pret A Manger, to gourmet meals at La Table de Michel Roth, I Love Paris by Guy Martin, or La Maison.
If you're looking for something unique to do near the airport, you can visit Le Concorde à Roissy, which features parts of the aircraft, a commemoration plaque and a sculpture. You can also take a stroll through the quaint French cemetery, Cimetière Communal, in the nearby town of Roissy-en-France.
Some popular tourist attractions near the airport include the Champs-Élysées for sightseeing, shopping and dining, and Montmartre, the artists' neighbourhood, where you can wander through scenic roads with small bistros and art galleries. You can also visit the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, and the Palace of Versailles, all of which are easily accessible from the airport.
Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport offers a wide range of shopping options, including high-fashion designers such as Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Dior, and Hermès. You can also find duty-free areas throughout the airport complex, where you can shop for French perfumes, jewellery, cosmetics, and wines without paying taxes.
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