Charles de Gaulle International Airport

This massive complex is one of the world’s most important airports, and is located in the Seine-et-Marne district just outside Paris, France. Its passenger throughput exceeds 60 million a year and most major world airlines offer flights to the area. There are three terminals linked by a light-rail shuttle, and a dedicated hotel and shopping area set apart from the terminals. Air France is the major carrier, serving major and secondary destinations across all continents. Also in the field are British Airways, Cathay Pacific, JAL, Lufthansa, KLM, United, and a host of other carriers including several low-cost options.

The acres of terminal buildings offer every traveler facility necessary for a comfortable journey. Two banks, 25 ATMs, 22 foreign exchange offices, internet access, a concierge service, assistance for the disabled and those traveling with children, guides to help negotiate the buildings, airline and business lounges, health centers, hairdressers, beauty and massage salons, and a huge choice of duty-paid and duty-free shopping are all available. Car rental can be arranged through a choice of international companies, and extensive car parks are provided.

Transportation to Paris, France from the airport is by suburban rail via the airport’s two rail stations, and a long-distance train service links the airport with Brussels in addition to Lille, Lyon, Marseilles, and other major French cities. Roissybus lines run to various Paris destinations, and there’s a direct coach transfer to Disneyland Paris. Taxis, limos, and hotel shuttle buses are available, and the airport is on the fast Autoroute 1 which connects Paris with Lille.

Paris Orly Airport

An alternative air arrivals point is Paris Orly Airport, set eight miles from the city and mostly serving small airlines. Flights to a large number of domestic destinations are offered, along with international flights to places across Europe, North Africa, and the Mediterranean. British Airways offers flights to London Heathrow and Alitalia flies to Milan. The airport has two terminals which offer ATMs, currency exchange booths, a games area, childcare rooms, assistance for disabled passengers, convenience stores, car rental, and a selection of shops, bars and restaurants.

Orly Airport is located on the A106 Autoroute, an extension of the A6, and gives easy road access to the city. An airport shuttle takes passengers to the nearest rail station and Orlybus, Albertrans, and VEA buses run to the city center. Taxis and limos are available 24 hours.

Nice Cote d’Azur Airport

Nice Airport serves the Mediterranean resort region in southern France, as well as the Principality of Monaco, and is France’s third busiest air arrivals hub with over 10 million passengers served a year. Set four miles to the west of the city, it has two terminals and is a hub for Air France. British Airways, Alitalia, Delta, Emirates, Lufthansa, and KLM are a few of the full-service airlines in operation. International routes include London, Amsterdam, Munich, Berlin, Brussels, and New York.

Facilities in the terminal include airline lounges, banks, foreign exchange desks, ATMs, Wi-Fi internet, a health zone, flower vending machines, help for limited mobility passengers, adequate parking, 10 bars, and two restaurants. Business services are provided, and eight car rental companies including Avis and Budget are represented. Onward transportation is by express buses 98 or 99 to downtown Nice and the rail station. Airport shuttles to the city must be booked online in advance and taxi stands are found outside the terminals.