Top 15 Things to do Near Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport


 

*Originally Published by Natalie on October 19th 2019 and Updated by Vanessa R in October 2022 and Updated by Vanessa R in October 2023

If you’ve got a bit of a layover at Charles de Gaulle Airport, but not quite enough time to make it into the city and back, there are a few ways to entertain yourself just outside the airport walls.

You’ll need to use a taxi or Uber ride to get to all of the following spots, there is no metro service this far outside of the city center.

1. Shop at Aéroville Near Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport

A lot of airport lingerers head over to the Aéroville Mall to kill a few hours through shopping and eating. This is a more modern mall with big-name brands and chain stores from around the world; quite the opposite to the boutiques and concept shops you’ve been used to in the city.

The Aéroville Mall also has a really decent food court, and I actually prefer it to the foodcourt inside Charles de Gaulle.

Aéroville – by Aéroville – Uploaded by them

PRACTICAL INFORMATION
OPENING HOURS: Monday to Sunday — 10am to 8pm
ADDRESS: 30 Rue des Buissons, 95700 Roissy-en-France, France

2. Experience Ikea Near Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport

Depending on where in the world you hail from, Ikea might be a completely foreign concept to you. If you’ve never been inside of one, it’s an unmissable experience whether you’re in the market for furniture or not.

Ikea stores are laid out like labyrinths. There’s one way in and one way out, and it’s very difficult to leave the maze once you’re deep in it. But along the way there are refreshment stations, opt out points and ample staff to guide you to where you need to be.

It’s a real 21st century experience that everyone has to do once. Might as well on a layover.

Ikea – by Vmenkov – Wikimedia Commons

PRACTICAL INFORMATION
OPENING HOURS: Monday to Sunday — 10am to 8pm
ADDRESS: 164 Avenue de la Plaine de France, 95500 Gonesse, France

3. Enjoy Robert Park Ballanger Near Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport

The Robert Park Ballanger is a small but scenic park near the Charles de Gaulle Airport. It holds lush green lawns (in the summer) and a giant pond with benches around it.

This is a really nice spot to spend a few hours before you get cooped up in airports and airplanes for the next leg of your journey. 

PRACTICAL INFORMATION
OPENING HOURS: Monday to Sunday — 8am to 9pm
ADDRESS: Rue Michel Ange, 93600 Aulnay-sous-Bois, France

4. Explore Louvres Near Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport

Louvres is a small French village about a five minute drive from Charles de Gaulle. It’s a pleasant little town with a few bakeries, government buildings and French bistros.

Once you arrive in the town, you can easily explore by foot and lose yourself for a few hours. Just try to leave your luggage at Charles de Gaulle!

Louvres – by Clicsouris – Wikimedia Commons

5. Marvel at the Air and Space Museum Near Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport

The French aerospace museum is very close to Charles de Gaulle and actually sees many tourists coming to visit from the city, as well as from the airport.

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It’s fascinating, and it features both indoor and outdoor installations, children’s interactive experiences and actual aero-simulators that visitors can make use of.

Air and Space Museum – by Air and Space Museum – Uploaded by them

PRACTICAL INFORMATION
OPENING HOURS: Tuesday to Sunday — 10am to 5pm
ADDRESS: Aéroport de Paris-Le Bourget, 93352 Le Bourget, France

6. Dine at Sushi Asahi Near Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport

The restaurants near Charles de Gaulle aren’t all that exciting. Sushi Asahi is a very low-key spot, but they make fantastic sushi assortments and a range of traditional Japanese dishes.

They recently launched a poke bowl, which is a real treat to eat just before a flight.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION
OPENING HOURS: Monday to Sunday — 6pm to 11pm
ADDRESS: 146 Avenue du 8 Mai 1945, 93150 Le Blanc-Mesnil, France

7. View the Le Concorde à Roissy Near Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport

The Le Concorde à Roissy is the monument near Charles de Gaulle that commemorates the first trip that the concord airplane ever successfully took between Paris and Rio de Janeiro back in 1976.

The Le Concorde à Roissy features parts of the aircraft, a commemoration plaque explaining the event and a sculpture made in its honor.

Le Concorde à Roissy – Sourced from Google Earth

PRACTICAL INFORMATION
OPENING HOURS: Monday to Sunday — 24 Hours
ADDRESS: 6 Allée du Verger, 95700 Roissy-en-France, France

8. Find a Hotel Pool in Roissy-en-France Near Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport

Roissy-en-France is another French town just outside of Charles de Gaulle airport. This town is know for its many airport hotels, all built along the main road as you enter from the freeway.

Almost all of them have hotel pools that you can crash in the summer! Pose as a guest, sneak round the back… do what you gotta do to have a swim before you fly!

9. Stroll Through the Cimetière Communal Near Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport

It’s not Pere Lacahise, but it’s a quaint and calm French cemetery that is good for a peaceful stroll when you’ve got time to waste.

In some ways it’s really nice to see a small-town French cemetery after probably having explored a few of the gigantic garden cemeteries in the city center!

Cimetière Communal – by Ybroc – Wikimedia Commons

PRACTICAL INFORMATION
ADDRESS: Rue du Cimetière, 93290 Tremblay-en-France, France

10. Race Bikes at the Circuit Carole Near Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport

The Circuit Carole is an important race course for the people of Paris. Of course, activity here is seasonal, but if you’d like to arrange bike racing experiences this can be done with a few weeks notice.

For this one you’ll have to plan ahead!

