8 Things to Do Near Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG)

Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) is France’s largest international airport, located about 25 km (16 miles) northeast of Paris. As a major hub for international flights, many travelers find themselves with layovers or extra time before heading into the city. Fortunately, CDG is well connected, making it easy to explore nearby attractions without venturing too far.

Stasher also has many luggage storage options around CDG – to make your adentures carefree!

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Getting Around CDG Airport

CDG has three terminals and is connected by the free CDGVAL light rail. To travel into Paris or nearby locations, here are your best options:

• RER B Train: The fastest and most affordable option. It connects CDG to Paris in about 35 minutes, stopping at major stations like Gare du Nord and Châtelet-Les Halles. Cost: €11.45 one-way.
• Taxis: A taxi to central Paris has a fixed fare of €55 to Right Bank / €62 to Left Bank, taking around 45 minutes depending on traffic.
• Buses: The RoissyBus (€16.20, 60 minutes) connects CDG to Opéra, while Le Bus Direct (discontinued in 2020) used to offer another option.
• Car Rentals & Ride Shares: Uber and Bolt are available, though wait times and prices fluctuate.

Now, let’s explore the best things to do near CDG Airport!

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1. Explore the Charming Village of Roissy-en-France

🕒 10 minutes from CDG | 🚖 Taxi or Bus 93

If you have a short layover, Roissy-en-France is an ideal place to stretch your legs. This picturesque village near CDG features lovely gardens, quaint cafés, and a few historical landmarks.

Highlights:

• Église Saint-Éloi – A small, charming church from the 16th century.
• Parc de la Mairie – A peaceful green space with sculptures and walking paths.
• Musée du Patrimoine – A tiny museum showcasing the region’s history.

📍 Address: Roissy-en-France, 95700 France
💰 Cost: Free

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2. Visit Aéroville Shopping Mall

🕒 10 minutes from CDG | 🚖 Taxi, Free Shuttle from Some Hotels

For shopping, dining, or even catching a movie, Aéroville is the closest modern shopping mall. It has over 200 stores, a food court, and a cinema. If you need to grab last-minute gifts or relax before your flight, this is a great stop.

Highlights:

• Shops – International brands like Zara, Sephora, and FNAC.
• Dining – Options include Five Guys, Exki, and French bistros.
• Cinema – Pathé Aéroville offers movies in English and French.

📍 Address: 30 Rue des Buissons, 95700 Roissy-en-France
💰 Cost: Free entry (shopping and food at your expense)

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3. Relax at Parc de la Patte d’Oie

🕒 15 minutes from CDG | 🚖 Taxi or RER B to Villepinte

For a quiet escape, Parc de la Patte d’Oie in Gonesse offers beautiful walking trails, a lake, and picnic areas. It’s a great place to unwind if you want to enjoy fresh air before a long flight.

📍 Address: Gonesse, 95500 France
💰 Cost: Free

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4. Discover the Air and Space Museum (Musée de l’Air et de l’Espace)

🕒 20 minutes from CDG | 🚖 Taxi or RER B to Le Bourget

One of the world’s oldest aviation museums, this site at Le Bourget Airport is a must for plane enthusiasts. You can see Concorde jets, space rockets, and historic aircraft.

Highlights:

• Concorde Pavilion – Step inside the legendary supersonic jet.
• Aerospace Exhibits – From World War I planes to modern spacecraft.
• Children’s Area – Interactive exhibits for young visitors.

📍 Address: Aéroport du Bourget, 93350 Le Bourget
💰 Cost: Free (Some exhibits charge €5-€10)

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5. Explore the Château de Chantilly

🕒 25-30 minutes from CDG | 🚖 Taxi or Train from CDG to Chantilly-Gouvieux

If you have 4+ hours, a visit to Château de Chantilly is a fantastic cultural experience. This 16th-century castle is surrounded by lush gardens and is home to the Musée Condé, which holds France’s second-largest collection of classical paintings (after the Louvre).

Highlights:

• Grand Apartments – Lavishly decorated rooms showcasing royal life.
• Musée Condé – Works by Raphael, Delacroix, and other masters.
• Horse Museum & Stables – A unique equestrian attraction.
• French Gardens – Designed by André Le Nôtre, who also designed Versailles.

📍 Address: 60500 Chantilly, France
💰 Cost: €17 (Castle & Gardens) | Free with Paris Museum Pass
⏰ Opening Hours: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Closed Tuesdays)

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6. Visit Parc Astérix – A Fun Theme Park Near CDG

🕒 15-20 minutes from CDG | 🚖 Taxi or Shuttle from Airport

If you’re traveling with kids or love roller coasters, Parc Astérix is a great alternative to Disneyland Paris. This theme park is based on the famous French comic “Astérix & Obélix” and features thrilling rides, live shows, and themed villages inspired by ancient Greece, Rome, and Egypt.

Highlights:

• Tonnerre 2 Zeus – A legendary wooden roller coaster.
• Oziris – An intense Egyptian-themed inverted coaster.
• Dolphin & Sea Lion Show – A fun, family-friendly spectacle.

📍 Address: 60128 Plailly, France
💰 Cost: €56 adults, €48 children (Discounts online)
⏰ Opening Hours: Varies by season (Spring-Summer: 10 AM – 7 PM)

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7. Take a Short Trip into Paris (If You Have 6+ Hours)

🕒 35 minutes by RER B Train

If your layover is 6+ hours, you can squeeze in a quick Paris visit! The RER B train takes you from CDG to the city center in 35 minutes. Here’s a 2-3 hour mini itinerary:

Quick Paris Itinerary from CDG:

1️⃣ Notre-Dame & Île de la Cité – Walk along the Seine, see the famous cathedral.
2️⃣ Louvre Courtyard – Admire the glass pyramid (skip the full museum unless you have time).
3️⃣ Champs-Élysées & Arc de Triomphe – Stroll the avenue, snap a photo at the Arc.
4️⃣ Seine River Cruise (Optional) – If time allows, take a 1-hour Bateaux Mouches tour.

📍 Transport: RER B to Châtelet-Les Halles or Saint-Michel
💰 RER Cost: €11.45 one-way

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8. Relax at a Comfortable Lounge or Airport Hotel

🕒 Inside CDG Airport

If you’re short on time or just want to relax between flights, CDG offers excellent lounges and nearby hotels.

Lounge Options (Pay Access or Priority Pass):

• Instant Paris Lounge (Terminal 2E) – Sleeping pods, showers, lounge seating.
• Extime Lounge (Terminal 1 & 2) – Buffet, drinks, Wi-Fi, great for unwinding.

Nearby Hotels for Longer Layovers:

• YOTELAIR (Terminal 2E, Airside) – Compact rooms for short naps.
• CitizenM Paris CDG – Trendy, comfortable, and 5 minutes from terminals.

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Final Tips for Layovers at CDG

✔ Short layovers (2-4 hours)? Stick to Roissy Village, Aéroville Mall, or an airport lounge.
✔ Medium layovers (4-6 hours)? Visit Château de Chantilly, Parc Astérix, or Le Bourget Museum.
✔ Long layovers (6+ hours)? Head to Paris for sightseeing!

Whether you prefer history, shopping, or theme parks, there’s something exciting near CDG Airport. Enjoy your layover in style with Stasher.