Things to do Near Charles De Gaulle Airport

Charles De Gaulle airport is the largest international airport in France and one of the busiest in Europe, making it a hub for travellers across the globe. Located just 23km away from the centre of Paris, you can easily access the City of Lights from here. In addition to visiting all that Paris has to offer, you can also explore the surrounding area. From beautiful parks to must-see museums, there are plenty of things to do close by.

Places to Explore Near CDG Airport

Whilst heading straight to Paris may be your initial thought, there are plenty of things to do near Charles De Gaulle airport too. So, whether you only have a short layover or are looking for things to do whilst visiting the area, discover our top picks and plan your trip.

Hit the Shops at Aeroville

Indulge in some retail therapy and head to the Aeroville shopping mall, which is only a 2-minute walk from easyHotel Paris Charles de Gaulle Villepinte. It’s open from 10.00am to 8.00pm every day, and there are regular buses that go from the airport straight to Aeroville in just 8 minutes.

Here, you’ll find internationally renowned fashion brands like Adidas, H&M, Nike, and Levi’s, to name just a few. There are plenty of big beauty names too, including MAC, KIKO Milano and The Body Shop. There’s even a Sephora store, which is something you can’t find in the UK!

If you need to replenish your energy after a hard day of shopping (it counts as cardio, right?), head to the food court. Offering a range of dishes from around the globe, there’s something to suit everyone. In the mood for Asian food? Head to Basilic and Thai, or stop off at Bánh Mì for, well, a bánh mì! These traditional Vietnamese sandwiches are made with a crusty baguette, and stuffed with pickled vegetables and roasted meat. Trust us, they’re worth crossing the Channel for. You’ll also find classic French and modern European eateries here and, if you’re in a hurry, there are fast food staples like McDonalds, Pret a Manger, Starbucks and KFC.

Aeroville is the perfect place to peruse for a few hours, stock up on those last minute holiday buys, or simply treat yourself. 

Visit the Air and Space Museum

Learn something new and head to the Air and Space museum located not too far from CDG airport in Le Bourget. The museum is one of the oldest aviation museums in the world and contains nearly 20,000 items that date back as far as the 16^th century. There is lots to see for the whole family with both outdoor and indoor installations, a children’s area and also aero-simulators! Make sure to factor in time to visit this incredible museum during your stay near CDG.

Find out more and book your visit here.

Explore Parc Robert Ballanger

Escape to nature and explore Parc Robert Ballanger; a sprawling, luscious park where you can while away the afternoon or get your daily steps in. The park also has a sports course as well as lots of playgrounds and a circuit of small electrics cars to keep the little ones entertained. If all the exercise and exploring leaves you feeling thirsty, you can find a refreshment bar where you can grab a drink and watch the world go by.

Rue Michel Ange, 93600 Aulnay-sous-Bois, France

Closes at 6.30pm

Head to the Village of Louvres

Just a five-minute drive away from the airport, the village of Louvres is well worth a visit. This quaint French village is perfect to explore on foot. Discover local bakeries and enjoy freshly baked pastries before heading to one of the French bistros to enjoy a delicious meal. This charming village will give you a true taste of a traditional French community.

Find out more information here.

Take a Spin Around Circuit Carole

This racetrack measures around 2km and includes nine bends. If you’re not in town when a race is scheduled and you’re a motorcycle fan, then you can enjoy motorcycle driving course around the spectacular Circuit Carole track.

Check out their website and book your activity.

How far is Charles de Gaulle airport from Paris?

With CDG airport conveniently located just 23km away, make a trip to the City of Lights and visit the must-see attractions. From the Eiffel Tower to Notre Dame and countless world-renowned museums, you won’t be short of finding things to do in this incredible city. Discover our top three must-visit spots on your trip to Paris.