Circuit Carole – by Nitot – Wikimedia Commons

PRACTICAL INFORMATION
ADDRESS: RD40, 93290 Tremblay-en-France, France

11. Ile de la Cité Near Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport

Ile de la Cité in the heart of La Seine can be the ideal location to explore if you want a taste of traditional French culture, shopping, and gastronomy. The Notre Dame is unquestionably the most well-known structure on the island, although it is encircled by a network of lovely cobblestone alleyways that connect to the Palais de Justice and St. Chappelle Church. This area is fantastic for strolling and window shopping because it connects these priceless sights with stunning flats, delightful stores, and sensational eateries.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION
ADDRESS:Île de la Cité – 75004 Paris,  4e Arrondissement

12. Visit Musée d’Orsay Near Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport

The world’s largest collection of impressionist paintings is kept in this former train station in Paris’s 7th arrondissement, right by the Seine. It will be possible for you to admire the creations of Monet, Cézanne, and Van Gogh.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION
ADDRESS:1 Rue de la Légion d’Honneur, 75007 Paris, France

13. Get to Montparnasse Tower Near Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport

The Montparnasse Tower is situated at the ideal angle to take pictures of the Eiffel Tower and offers what is perhaps the best view of the tower in all of Paris.

You should schedule your visit in advance because the tower is only open on specific days of the week (more on that in a later section), especially if you only have a limited amount of time in the city and need to carefully plan your schedule.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION:
ADDRESS:33 Av. du Maine, 75015 Paris, France

14. Visit the Eifel Tower which is an hour away

Without a doubt, a vacation to Paris would be incomplete without a stop at the Eiffel Tower. You will find yourself marveling at this impressive architectural edifice repeatedly, whether you are a frequent visitor or a native of Paris.

You can purchase tickets to climb the Eiffel Tower and see Paris from a variety of perspectives while you do so. If you’re feeling posh, you can even treat yourself to lunch at the renowned Jules Verne restaurant. Experience top-notch cuisine with unmatched vistas of Paris as your backdrop.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION:
ADDRESS: Champ de Mars, 5 Av. Anatole France, 75007 Paris, France

15. Visit Notre Dame which is an hour away

Things to do Near Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport

Notre-Dame by Uoaei1 from Wikimedia Commons

One of Paris’ most recognizable and popular attractions, Notre Dame is a must-see while you’re there. One of the best specimens of French Gothic architecture is this Catholic church, which is found in the 4th arrondissement of Paris on the banks of the River Seine.

This magnificent structure’s construction started in 1163, and since then it has had a long and exciting history—until 2019, when a fire broke out on Notre Dame’s roof and burnt for 15 hours, causing significant damage. It is still worthwhile to visit since you can sign up for a walking tour and also explore the Latin Quarter nearby.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION:
ADDRESS:6 Parvis Notre-Dame – Pl. Jean-Paul II, 75004 Paris, France

If you’re on your way out of Paris, bon voyage! If you’re only just arriving, make a note to book a  Paris free guided walking tour . There aren’t any near Charles de Gaulle just yet…

5 best restaurants near the airport

1. I Love Paris by Guy Martin  in Terminal 2E

Top 10 Things to do Near Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport

naro photos, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

If you’re a foodie, you’ll definitely want to check out the “I Love Paris” restaurant by Guy Martin. This Michelin-starred gem is located at Charles de Gaulle Airport and offers an elegant dining experience that goes above and beyond typical airport food.

Chef Guy Martin curates a delightful menu that combines traditional French cooking techniques with modern flavours. It’s a perfect spot for travellers to enjoy a taste of France before their journey, with scrumptious food and a charming ambience. As “I Love Paris” restaurant proves, airport dining can be a gourmet adventure all on its own.

2. La Maison in Terminal 2E

Located in Terminal 2E at Charles de Gaulle Airport, La Maison is a gourmet haven that provides visitors with a genuine taste of French food. The cuisine at this little brasserie-style restaurant is varied, with an emphasis on regional delicacies and traditional French fare.

La Maison promises a pleasant trip into the heart of French food, whether you want the fresh flavours of a Niçoise salad or the richness of a Coq au Vin. For visitors looking to enjoy the flavours of France at the airport, the restaurant provides a delightful dining experience with its charming setting and exceptional cuisine.

3. Le Grand Comptoir in Terminal 2F

Le Grand Comptoir, located in Terminal 2F at Charles de Gaulle Airport, is a must-visit location for tourists wishing to experience French and international cuisine. With a focus on seasonal and fresh ingredients, this restaurant provides a wonderful eating experience.

Whether you choose to have a classic French meal or a favourite from across the world, Le Grand Comptoir offers a warm and inviting setting for you to enjoy supper. This restaurant is the best choice for those looking to enjoy a delicious dinner before their trip because it provides a unique culinary experience right at the airport.

4. Le Village in Terminal 3

If you’re looking for a quick and varied dinner option at Charles de Gaulle Airport, Le Village is the perfect choice. This buffet-style restaurant offers a wide range of French and international cuisine in a relaxed atmosphere. Whether you’re travelling before or after your trip, you’ll be able to enjoy delicious food and a pleasant dining experience. Plus, the extensive menu caters to a variety of tastes and preferences, making it an excellent option for all travellers.

5. Au Comptoir des Vins in Terminal 2F

Top 10 Things to do Near Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport

USBGroup4, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Located in Charles de Gaulle Airport’s Terminal 2F, Au Comptoir des Vins is a charming wine bar that serves cheese and charcuterie platters along with a variety of wines and champagnes. A glass of wine may be enjoyed before or after a flight in this warm and welcoming setting. At Au Comptoir des Vins, you may get a taste of France’s rich wine culture while at the airport, regardless matter whether you’re a wine connoisseur or just want to unwind in a classy environment.

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