From being the principal entry point to explore France, Paris Charles de Gaulle airport, with its three terminals, is the second busiest airport in Europe, welcoming on an average 70 million passengers every year. The airport offers myriad experiences and leisure activities for the traveller. Here’s what you can expect!
Transportation to Paris
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Paris Charles de Gaulle airport offers multiple modes of transport (External link) for travellers to reach their destinations. Once you complete your arrival formalities, you can take the CDGVAL free automatic shuttle service, which stops at all the terminals, train stations and parking lots. If you are staying in Paris or in any of its suburbs, then we recommend you to board the RER B, which will take approximately 30-40 minutes to reach the centre of Paris and from there you can take any of the connecting RERs or Metros to reach your final destination. If you want to get a glimpse of the Parisian life and enjoy the scenic views of Paris, then hop on to the Roissybus, which will take you to the Opéra (in the heart of Paris) in approximately 60 minutes. If you want to travel in comfort, then you can take the official taxi (External link) , illuminated by the “taxi” sign on its roof, located at the exit of the baggage claim area of your arrival terminal.
Leisure and Entertainment
For a truly memorable experience, travellers, especially arts-lovers must visit Espace Musées (External link) , a space dedicated to exhibitions in the heart of departure hall M at Terminal 2E. The temporary exhibitions, organised two times a year, feature works of art loaned for display by leading Parisian Museums. In the past, the museum has hosted exhibitions like “Picasso Plein Soleil”, featuring 35 original works that conjure Picasso’s connection with Côte D’Azur and “Rodin. Les Ailes de la Gloire”, featuring 50 original works by the artist.
For music lovers who like to listen to their music on the go, enjoy customised playlists that highlight a compilation of French artists on the airport’s official website (External link) . Moreover, apart from dedicated playlists, since 2015, Paris Charles De Gaulle airport has been a venue for international and French artists (Metronomy, Séverin, Nicolas Godin) who have performed at the CDG and whose videos you can replay on your phones or tablets.
If you are a gamer, then head to the Playstation PS4 games area for some latest games free of charge. However, if you are more into arcade games, then you can head to the Arcade gaming area, where gaming machines and vintage tables await you.
Duty-Free Shopping and VAT refund
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From Louis Vuitton, Hérmes, Gucci to Chanel, some of the iconic French and international luxury brands have their outlets at the Paris Charles De Gaulle airport. It is a one-stop destination to shop for some of the finest perfumes, jewellery, cosmetics, and wines. After clearing the security check zone, you will be able to do some last minute duty-free shopping (External link) on major brands. However, if you want to claim a VAT refund (External link) on high-value goods purchased in France, then we suggest you carry the export sales form that the vendor provided at the time of your purchase, scan the tax refund document at a PABLO terminal at the airport and later, take the tax refund document to the Customs Office for validation. Finally, you can show your tax refund document validated at the Customs Office along with your passport at the Cash Paris office to claim your reimbursement. Ensure that you have enough time in hand to claim your refund before you take off!
Bakeries, Restaurants and Fine-Dining experiences
From bistros, cafés to gourmet restaurants, Paris Charles-De-Gaulle Airport offers a variety of options (External link) for its guests. If you are looking for a quick bite (sandwiches, salads, desserts, beverages) then head to one of these bakeries/restaurants- Brioche Dorée, Paul or Pret A Manger. These bakeries/ restaurants are present at almost all the terminals. If you are looking for a healthier option, then go to Exki, Bert’s or Naked. Additionally, you can also relish a sit-down meal (French or International cuisine) at one of these bistros/ restaurants- Paname Tap House, Caviar House & Prunier Seafood Bar, Le Café Cubiste or Frenchy’s. For a gourmet experience, treat your tastebuds at any one of these restaurants – La Table de Michel Roth, I love Paris by Guy Martin, The French Taste by Guy Martin or Ladurée. If you are in the mood for international cuisine, then why not check out Sushi Shop for some Japanese food or IT Trattoria for Italian cuisine?
Amenities and Premium services
If you have a shopping list ready before your arrival and want to travel hassle-free, then Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport offers its guests the “Shop & Collect (External link) ” service. You can shop for cosmetics, perfumes, alcohol and clothes from selected stores (Buy Paris Duty-Free, Buy Paris Collection and FNAC) at the airport and pick up your products upon your return. If you are transiting the airport and want to put your feet up before your next flight, then you can stay at the YOTELAIR hotel (External link) , which is located in the international transit area of terminal 2E. The hotel has 80 rooms, which are bookable by the hour (minimum 4 hours) for 2 or 4 people. For the ultimate premium service, the airport offers “My concierge (External link) ” service, featuring a personalised welcome (available in 8 different languages), easy passage through various controls at the airport, a luggage carrier and a drive to and from your hotel in a limousine.