Charles de Gaulle Address

Phone Number: 01 48 62 22 80

Website

Paris Roissy Charles de Gaulle International Airport sits approximately fourteen miles north of Paris. The airport is the largest in Paris and the second most in traffic in all of Europe. With three terminals, passengers will find an excellent mix of amenities, restaurants, and shops. Navigating the airport can be difficult however. Passengers should invest in a map before leaving on their travels because signage in the airport is vague and many hallways are dimly lit making it even more difficult to reach the proper terminal. Additionally, security checkpoints are often understaffed creating long waits. Passengers should allow for extra time for layovers when catching connecting flights to avoid missing their plane.

Terminal 2 is the largest of the terminals. Terminal 2 consists of six halls, A, B, C, D, E, and F that all serve Air France flights and a few other international carriers. At the present time, Terminal 2E is closed for repairs following a roof collapse that injured a number of travelers and killed four. This terminal is due to reopen in 2008. In the meantime, satellite lounges were constructed to handle the flow of passengers that normally would use Terminal 2E.

One feature that makes Paris Charles de Gaulle International Airport stands out is the train system that links airport passengers with Paris and other nearby attractions including the European Disney World and Belgium. Passengers will find it is easy to reach much of France and Belgium using trains that leave the airport regularly. Smoking has been banned in public spaces effective in 2007, so passengers will need to find the handful of designated smoking areas that are available.

Directions

CDG Airport is accessible via either the A1 (Porte de la Chapelle) or the A3 (Porte de Bagnolet). Those taking the A3 will need to follow signs to join the A1. From here, airport signs and marked exits should be clear.