Roberta Aguirre
France is home to a dense network of airports, including some of the world's busiest, such as the primary international airport serving Paris, Charles de Gaulle Airport. Paris Beauvais Airport, also known as BVA, is another airport near Paris, known for its low-cost airlines. Outside of Paris, there are many other airports in France, including those in Marseille, Lyon, Lille, Strasbourg, Bordeaux, Nice, and Ajaccio in Corsica. These airports offer a range of transportation options to their respective city centres, such as buses, trains, taxis, and metros, and serve various airlines, including EasyJet, Lufthansa, and Air France.
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport
The airport covers 32.38 square kilometres (12.50 sq mi) of land and has three terminals. Terminal 1, the oldest, is situated opposite Terminal 3. Terminal 2 is located on the other side and has seven sub-terminal buildings (2A to 2G). Terminal 2 was originally built exclusively for Air France but has since been expanded to house other airlines. Terminals 2A to 2F are interconnected by elevated walkways, while Terminal 2G is a satellite building that is accessible by shuttle bus. Terminal 3 (formerly known as "Terminal 9") hosts charter and low-cost airlines.
The planning and construction phase of the airport, then known as Aéroport de Paris Nord (Paris North Airport), began in 1966. The airport opened on 8 March 1974 and was renamed Charles de Gaulle Airport. Terminal 1 was designed by architect Paul Andreu and features a ten-floor circular building surrounded by seven satellite buildings, each with six gates allowing for natural light. Terminal 2 opened in 1981 and was officially inaugurated in March 1982 by then-President Francois Mitterrand.
To get to Paris from the airport, passengers can take the CDG Express, a direct express rail link scheduled to open in early 2027. Alternatively, passengers can take the bus, taxi, train, or metro to the city centre. Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport is also accessible by shuttle or the Orlyval, an automated metro that connects the airport's terminals.
Pizza Through Airport Security: What's Allowed?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Orly Airport, Paris
Orly Airport (ORY) is located around 9 miles (14km) south of Paris, between the departments of Val-de-Marne and Essonne. Covering 15.3 square kilometres (5.9 square miles) of land, the airport spans seven communes: Villeneuve-le-Roi, Orly, Paray-Vieille-Poste, Wissous, Athis-Mons, Chilly-Mazarin, and Morangis.
Orly Airport is one of the two major airports serving Paris, the other being Roissy Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG). Orly is the second-largest airport in France, accommodating 29.2 million passengers in 2019 and serving as the hub for numerous airlines operating nearly 600 flights per day to dozens of destinations in France and around the world. The airport is well-connected to Paris and its surrounding areas by road and public transport, including buses, taxis, and the OrlyVal airport metro.
The airport has four terminals—Orly 1, Orly 2, Orly 3, and Orly 4—which were renamed from the former Orly Sud (South) and Orly Ouest (West) in 2019. The terminals offer various services and amenities, including shops, restaurants, lounges, ticket machines, smartphone charging stations, free Wi-Fi, and information points for travellers. There are also customs and tax refund offices in Orly 4 and Orly 2 terminals, as well as tourist information spaces where visitors can book hotels, purchase attraction tickets, and gather travel information.
The history of Orly Airport dates back to the 1920s when two huge airship hangars were built by the engineer Eugène Freyssinet. The airport was officially opened in 1932 as a secondary airport to Le Bourget. During World War II, Orly Airport was used by the German Luftwaffe as a combat airfield and was repeatedly attacked by the Royal Air Force and the United States Army Air Forces, resulting in significant damage to its infrastructure. After the Battle of Normandy and the retreat of German forces from Paris in 1944, the airport was partially repaired and used by the Ninth Air Force as a tactical airfield.
Atlanta Airport Power Loss: What Caused the Blackout?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Marseille Provence Airport
The airport has two terminals within walking distance of each other. The second terminal, MP2, was added in 2006 for budget airlines and brought cheaper flights, more retail services and dining options. Most international flights depart from Terminal 1, while most low-cost European flights depart from Terminal 2. The airport serves more than 30 airlines in the summer, including Air France, Air Corsica, Air Algerie, Delta, Lufthansa, Ryanair, Easyjet and Vueling.
The airport is easily accessible by public transportation. The LebusL13 shuttle bus operates 365 days a year and can take passengers to the Vitrolles-Aeroport Marseilles Provence train station and Vitrolles city centre. About 86 taxi cabs are also available at the airport, and most accept payment in cash, cheques and credit cards.
Explore Nashville Airport's Best Foodie Delights
You may want to see also
Explore related products
![National Geographic Road Atlas 2026: Adventure Edition [United States, Canada, Mexico]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81rRihqWqgL._AC_UL320_.jpg)
![National Geographic Road Atlas 2026: Scenic Drives Edition [United States, Canada, Mexico]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/814R4OsGtCL._AC_UL320_.jpg)
Bordeaux–Mérignac Airport
The airport features three passenger terminals: Terminal A, Terminal B, and Terminal Billi (Bordeaux illico). Terminal A primarily handles international flights, while Terminal B, inaugurated in 1996, is largely dedicated to Air France flights between Paris, Lyon, and Bordeaux. Terminal Billi, constructed in 2010 and expanded in 2015, is a separate facility catering to low-cost carriers.
In recent years, Bordeaux–Mérignac Airport has continued to grow, surpassing 6 million passengers annually in 2017. However, in 2024, Ryanair announced its departure from the airport due to fee increases, resulting in the cancellation of 40 routes. Despite this setback, the airport remains a significant transport hub for the region, offering a variety of travel options and destinations to its passengers.
Exploring the Many Gates of Dulles International Airport
You may want to see also
Explore related products
![2 Pack - Laminated World Map & US Map Poster Set - Wall Chart Map of the World & United States - Made in the USA [Yellow]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/91d58tGhj2L._AC_UL320_.jpg)
Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport
The airport was inaugurated by President Valéry Giscard d'Estaing on 12 April 1975 and opened to passengers a week later. It was designed to replace the old Lyon–Bron Airport, which is now only used for general aviation. In 1994, the LGV Rhône-Alpes high-speed rail line brought TGV service to the airport, providing direct trains to Paris and Marseille. In 2000, the airport was renamed in honour of Lyonnais aviation pioneer and writer Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, a native of Lyon who died in World War II.
The Rhônexpress tramway, which began operations in August 2010, provides a link between Gare de Lyon-Part-Dieu in Lyon's city centre and the airport. Coach links also connect the airport to nearby towns, including Grenoble, Saint-Étienne, and Chambéry. Additionally, bus operators offer shuttle services to popular French ski resorts, such as Tignes and Val d'Isere.
UK Airports: Can You Bring Your Dog?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) is the primary international airport serving Paris, France. It is located 23 kilometres northeast of Paris and has three main terminals.
Paris Orly Airport (ORY) is the second-largest airport serving Paris and France. It is located 13 kilometres south of central Paris and has four passenger terminals. Paris Beauvais Airport (BVA), also known as Paris Beauvais Airport, is another airport located about 80-85 kilometres north of Paris. It has two terminals.
Some of the other international airports in France include Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport (LYS) serving Lyon, Nice Côte d'Azur Airport serving Nice, Marseille Provence Airport (MRS) serving Marseille, Strasbourg Airport serving Strasbourg, and Lille Airport serving Lille.
![2 Pack - World Map Poster & USA Map Chart [Tan/Color] (LAMINATED, 18” x 29”)](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/A1aLNThapcS._AC_UL320_.jpg)
