Back in the old days, a long layover in Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) Airport would be something you’d just accept… c’est la vie, you’d say. Boredom is inevitable.
Excuse my French, but that just plane sucks.
Times have changed, and there’s more to do at CDG than ever before. As a pilot and avid traveler, especially one working for a SkyTeam airline, I pass through Paris a lot. Here’s what I do to make each layover in CDG not just pleasant – but fun.
Transiting Frankfurt or London next? Even if not, check out these brilliant airport layover guides.
Answered in this Paris-CDG layover guide:
Should I get PriorityPass before my layover in Paris?
What is there to do inside CDG airport?
How long of a connection do I need to leave CDG airport on a layover?
Where is the best place to nap on a Paris layover?
How long does it take to get through security at CDG airport?
What are the best hotels in Paris?
The 10 Best Things to do Inside Paris CDG Airport on Any Layover
For those with a little less time transiting through CDG looking for something fun to do inside the airport, worry not. You can get an excellent taste of Paris right at the airport.
From some of the absolute most epic world-class shopping (Chanel anybody?) to a secret airport library, Charles de Gaulle airport offers so much to keep you entertained on a layover. Heck, there’s even a gigantic cat to marvel at.
And if you’re looking for something good to eat, Paris-CDG has you covered there too. There’s everything from McDonald’s to organic, healthy, farm-to-table cuisine available here.
So get your taste buds read, your shopping lists out, and your walking shoes on. It’s time to make your CDG layover the best one yet.
1. Enjoy the Most Epic Airport Designer Shopping Experience in the World
2. Lounge around and get work done
3. Get some sleep in – here’s where to nap at CDG
4. Enjoy top notch coffee, pastries, sushi, gourmet, and more at CDG
5. Embrace a gigantic cat (and lots of other art)
6. Dive into a great book at the airport library
7. Splurge on that massage you’ve been wanting
8. Freshen up with a nice shower
9. Catch up on the latest console video games or awesome arcade games – right at the terminal!
10. Meditate – or just unwind – in one of many prayer rooms
1. Epic Designer Shopping
If you want to go shopping at CDG, you’ve got options. So many in fact, you may want to choose a longer layover just to see it all. That’s how impressive the selection is.
From Chanel to Gucci to Louis Vuitton, there’s something to delight anyone. For example, you can find
- Burberry at Terminals 2A, 2B, 2C, 2E, 2F
- Dior and Gucci at Terminals 2A, 2C, and 2E
- Celine at Terminals 2C, 2E, and 2G
Other brands you can find inside CDG include:
BVLGARI, Hermès, Louis Vuitton, Saint Laurent, swatch, Rolex, Boss, Victoria’s Secret, Longchamp, Salvatore Ferragamo, Cartier, TUMI, Fendi, Prada, Moncler, Swarovski, Valentina, and more.
Truly, Paris-CDG offers amongst the best airport shopping experiences you can find in the world.
2. Lounge around and get work done
Once you’re done with all that incredible shopping, you probably want a place to put down all those shopping bags and relax! Lucky for you, there are some quite nice lounges at Paris Charles de Gaulle – and not all of them require you to be flying in business class.
In fact, two of them are complimentary with a Priority Pass membership: the famous YotelAir in Terminal 2E (International) and the Star Alliance Lounge in Terminal 1 (Schengen).
Also known for being the only hotel inside the transit area of CDG, YotelAir in 2E offers a decent lounge with complimentary coffee, snacks, and even showers. Plus, the WiFi is very good here.
Lounges you can buy access to at CDG include: the Lufthansa Business Lounge (T1), Salone iCare (T1), the Star Alliance Lounge (T1), and the YotelAir Lounge (T2E). Prices range from $33 to $70 per person, though some lounges include kids for free.
If you’re traveling in business or first class, you’re covered for most airlines with beautiful lounges such as the Emirates lounge in 2A & 2C or the gorgeous Air France lounges in 2E.
But did you know that there’s a free lounge at CDG? It’s called Instant Paris, and it’s located in 2E (L). I actually consider it a pretty decent lounge, with comfortable seating, coffee machines, and more!
Right now, PriorityPass if offering up to 25% off yearly memberships. In just two lounge visits, you are already ahead vs. paying for one-time access. Just one if you bring a guest!
