Welcome to Europe’s second-busiest airport! Charles de Gaulle International Airport (CDG) is located in Paris, France. Stopovers will never become our favorite part of a trip, but believe it or not, they are tolerable and even enjoyable.
The airport is named after World War II resistance leader Charles de Gaulle. Since its first flight in 1974, more than 1 billion passengers have passed through the airport, which is known to the French people as “Aéroport de Roissy”.
Many celebrities have made appearances at the Paris airport over the years, and U2’s music video for “Beautiful Day” was even filmed here.
Best Things to Do at CDG Airport
Here’s the OlaTaxiParis guide to ensuring you have plenty of fun and relaxing activities at Charles de Gaulle Airport during your layover.
1. Duty-Free Shopping in Terminal 2E
The French are better at luxury goods than any other country in the world. Shopping at Charles de Gaulle Airport is both convenient and efficient. Many luxury brands on Boulevard Saint-Germain and the Champs-Elysées can be purchased before boarding your flight. If you’re planning on splurging, luxury brands like Hermès, Cartier, and Longchamp are definitely your best bets. Obsessed with major fashion brands like Chanel. Fall in love with Dior perfumes. There’s more to come!
2. Book a “Sheraton Sweet Sleeper Bed” in Paris
Conveniently located in Terminal 2 of Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport, the family-friendly Sheraton Paris Airport Hotel offers relaxed service and modern amenities to make global travelers feel at home.
The Sheraton Hotel offers daytime rates in addition to nighttime rates, and is part of the airport, making it ideal for travelers with longer layovers. Set aside a Sheraton Sweet Sleeper Bed, a custom pillow-top bed with soft premium linens and hypoallergenic pillows.
3. Starbucks at CDG Airport in Paris
Stuck in the airport at 04:00? Unfortunately, there are no 24-hour restaurants here, but you’ll be relieved to hear that Starbucks opens at 05:00. Enjoy delicious handcrafted drinks and unforgettable sweet and savory offerings. Tried Starbucks coffee, pretty good. The hot chocolate and latte lived up to our expectations too.
4. Photography with Retired Air France Concorde
The aircraft is currently not open to the public but can be visited externally. After announcing the withdrawal of the model during refurbishment, it remains on display at Paris’ Charles de Gaulle International Airport, having undergone a cosmetic reassembly.
The turbojet-powered supersonic airliner dominated the skies for 27 years and was a symbol of the great partnership between Britain and France. If you’re taking a taxi or coach to and from the airport, keep your eyes peeled to catch a glimpse of this impressive feat of engineering as if it’s about to take off.
5. La Caves a Cigares at CDG Airport in Paris
These aren’t your everyday Gallic cigarettes, they’re a go-to for special occasion gifts. If just for the “lèche vitrine” or window shop, visit La Caves a Cigares in Terminal 2 – this French phrase literally means “licking the windows” which is a great way to describe it.
Connoisseurs of fine cigars traveling from Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport can now tempt them with a walk-in humidor at the Buy Paris duty-free shop in Terminal 2E. Their BUY PARIS DUTY-FREE store in Terminal 2E carries a full line of premium cigars and specializes in limited edition cigars to pair with unique liquor selections.
6. Watch a Movie From a Comfy Couch
Air France has successfully launched its lounge concept in Concourse L at Charles de Gaulle Airport. The video lounge provides tired travelers with a space to rest and recharge on the sofa. These lounges are located in Concourses L and M in Terminal 2E. Enjoy a cinematic experience with movies, documentaries, and meditations in 2D, 3D, and even virtual reality.
There is a real sense of simplicity and craftsmanship throughout the lounge, with signature design and bespoke furniture throughout the 3,200 sq m lounge. Brandimage and Air France hired French startups Superbien and Tetro to add a design touch to the lounge, creating a truly immersive sensory experience.
7. Take an Air France Shuttle for the Arc de Triomphe
If you have plenty of time (and have applied for a Schengen visa in advance), you can take the subway (you can buy tickets with coins at the subway machine under the Arc de Triomphe) to the Eiffel Tower.
But before that, why not grab something delicious from a patisserie on a road near the Arc de Triomphe? Avenue de la Grande Armée and Victor Hugo have a few pastry shops, but they don’t get as many tourists as the crepe stands near the Eiffel Tower. Then have a picnic on the grass behind the iconic tower, just a short metro ride from the Arc de Triomphe.
8. Great Pleasures of Travel is Sending Postcards
Use your layover time to write postcards. This is one of the most forgotten pleasures of traveling. Enjoy printing unique postcards with your own personal photos. You can mail it immediately to the post office in Terminal 2E, SNCF-TGV station, arrivals level. Step back in time and experience one of the most special events at Charles de Gaulle Airport.
9. Some Refreshment at Galaxy Bar in Paris
If you’re not here to work out at Galaxy Bar, you can relax with a drink. Choose from a variety of craft beers, French wines and luxury cocktails. The friendly atmosphere will make you feel comfortable while waiting for your next flight. Sit back and enjoy it all for one of the most relaxing things to do at Charles de Gaulle Airport. The orange fruity cocktail pictured above was created by the bartender at Galaxy Bar to celebrate the meeting.
10. The Many Spots to SEE The Planes
Spotting planes is one of the best things to do at Charles de Gaulle Airport, and there are many other places to spot them.
One is located near Terminal 1, on the opposite side of the taxiway to the mound. This is great if you like taking pictures as it offers views of the taxiway and some parking spaces.
The other is outside (as long as you are allowed to leave the airport), on the perimeter, through the fence. You can easily find them as locals usually use them for the same reason.