It is estimated that France welcomes over 90 million tourists from other countries each year, as there are so many interesting things to do in France. Therefore, you can only imagine how crowded the country’s airports must be. France is home to more than 30 local and international airports, making it convenient to travel both within and beyond the country’s borders. Here is a rundown of France’s most significant international airports, which can facilitate your arrival at your final destination and ensure that you take pleasure in the travel itself! Make sure to apply for the required Schengen tourist Visa before commencing your journey into this beautiful country.
The following are the 8 major airports in France for the traveler’s reference.
Charles de Gaulle Airport- Paris
It is said that the Charles de Gaulle Airport in Paris, sometimes known as CDG, is the 2nd busiest airport in relation to traffic in all of Europe. It opened its doors in 1974 and is now the primary international gateway to France and a significant European aviation hub. It is situated to the northeast of Paris, approximately 26 kilometers from the heart of Paris. The airport is comprised of three separate terminals, all of which are connected by a complimentary shuttle service. You can use the train, bus, or cab to the heart of Paris from the CDG airport. This is the largest airport in France. CDG is the airport’s code.
The Orly Airport in Paris
Orly was the primary airport serving Paris until the Charles de Gaulle Airport was built. Charles de Gaulle Airport has now located in downtown Paris. This airport in France is the second largest airport that serves France and the Paris Metropolitan region. It is situated 13 kilometers to the south of the center of Paris. Orly 1-2-3-4 is the name given to its four interconnected passenger terminals. You can ride the shuttle or the Orlyval, an automated metro to get from one shuttle terminal to another. You can take a cab, a bus, the rail, or the metro to go from Orly to the heart of Paris. Other options include taking the train. Airport Code- ORY
Paris Beauvais Airport
Near the city of Beauvais, around 80 kilometers (50 miles) to the north of Paris, is where you’ll find the Paris Beauvais Airport, which was constructed in the 1930s and is also known as the Beauvais–Tillé Airport. The airport consists of two separate terminals. Travelers can use a train, bus, or taxi to reach the city’s heart. Code for the Airport: BVA
Lille Airport
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The airport serving Lille may be found in Northern France, seven kilometers southeast of the city of Lille, in a village known as Lesquin. It is also known as the Lesquin Airport and Lille-Lesquin Airport, located about 15 minutes from the heart of Lille’s city center. The terminal of this airport is relatively small and is split across three levels. You may travel to the city’s heart from this airport in France by bus or a cab. Airport Code- LIL
The Airport in Strasbourg
The Strasbourg Airport is a smaller international airport that may be found near the town of Entzheim, which is located 10 kilometers to the southwest of Strasbourg in the French region of Alsace. The only terminal building at this airport in France is a single structure with two stories. Using the train or a taxi, you may reach Strasbourg’s heart. SXB is the airport’s code.
Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport
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Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport is the primary international airport that serves the city of Lyon. It is situated 20 kilometers southeast of the city’s central business district. This airport in France features two passenger terminals connected on the landside by the main building. This building also has a footbridge that connects to the nearby Gare de Lyon Saint-Exupéry high-speed train station and the Rhônexpress terminus. You may reach the city’s central business district by train or taxi. Airport Code- LYS
Nice Côte d’Azur Airport
Image credit: en.cannes.aeroport.fr
The Nice Côte d’Azur Airport is the third largest airport in France and serves as a gateway to the city of Nice. It is located around 6 kilometers southwest of the downtown area of Nice. This airport has three passenger terminals, and Terminals 1 and 2 are connected by shuttle buses. To reach the city’s heart, you can use the train, the bus, the tram, or even a cab. NCE is the airport’s code.
Ajaccio Airport
The main airport that caters to the city of Ajaccio on the island of Corsica is the Ajaccio Airport, often referred to as the Ajaccio Napoleon Bonaparte Airport. This airport in France is five kilometers east of Ajaccio’s port and was given its current name after Napoleon Bonaparte. Napolean Bonaparte was born in the city of Ajaccio. The airport only has a single terminal for passenger use. To get to the central part of Ajaccio from the airport, you may take the bus that plys between the airport and the town center or a bus. Airport Designation: AJA
Numerous other airports might be helpful per the tour plan, do remember to apply for a Schengen visit visa accordingly for smooth and hassle-free travel across this great country. Also, do remember the things to keep in mind when travelling to a Schengen country to have a hassle-free holiday in France.