3. Get some sleep in – here’s where to nap at CDG
My favorite place to sleep is at YotelAir, simply because it’s so accessible. If you land at Terminal 2E, you don’t even have to exit through customs and immigration. The hotel is located in the transit zone (terminal 2E, L), with perfectly sound rooms starting at $75 for 4 hours and overnight rooms available for more.
But if you’re looking for a quick (and free nap), you’ll be relieved to hear that there are lounge chairs located in most terminals at CDG. You can lie flat – but not necessarily in silence or dark. Make sure to bring an eye mask and earplugs. I recommend these amazing earplugs for sleeping.
If you have a bit more time, there’s a great selection of hotels available outside security/immigration but still on airport property, such as the highly popular CitizenM hotel. There are dayrooms available here for decent pricing, and it’s only 2 stops away on the CDGVal train. I stayed here last week and loved it.
4. Enjoy top notch coffee, pastries, sushi, gourmet, and more at CDG
I hope you brought your stomach, because CDG Airport has something to keep anyone’s tastebuds entertained.
Certainly, Paul has got some of the best pastries you can find anywhere. But there is also plenty of Broche Dorée and Pret A Manger if you want to try something different.
For something a little healthier with more options, definitely head to one of the many Exki’s. Other healthy food can be found at Bert’s and Naked’s
If you want a place to sit down, make sure to check out Caviar House & Prunier Seafood Bar, Paname Tap House, Frenchy’s, or Le Café Cubiste. There’s also a Sushi House and an Italian Trattatoria for those feeling real international on their layover.
And for the full gourmet experience, delight your tastebuds at I love Paris by Guy Martin, The French Taste, or La Table de Michel Roth.
5. Embrace a gigantic cat
Is Paris supposed to be known for its art? I never heard if it was or not.
If you enjoyed a nice little séjour exploring the incredible history and art this incredible city has to offer, you’ll be relieved to hear that you exploration doesn’t have to end when you get to CDG.
Those leaving out of Terminal 2E (L) who walk to the end (not very far) will encounter a gigantic cat sculpture guarding the floor-to-ceiling window views of the tarmac. Embedded in this giant cat sculpture are great, decently quiet places to sit, lay down, have a bite, or just unwind.
6. Dive into a great book at the airport library
Are you starting to get the gist on just how awesome of a layover airport Paris-CDG is? Great!
If you’re an aficionado of good books, make sure not to miss the (free) airport library!
Located in the Instant Paris section of the airport (transit area of Terminal 2E (L)), this Haussmannian style library offers plush couches and tall bookcases that house more than 300 publications in various languages. You can stay connected with streaming national and international news streams on nearby tablets, and live sporting event broadcasted on nearby screens.
7. Splurge on that massage you’ve been wanting
Chances are you need a massage with all that traveling you’ve been doing. But even if not, it’s a great way to pass time! Watch it just slip away as you fully unwind and relax like you never have before on an airport layover.
Available services include (as of early 2023):
- 30 minute Lounger Massage — Be Back ($35)
- 15 minute Lounger Massage plus Aromatherapy & O2 — Be Back ($35)
- 10 minute Head Massage plus Aromatherapy & O2 — Head Up ($38)
- 10 minute Foot Massage plus Aromatherapy & O2 — Be Feet ($38)
8. Freshen up with a nice shower
I don’t know about you, but I definitely feel a dire need to shower after a long flight.
So I usually head to YotelAir, where my PriorityPass gets me access. But even if you’re not a member, you can still pay for access to a shower for only 20 Euro for 30 minutes.
9. Catch up on the latest console video games – or awesome arcade games
From PS4s and PS5s to arcade games from the ’80s, there’s a selection of gaming for anyone passing through CDG.
Pacman, Space Invadors, Donkey Kong, Lego Batman 2, FIFA 22, Pinball Arcade – these are just a sliver of the incredible selection you have to enjoy.
Best part? It’s all completely free! Find the locations here.
10. Meditate – or just unwind – in one of many prayer rooms
One of my favorite things about European airport is that they offer Meditation / Prayer rooms. For example, you’ll also find these at airports in Frankfurt and London.
Paris- CDG isn’t lacking in these. And they’re a hidden gem for relaxing in a (usually) dead quiet area, stress-free and isolated. Things you don’t usually associate with airports.
You’ll find the Multifaith prayer area in terminal 2E, boarding area of Hall L, next to Gate L33. It’s open 24 hours a day. Terminal 2F has a Chapel, Muslim Prayer Area, and a Synagogue on the arrival level.
