Charles de Gaulle International Airport (CDG)

WHAT TO DO AT CHARLES DE GAULLE AIRPORT (CDG)

Insider Tips & Hidden Gems

Terminal-Specific Navigation: CDG is notoriously complex with three terminals (1, 2A-G, and 3). Download the official Paris Aéroport app before arrival—it includes indoor maps and walking time estimates. The free CDGVAL shuttle train connects all terminals and runs 24/7, essential for terminal transfers.

Secret Viewing Spot: Head to the Instant Paris café terrace in Terminal 2E Hall L (Gates L51-L69) for excellent runway views while sipping coffee. Aviation enthusiasts should visit early morning (6-8 AM) for peak takeoff activity.

Rest & Sleep Options

Best Sleeping Zones: Terminal 2E Hall L offers the quietest seating with padded benches near Gates L60-L65. Terminal 2F (Schengen area) has relatively peaceful corners near Gate F80. For guaranteed rest, book the Yotel Air in Terminal 2E (4-hour minimum, cabins from €60) with private rooms, showers, and WiFi.

Free Rest Areas: Terminal 2E Hall M features reclining seats near Gate M50. Avoid Terminal 1's satellite gates—they're cramped and noisy.

Dining Recommendations

Local Specialties: Caviar House & Prunier (Terminal 2E Hall L) serves authentic French seafood and champagne. For classic bistro fare, try Café Eiffel (Terminal 2F) with croissants, quiche, and proper espresso.

Budget Options: Paul Bakery locations throughout all terminals offer fresh baguette sandwiches (€6-8). Exki (Terminals 2E, 2F) provides healthy organic options under €10.

Splurge-Worthy: I Love Paris (Terminal 2E Hall K) features Michelin-quality French cuisine with wine pairings.

Lounges Worth Visiting

Star Alliance Lounge (Terminal 1, Level 6) offers shower suites, hot meals, and Seine-view seating. Air France La Première Lounge (Terminal 2E Hall L) is legendary for its à la carte restaurant and champagne bar—accessible with first-class tickets or certain premium credit cards.

Priority Pass: Grants access to Icare Lounge (Terminal 2F), which features showers, buffet, and quiet zones.

Amenities & Services

Showers: Available at most lounges or Be Relax Spa (Terminal 2E, 2F) for €15-20. Yotel rooms include private bathrooms.

Kids' Facilities: Play areas in Terminal 2E (near Gate E50) and Terminal 2F (near Gate F30) with slides and interactive games.

Work Spaces: Terminal 2E Hall L has the best WiFi and power outlets at the seating near Gates L40-L50. Free WiFi throughout ("WIFI-AIRPORT") is reliable for 4 hours, then resets.

Shopping Highlights

Duty-Free: Terminal 2E Hall L houses the largest selection—Hermès, Chanel, and Dior boutiques rival Paris flagship stores. La Vallée Village Collection (Terminal 2E) offers designer discounts.

Unique Souvenirs: Relay stores stock French gourmet items—macarons from Ladurée, Bordeaux wines, and artisanal chocolates make excellent gifts.

WHAT TO DO AT THE DESTINATION: PARIS

Getting to Central Paris

RER B Train (€11.45, 30-40 minutes) runs every 10-15 minutes to Gare du Nord, Châtelet-Les Halles, and Saint-Michel. Purchase tickets at airport machines—avoid ticket scalpers. Trains operate 4:50 AM-12:15 AM.

Roissybus (€16.60, 60 minutes) connects directly to Opéra Garnier, ideal for Right Bank hotels. Le Bus Direct Line 2 (€18) serves Eiffel Tower and Trocadéro.

Taxis: Fixed rates to central Paris—€56 (Right Bank), €62 (Left Bank). Uber/Bolt typically cost €40-60 depending on traffic.

Quick Layover (2-4 Hours)

Realistic Option: Visit Parc de la Villette (20 minutes via RER B to La Villette station). This modern park offers canal-side walks, contemporary architecture, and the striking Cité des Sciences. Grab lunch at Rosa Bonheur guinguette for casual French fare with locals.

Luggage Storage: Use Eelway or Bounce services (€6-10/bag/day) at Gare du Nord or book airport lockers in Terminal 2 (€10-15).

Visa Requirements: EU/Schengen citizens travel freely. US, Canadian, Australian, and UK citizens can exit for tourism without additional visas (90-day allowance). Always carry your passport.

Half-Day Activities (4-8 Hours)

Montmartre Circuit: Take RER B to Gare du Nord, then metro to Abbesses (45 minutes total). Explore Sacré-Cœur Basilica, wander artistic Place du Tertre, and lunch at Le Consulat café. Walk down to Moulin Rouge area before returning—total time: 5-6 hours including travel.

Le Marais Experience: Exit at Châtelet-Les Halles, walk to the historic Marais district. Visit Place des Vosges, browse vintage shops on Rue des Rosiers, and enjoy falafel at L'As du Fallafel. Stop at Mariage Frères for tea shopping. Return via Châtelet RER—total: 6 hours.

Full Day Experiences

Classic Paris: Start at Notre-Dame (exterior viewing during reconstruction), walk to Sainte-Chapelle for stained glass, cross to Musée d'Orsay (reserve tickets online), lunch in Saint-Germain-des-Prés, then Eiffel Tower (book timed entry). Return via RER C to B connection—8-10 hours.

Museum Day: Louvre (reserve 9 AM slot, focus on specific wings—Egyptian, Italian Renaissance), lunch at Angelina for hot chocolate, afternoon at Musée Rodin with garden sculptures. Evening stroll through Tuileries Garden.

Local Food Experiences

Near Airport: Roissy-en-France village (10 minutes by bus 350/351) has authentic bistros like Le Grill serving steak-frites away from tourist prices.

Central Paris: Book Marché des Enfants Rouges (oldest covered market) for cheese, charcuterie, and organic produce. Breizh Café (Marais) serves exceptional Breton crêpes.

Practical Tips

• Timing: Allow 90 minutes return journey to CDG during rush hours (7-9 AM, 5-8 PM)
• Mobile Tickets: Download RATP app for contactless metro/RER travel
• Safety: Watch belongings on RER B—pickpockets target airport travelers
• Sunday Considerations: Many shops close; museums remain open