Must-see places to visit in Paris

The Eiffel Tower

It goes without saying that no trip to Paris is complete without a visit to the Eiffel Tower. Whether it is your first time visiting or you’re a Paris native, you will find yourself marvelling at this striking architectural structure time and time again.

You can pay for tickets to head up the Eiffel Tower and experience a bird’s eye view of Paris from different viewpoints as you make your way up the tower and, if you’re feeling fancy, you can indulge in a meal at the legendary Jules Verne restaurant. Enjoy world class cuisine with unparalleled views of Paris for your backdrop.

If you’d prefer to just have a drink, then head to the top of the tower where you can admire the views with a glass of champagne from the fabulous champagne bar.

Whether you decide to ascend the tower or simply admire the view from ground level, this spectacular site is a must-see when visiting Paris.

Notre Dame

The Notre Dame is one of the most iconic and most visited landmarks in Paris and a must-visit during your trip to the city. This Catholic cathedral is located on the banks of the River Seine in the 4^th arrondissement of Paris and is considered to be one of the finest examples of French Gothic architecture. Construction of this magnificent building began in 1163 and since then the building has had a long and interesting history, up until recently when in 2019 a fire started on the roof of Notre Dame and burned for 15 hours, sustaining serious damage. Despite the famous building currently undergoing restoration, it is still worth visiting as you can join a walking tour and also explore the surrounding Latin Quarter.

The Louvre

The Louvre museum is essential visit when exploring Paris. The glass pyramid building makes this museum one of the most instantly recognisable in the world. Marvel at awe-inspiring pieces of art – not least the Mona Lisa. The Mona Lisa by Leonardo DaVinci is arguably one of the most famous paintings on the planet, so if you’re heading to the Louvre be sure to queue and see this iconic painting.

This area is also a great spot for people watching with a cup of coffee when you need a break from sightseeing.

How to Travel from CDG Airport and easyHotel for Sightseeing

From CDG Terminals 1/3

If you are arriving from Terminal 1, walk to Terminal 3.

Once you reach Terminal 3, look for the bus station labelled Roissy-Pole. 

Once there, please follow the signs for the bus station ticket office.

There are several lines running all day and night (22, 23, 24, 32, 39, 43, 351, EX100, N140, N143). 

The cost is approx 2€ per person per trip. 

The nearest stop to easyHotel is Aeroville-the bus journey takes approx. 15 mins.

Once there, just walk south 2 minutes and you will see our hotel.

Bus tickets can be purchased at the ticket office itself.

If you have a French mobile network operator, you may also buy a ticket via SMS, simply text CIF to 91300 to receive your ticket on your phone.

This ticket is valid for 1 hour without a connection .

From CDG Terminal 2

Look for the signs indicating the free shuttle service named "CDGVAL".

Once you´ve boarded the shuttle, get off when it reaches the stop labelled as “Terminal 3 Roissypole” where you can follow the above instructions to get a bus.

The best and most convenient way to travel from CDG airport is either via bus, train, or taxi. You can catch a train from CDG airport, and it will take you straight to Gare du Nord in the centre of Paris in under 40 minutes! The trains are every 10 minutes which means you are not constrained to a strict schedule and at under £10 for a single fare, this is a great way to access the city quickly.

Alternatively, you can catch a bus, this is the cheapest option and still only takes around 40 minutes. Depending on which operator you use, the timetable varies from a bus every hour to every three hours so be sure to plan ahead.

Finally, the quickest option is to get a taxi, however this will be more expensive. That said, if you are travelling with two to three others, this option may work out as cost effective as you can split the cost of the cab fare. It is worth noting that all French taxis must allow customers to pay by card and in theory, cannot refuse the service. Some taxi drivers may try to tell customers that they can only pay cash, however this is incorrect and worth bearing in mind before making your trip so that you don’t find yourself in a disagreement.

Check out the different modes of travel here.

Plan your next stay to France with easyHotel and enjoy all the things to do near Charles De Gaulle airport and the city of Paris.