How to Maximize Your Layover in Paris

Top Things to Do and Offers for Travelers

A layover in Paris presents the perfect opportunity to explore one of the most beautiful cities in the world, even if you’re just passing through. Whether you have a few hours or an entire day between flights, Paris offers a wealth of activities, landmarks, and experiences that can turn your layover into a mini-adventure. With the right planning, you can enjoy the highlights of the City of Lights and make the most of your time before your next flight. Below are some of the best ways to spend a layover in Paris and some of the offers available to travelers.

1. Enjoy a Quick Paris City Tour

If you have at least six hours to spare, a city tour is one of the best ways to see the main attractions of Paris. Several companies offer guided layover tours that start directly from Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) or Orly Airport (ORY). These tours typically cover iconic sights such as the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame Cathedral, the Louvre Museum, and the Arc de Triomphe.

Many of these layover tours are customized for your timeframe, with pick-up and drop-off options at the airport, so you won’t have to worry about missing your flight. Some popular layover tour options include:

• Paris Private Layover Tour: A personalized tour with a local guide, ensuring you see the top attractions based on your preferences and available time.
• Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tours: If you prefer a more flexible option, these bus tours allow you to explore Paris at your own pace, stopping at major landmarks.

2. Explore Paris on Your Own with Easy Public Transport

For independent travelers, Paris is easy to navigate with its extensive public transport system. From Charles de Gaulle Airport, you can hop on the RER B train, which takes you directly to the city center in about 35 minutes. If you’re flying into Orly Airport, the Orlyval light rail connects to the RER B, taking you to central Paris in about 45 minutes.

Once in the city, you can spend a few hours exploring major sights like:

• Eiffel Tower: Take a quick stroll around the base of this iconic landmark, or book tickets in advance to go up to the second or third levels for panoramic views.
• Louvre Museum: Even if you don’t have time to explore the museum in depth, walking around the beautiful Louvre courtyard and its glass pyramid is a must.
• Champs-Élysées and Arc de Triomphe: A walk down the world-famous avenue is a great way to soak up the Parisian atmosphere.

3. Take Advantage of Airport Layover Packages

For travelers with a shorter layover who prefer to stay close to the airport, Charles de Gaulle and Orly offer excellent layover amenities. Several hotels near the airport provide layover packages that include meals, day-use rooms, and transportation services. These are ideal if you want to relax, freshen up, and rest between flights.

• YOTELAir (CDG): Located inside Charles de Gaulle Airport, this hotel offers compact and comfortable cabins for short stays. You can book a room by the hour, making it perfect for travelers who need a quick rest.
• CitizenM Hotel (CDG): Just minutes from the airport, this hotel offers stylish rooms, fast Wi-Fi, and comfortable spaces to relax. Their layover packages include transportation, meals, and flexible check-in times.

4. Visit Nearby Attractions Around Charles de Gaulle Airport

If you prefer not to venture far from the airport, several attractions are located close to Charles de Gaulle. Here are some nearby spots you can explore during a shorter layover:

• Aéroville Shopping Center: Located just 10 minutes from CDG, Aéroville is a large shopping mall featuring a variety of shops, restaurants, and even a cinema. It’s a great place to spend a few hours shopping or dining.
• Château de Chantilly: Just a 30-minute drive from the airport, this stunning 16th-century château is famous for its beautiful gardens, art collection, and horse racing museum. It’s an excellent alternative if you want a more relaxed, scenic experience.

5. Relax and Rejuvenate at Airport Lounges and Spas

If you prefer to stay within the airport, both Charles de Gaulle and Orly airports offer luxurious lounges and spa services for travelers looking to unwind during their layover. Many lounges offer day passes, allowing you to enjoy complimentary food, beverages, and comfortable seating. For a more indulgent experience, you can book a treatment at one of the airport spas.

• Instant Paris Lounge (CDG): This relaxing lounge offers day-use rooms, showers, and comfortable seating. It’s an ideal spot for travelers with a few hours to kill who want a quiet, luxurious space to rest.
• Be Relax Spa (CDG and ORY): If you’re looking to pamper yourself, Be Relax Spa offers massages, facials, and even nail treatments, allowing you to recharge before your next flight.

6. Visa-Free Transit for Eligible Travelers

One of the perks of having a layover in Paris is that travelers from many countries can leave the airport and explore the city without a visa, thanks to France’s participation in the Schengen Agreement. If you’re a citizen of an eligible country or have a valid Schengen visa, you can easily leave the airport and enjoy the city during your layover.

Before traveling, check the visa requirements for your nationality to see if you qualify for visa-free entry. If you do, you’ll be able to explore Paris without any additional paperwork or hassle.

A layover in Paris doesn’t have to be a boring wait between flights. With so many options for exploration, relaxation, and sightseeing, you can turn your stopover into a memorable experience. Whether you choose to explore the city’s iconic landmarks, relax in an airport lounge, or take a quick tour of nearby attractions, Paris offers plenty of ways to make your layover special.

By planning ahead and taking advantage of the many offers available to travelers, you can enjoy the best of Paris even with limited time and create lasting memories on your journey.