Bonus: Visit the Airport Art Museum! (2E, M)
If you’re leaving out of terminal 2E (M), you’re in luck! There’s an awesome exhibit featuring incredible art at the Espace Musées.
It’s a left turn after passing by the shopping area (towards gates M21-31). Here you’ll find works of art from the most reputable Parisian museums, offering travelers a fabulous and unrivaled cultural experience – right at CDG Airport.
The 10 Best Things to do near to Paris CDG Airport on a 5-7 Hour Layover
From escape games to multi-million dollar sophisticated full flight simulators, there’s a ton to do right around the airport for those who don’t want to venture too far.
Trust me – it feels great to escape the airport environment – even if it’s just for a couple hours. So here are the amazing activities available right at the doorstep of Charles de Gaulle international airport.
1. Fly a multi-million dollar full flight simulator – just as airline pilots do!
2. Get your shopping fix (affordably!) at Aeroville
3. Try to get lost in an IKEA– but not too lost!
4. Go for a walk in a nearby park and get some fresh air
5. Delight your eyes at the Air and Space Museum
6. Enjoy Some Incredible Plane Spotting
7. Learn about French history at the nearby village of Louvres
8. Join an Escape Game right outside the airport!
9. Take a delicious long nap at a discounted day room
10. Visit the National Museum of the Renaissance
Related: The Ultimate 5-9 Hour Athens International Transit/Layover Guide
1. Fly a multi-million dollar full flight simulator – just as airline pilots do!
Admittedly, this next statement is probably going to be a bit biased. Here it is: you really should try out a full flight simulator and see what the hype is all about. This is where you can fulfill that childhood dream of flight, get over that fear of turbulence, or just pursue a curiosity.
These simulators are the real deal – the same exact models actual airline pilots (like myself) use for training.
So go ahead, let’s get airborne! The center is literally right next to the airport and is designed for people with no or little formal flying training.
2. Get your shopping fix (affordably!) at Aeroville
Aeroville is basically a giant airport mall with great shopping right next to CDG Airport. It’s open from 10AM to 8PM every day, and there are regular buses that go from the airport straight to Aeroville in just 8 minutes.
Here, you’ll find internationally renowned fashion brands like Adidas, H&M, Levi’s, and Nike. There are plenty of big beauty names too, including MAC, KIKO Milano and The Body Shop. There’s even a Sephora store! If you’re hungry, the food here is definitely cheaper than at the airport (Thai, Pret a Manger, etc).
3. Try to get lost in an IKEA- but not too lost!
The IKEA Paris Nord Roissy is only 12 minutes by car and 15 minutes by RER train from CDG airport.
Great place to try out mattresses, eat Swedish meatballs (hopefully without horsemeat now), and get lost in the maze-like pattern of the store.
Just don’t get too lost and miss your next flight!
4. Go for a walk in a nearby park and get some fresh air
Did you know there’s an awesome park literally one train stop away from CDG airport? It’s called Sausset Park, alongside Parc Robert Ballanger, and it’s about as accessible as it gets.
Just take the RER B train one stop to Villepinte. That’s it. You’re there.
The Sausset Park and Parc Robert Ballanger are great places to get fresh air, go on a walk, enjoy some fresh coffee and pasties, watch rare birds, and even interact with grazing goats! But if that’s not enough for you, the Parc des Expositions de Villepinte with its 12 fantastically Parisienne venues is right next-door.
5. Delight your eyes at the Air and Space Museum
OK, definitely another one of my (biased) favorites here at CDG. Paris hosts an absolutely wonderful Air & Space Museum – one of the most prestigious in the world.
With over 400 aircraft (including the Spitfire and the Concorde, of course) and plenty of hidden treasures, the Museum welcomes everyone with a desire to learn.
Admission is free for everyone up to 26 years old, and only 16 Euro for others. The Air and Space museum is only a 15 minute drive or 30 minute bus from CDG airport.
6. Enjoy Some Incredible Plane Spotting
If you’re a nerd like me, you know that Charles de Gaulle airport has an incredible array of international arrivals and departures on the daily.
Even as an international airline pilot, I still marvel as I watch airplanes fly overhead.
You can find a phenomenal list of CDG spotting locations here.
7. Learn about French history at the nearby village of Louvres
P.poschadel (Creative CommonsAttribution-Share Alike 2.0 France)
Surely you’ve heard about the Louvre Museum in Paris?
