Paris Layover Guide (CDG)

What are you looking for in CDG?
Tours/To do | Relax/Sleep | Internet/SIM | Transport | Storage | Money

Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) is the largest international airport in France. It has multiple flights to destinations all over the world. It is located 23km (14 mi) from Paris. The airport has had international flights since it was opened in 1974. Paris is a global city and European center of finance, diplomacy, commerce, fashion, science, and the arts. It is well known for its cafe culture, beauty and unique landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre and Notre Dame.

Can you leave Paris Airport (CDG) airport during a layover? Do you need a visa?
It's possible for travelers to visit Paris during a layover but in some cases a visa will be required. (more info).

Tours, Things to do, Sightseeing

France Organized Tours

Versailles Palace & Gardens

The size and splendor of the Versailles palace will take you a day or two should you want to see everything therein. This tour gives you exactly that with full access to Versailles’ whole domain, including the palace, Trianon, Marie Antoinette’s Estate and the gigantic gardens that makes life seem beautiful. It is one of the most recommended places to visit in Paris as it extravagantly shows the grandeur of French Baroque architecture. » book this tour

Eiffel Tower: Second Floor Priority Access

Built to commemorate the centenary of the French Revolution and named after Gustave Eiffel,the tower stands at 324 meters high and has become a destination to almost 7 million tourists every year. It has even become a dream destination for most romantic couples. What do you have in mind? A tour with priority access of course! » book this tour

Paris: Louvre Museum Timed-Entrance Ticket

Benefit from a dedicated skip-the-ticket-line entrance to the Louvre Museum which was once a former royal palace. This is reflected in its humongous size. It is one of the most visited art museums in the world, the Louvre Museum stands at 210,000 square meters and is housed in the Louvre which was originally a fortress whose remains are visible at the basement of the Museum today. Spend time discovering artistic masterpieces such as Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa and vast collection high end art that has origins all over the globe. » book this tour

France Things to do / Sightseeing

Montparnasse Tower Observation Deck

The Montparnasse Tower Observation Deck inarguably has the best views in Paris and this is proven easily when you get to the top. Most visitors like that the lower deck which stands at 650 feet high overlooks major attractions and is usually not crowded. Also, on a clear day, one can see as far as 25 miles in every direction.

Time required: 1 to 2 hours.

Airport to here: It takes an average of 30 minutes by taxi to get here or 1 hour 20 minutes by train.

Pantheon

The Pantheon structure was completed at the start of the French Revolution in 1789 and it served as a Mausoleum,an art gallery and a church in its early years. This makes the Pantheon a burial ground and church with a history. In 1851, a scientist by name Leon Foucault installed the Foucault pendulum within this building to demonstrate the rotation of the Earth. The pendulum was removed and replaced several times before a replica was finally installed in 1995 and is still in operation today.

Time required: 3 hours to half day.

Airport to here: 30 minutes by taxi or 45 minutes by train to get here usually.

Jardin du Luxembourg (Palais du Luxembourg)

This beautiful scenery on the left bank of the River Seine is a wonderful spot for a picnic either with a loved one or the whole family. Can you take in all the beauty! The greenery here makes it a very serene environment to take a break from a stressful day.

Time required: 1 to 2 hours.

Airport to here: On average 1 hour 30 minutes by taxi or 55 minutes by train.

Seine River

Seine flows directly through the heart of Paris and makes it very easy to locate. Being one of the most famous waterways in the world equally makes it attractive. Flowing from east to West and dividing the city into left and right banks makes you know exactly where you are as though it were your tour guide. It serves as a wonderful background for taking pictures just as it is important to the locals since it serves as a water supply and major transportation route.

Time required: 2 hours to 3 hours.

Airport to here: 1 hour 30 minutes by taxi or 55 minutes by train. .

Moulin Rouge

The spiritual birthplace of the modern can-can dance is the famous cabaret Moulin Rouge. You can enjoy yourself in the evening here as there are many shows such as the crazy horse show among others. You cannot miss such an opportunity!

Time required: 3 hours or more.

Airport to here: Considering proximity, this place is very close to Montmartre ,so you can take your chances to visit before leaving.

Montmartre

Montmartre is best known for the white-domed basilica of the sacred heart at the top and its artistic history. It used to be the church of the Montmartre Abbey built-in 1147. Montmartre is a hill situated in the North. It was completed in 1919 in memory of French victims of the Franco-Prussian war of 1870.

Time required: 2 hours.

Airport to here: it usually takes 50 minutes to reach here by taxi or 55 minutes by train.

Arc of Triumph (Champs Elysées)

The Arc of Triumph is the largest monument of it’s kind in the whole world was built in the 19th century with a complete touch of ancient Roman architecture. The engravement on top of the Arc spells out the great victories and names of 558 Generals with its pillars adorned in impressive sculptures. The Arc was commissioned by Napoleon dedicated to the glory of imperial armies.

Time required: 1 hour to 2 hours.

Airport to here: It usually takes 50 minutes by taxi or 45 minutes by train to get here.

Things to Do in Paris Airport (CDG)

Relaxing and Sleeping

Airport Lounges and Relaxing
The airport has several lounges in each terminal. » view all lounges or buy a lounge pass or membership online

Hotel and Sleeping
There are several hotel options close to the airport and one transit hotel. » view all or book an airport hotel online

Rest Area and Sleeping in Airport
Terminal 2E has the free resting area called “The Instant Paris lounge.”

WIFI/Internet and SIM Card

WIFI/Internet: Free WiFi is available at the airport and it is unlimited. Connect to either the “WIFI-AIRPORT” or “WIFI-AIRPORT-STANDARD” network.

SIM/eSIM Card: There are several shops within the airport that sell SIM cards. » Find out where and how to buy SIM card/eSIM in our Paris Airport (CDG) sim/eSim page.

Transportation to/from airport

Taxi: The airport taxi ranks are situated in front of all the Arrival Halls and baggage claim areas in each terminal.

Train: There’s a train network that is easily accessed from the airport (more info).

Bus: There are several bus options to the city and back to the airport. (more info).

Shuttle: The airport has special shuttle services.

Car rentals: Multiple car rental options are available and can be booked online. » view available cars or rent a car now online

Parking: There is parking available and it is possible to book or subscribe to a parking space in advance.

Luggage Storage & Lockers

Bagages du Monde offers short and long-term storage of luggage. » book a luggage storage or locker at online (subject to availability).

Money Exchange and Withdrawal

- Paris Airport (CDG) ATMs, currency exchanges and banks