Paris Airports Hotels

Small but charming towns such as Roissy-en-France, Beauvais and Sarcelleslie just off the tourist trail in Paris, and therefore serve as a charming introduction to real French life, without the prices and attitudes of Gay Paree. Close to the Airportsand therefore perfect for a little stay before moving on, these towns boast a rich village culture and community feel that beats out the drama and anonymity of Paris any day of the week.

Paris Airport's TOP 10

Paris Airports History

• Paris Orly Airport – Main Parisian airport prior to the construction of the Charles de Gaulle Airport.
• Orly Air Base – The US Air Force occupied space here until 1967.
• Charles de Gaulle Airport - France's largest airport, completed in 1974.
• CDG Terminal 2E - A portion of the ceiling collapsed in 2004, killing four people.
• Le Bourget Airport - Originally used for commercial flights, it is now used for business jets.

Paris Airports Arts & Culture

• CDG Terminal 1 – Designed by Paul Andreu and shaped like an octopus.
• Escalators in Terminal 1 at CDG – Located between the third and fifth floors, this jumble of escalators is featured in many films.
• Paris Air Show – Held every other year at the Le Bourget Airport.
• French Air & Space Museum—Among the world's oldest aviation museums and located at Le Bourget.
• Le Bourget Airport – Featured in the bestselling novel 'The Da Vinci Code' by author Dan Brown.

Paris Airports Shopping

• Charles de Gaulle Terminal 1 – This vast terminal's second floor is dedicated to shops and restaurants.
• CDGVAL – Light-rail transport moves shoppers from Terminal 1's second floor to other areas at CDG.
• CDG Duty-Free – Duty-free shopping is found on the fourth floor of the main terminal.
• Roissypôle – This massive complex at CDG contains hotels, shopping and corporate offices.
• Printemps – In Terminal 1 at Charles de Gaulle, this retailer offers fashion and accessories.

Gay & Lesbian at Paris Airports

• Atlanteam Cyber Cafe – Located at Charles de Gaulle and offers Wi-Fi for researching gay- and lesbian-friendly sites.
• Relay Bookstores – Look for a copy of Têtu, France's most popular gay and lesbian magazine.
• Le Marais – A neighbourhood close to the Paris airports known as the gay district.
• Attitude Travels – A wellnown gay and lesbian travel agency located nearby in Le Marais.
• Hôtel Bourg Tibourg – Located in picturesque Le Marais, this charming hotel is gay friendly.

Paris Airports Outdoor

• Le Bourget Airport Landing Site – Made famous by the landing of Charles Lindbergh in 1927.
• Parking at CDG – Various lots, both covered and open, are connected via the CDGVAL.
• Parking at Orly – Free shuttle service operates between lots 4, 5 and 7.
• Motorcycle Parking – Spaces available in select lots at Paris airports.
• Hilton Paris Charles de Gaulle – The glass atrium in this high-end hotel is breathtaking and spacious.

Paris Airports Sports

• Flight Simulator X – A mission in the Microsoft game "Paris Air Show Demonstration" features Le Bourget Airport.
• Gulli Play Areas – Located in waiting areas at both Paris airports and designated for children's activities.
• Playstation 2 Areas – These stations are located at Orly and open to all ages.
• Swimming – There is a pool located in the Hilton Paris Charles de Gaulle, a short shuttle ride away from CDG.
• Fitness Facilities – The Hilton Paris Orly offers a hiking trail, jogging track and gym.

Paris Airports Events

Each year in October/November, the Foire de St Martin comes to Pontoise, bringing rides, livestock and a healthy dose of fun.

Get medieval with the spring festival of Bouquet Provincial.

Autumn brings a lively tune, with the Autumn Baroque Music Festival,also in Pontoise.

When To Go

While winter can be cold and grey in Paris, resulting in gloomy locals, many of the outer towns near the airports become adorned in white snow and, without the traffic to sludge it up, become winter wonderlands.

Summer is a great time to visit, but beware the hordes of tourists.

May and June are the wettest months, so if you’re visiting during the spring, remember to bring un parapluie.

Getting Around

Paris’ main airports – Charles de Gaulle and Orly – are both served by the Paris RER. The trains not only connect individual suburbs, but also take you into Paris itself.

For getting around between suburbs, the best option is to rent a car and see them at your own pace.

Many of the villages feature walking trails and tours. Take advantage, as there’s nothing quite like gazing up at the medieval buildings while walking along cobbled streets. But remember to watch where you’re going, as a sprained ankle does not a happy traveller make!

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