Well, Louvres town is also quite nice to visit. It’s an incredible medieval town to explore, with its history dating back to the 12th century.
Inscribed in the Historic Monuments, there’s a still-functioning medieval farm off the street of Blés and the street of the Milton that’s worth a visit. Then there’s the door of the Hôtel-Dieu is to be seen absolutely, another Historic Monument.
But the walk does not end there. Strolling through the streets, you can admire the cobblestone rue du Milton, a cemetery, the Sainte-Beuve house, the public fountain, the watering place, the Saint-Justin cross and the archaeological excavation site Orville.
And there’s a beautiful park, a castle, and 12th and 14th century churches.
8. Join an Escape Game right outside the airport!
Looking for an adventurous, fun, exciting way to spend your layoer? Look no further than an escape game. Located at Aeroville, right next to the airport, the Team Break Aeroville hosts a selection of wonderful games.
Made popular in recent years, escape games involve teams up to 10 given a challenge, maze, and/or puzzle to solve collectively within a certain time. Many of them are intellectually stimulating, and require group participation.
All you need is 2-10 players to get started. Your layover will pass by before you even know it!
9. Take a delicious long nap at a discounted day room
A shower and a nap surely sounds good about now.
There’s a great selection of hotels available right on airport property, such as the highly popular CitizenM hotel or the ibis Hotel. They’re only 2 stops away on the CDGVal train. I stayed at the CitizenM last week and loved it.
You’ll also find a Sheraton right on airport property (no train required), and a bunch of much cheaper hotels just outside the airport in the Roissy/Villepinte area. For example, the easyHotel Paris CDG hotel regularly has rooms under $40 per night.
10. Visit the National Museum of the Renaissance
Patrick Giraud (CC BY-SA 1.0)
History aficionados will want to jump at this one.
France’s National Museum of the Renaissance is located only a 22 minute drive by taxi/uber away from CDG Airport, making it a convenient place to visit on a semi-long layover.
Open everyday from 930AM to 1245PM and 2PM to 515PM, the museum offers an incredible array of collections from the French renaissance period, and the site itself is located on an incredible massive castle surrounded by beautiful grassy fields. The architecture alone makes it worth a visit.
The Most Epic CDG Layover Activity: Heading to Downtown Paris and Exploring!
Last but not least: if you have at least 6 hours on your layover, head to downtown Paris and enjoy the magical city!
You can get from CDG Airport to the heart of downtown Paris in under 40 minutes using the RER train system. And why not? It’s cheap, reliable, and efficient.
Talk about truly making the most of your Paris layover!
Should I leave Paris-CDG Airport on a layover? How do I know if I have enough time?
First off, you definitely don’t want to miss you next flight. But just how much time is enough to visit Paris on your CDG layover?
That depends. There are many factors in play:
- Is it a Thursday, Friday, or Saturday? These are busy days and security lines will be longer.
- Are there planned strikes by public transportation workers or taxi workers? These are usually announced ahead of time and cause massive delays. Paris is known for its strikes – which can affect the airport AND public transportation.
- Is the weather bad enough to create chaos with cancellations, delays, and rebookings?
- Are you arriving on an international flight? If so, going through customs may add time. (US and European passports are eligible for entry through fast-lane visa-free passport scanners, saving ample time)
- Do you have bags to collect and check back in, or are they checked in all the way to destination? Check-in lines could be long, though you can save time by checking them in at a transfer desk before exiting the secure zone.
- Are you arriving at night? This may call for a short hotel layover instead of going out and exploring.
- Do you have Priority Pass and less than 4 hours before your connecting flight? If so, it may make more sense to spend your layover at an excellent free lounge.
Other things to consider
This summer is extremely busy, and airports and airlines are suffering from short staffing. Because of this, you can expect long lines at check-in, security, help desks, and more. Plan extra time for this.
From outside the airport, it can take up to an hour to check in (if unable to online or checking in bags), an hour for immigrations, and 30-45 minutes for security. Then you still need to walk/transit to the gate.
On an optimal day, I’d say 6 hours is usually enough to leave CDG airport and head downtown – especially if your next destination is within the Schengen visa-free area. But to play it safe, 7 hours is more comfortable.
Flying in a higher class cabin can make a huge difference, particularly when flying SkyTeam with SkyPriority listed on your boarding pass. This entitles you to a completely different customs/immigration and security lines. That alone can be worth the surcharge.
Where to store your luggage in CDG Airport
Surely you don’t want to drag those heavy suitcases around downtown Paris. Fret not – you have several great options to keep your bag secure while you go out adventuring.
One of those options is simply to check in your bag for your next flight (if it’s free for you). I like this one.
Another is Bagages du Monde, offering short and long term storage from as low as 3€/3 hours/small item all the way up to 20€/24 hours/large item. It’s located at Terminal 2, landside, TGV-RER Station, Level 4 opposite Sheraton Hotel. They’re open from 8AM to 8PM.
Nearby hotels (including the Sheraton) may be able to hold your bags as well.
How to get from the airport to downtown Paris
The Best Way to Paris is by Train
The best and quickest way to get from Charles de Gaulle airport to downtown Paris is definitely by RER train. This is often times quicker than driving.
The RER B Line is a direct regional train line from CDG airport to downtown Paris. CDG is the last stop on the line, so you can’t mess it up. Just buy a ticket at one of the many kiosks (either upstairs or downstairs) and hop on.
There are two RER B stations at Paris CDG;
- “Aéroport Charles de Gaulle 1” station: closest to Terminals 1 and 3
- Terminal 1 is accessible by free CDGVAL (5-6 minutes by shuttle)).
Terminal 3 is accessible by foot.
- Terminal 1 is accessible by free CDGVAL (5-6 minutes by shuttle)).
- “Aéroport Charles de Gaulle 2 TGV” station: closest to Terminal 2
- Terminals 2C, 2D, 2E and 2F are accessible by foot.
- Terminal 2A is accessible by foot or by free N1 shuttle from RER station, level 5.
- Terminal 2G is accessible by free N2 shuttle, from Terminal 2F exit 2.10.
All RER B trains go towards downtown. You can reach:
- Gare du Nord in approximately 25 minutes
- Châtelet-Les-Halles in approximately 28 minutes
- Denfert-Rochereau in approximately 35 minutes
If you want a comfortable, direct line filled with scenic views of Paris, there’s also a Roissybus. It will take you to the Opéra (in the heart of Paris) in about an hour – more in traffic Find out more here.
How long will it take to get to Paris overall?
I find that Google Maps is the friendliest and easiest way to navigate Paris using public transportation. On weekdays, you can generally get from the airport to:
- Notre Dame in only 40-45 minutes using only the RER B line directly to Saint-Michel Notre-Dame
- The Catacombs of Paris in only 40-45 minutes by RER B line directly to Denfert-Rochereau
- Montmartre in only 50 minutes using a combination of the RER B line and local metro
- The Eiffel Tower in about 1 hour using the RER B, RER A, and a local bus
- And many more! Paris is super accessible.
Note that service is more limited on weekends and after-hours.
Where to stay in downtown Paris (best accommodation)
If your layover is overnight, or simply long enough that you’d like to stay in a hotel downtown, here are the best hotels in downtown Paris for any budget.
Hostels
Whether you’re on a budget or you just enjoy the group spirit and having friends to explore with, hostels can afford you the best located accommodation at the best prices. I’ve used them frequently in the past.
My recommendation here would be the Auberge de jeunesse Hi Paris Yves Robert, with bunks in a shared room starting around $48 per night.
Budget Accommodation
For marginally more money but a lot more privacy, you can find incredible accommodation in Paris that’s relatively inexpensive. The only caveat is they tend to book out fast.
The highest-reviewed hotel I can recommend in Paris for those on a budget is the Hôtel Henriette, situated walking distance from the Saint-Michel Notre-Dame (40-45 minutes from CDG by RER).
Rated at 4.7/5.0 on Google and 9.2/10 on Hotels.com, people rave about the friendly staff, included breakfast, and especially how charming the hotel is. And the best part – rooms start at only $80 per night.
Midscale Accommodation
Those looking for something a little swankier but that won’t break the bank will be pleased with the Masion Souquet. Its unique elegance, style, and poise epitomize the chiqueness of Paris, and you won’t wake up wondering what city you’re in.
This is one I’d definitely splurge for just for the experience.
Luxury Accommodation
As the fashion capital of the world, you know Paris is going to have the hotel luxury to match its designer clothing and brands.
And no hotel brand is more recognizable for its luxury than the Four Seasons.
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