by Ciara Gillan
Updated on August 17, 2023
What are the main airports in France?
France is the gift that keeps on giving. Whether you’re a lover of French culture, beautiful beaches or skiing resorts, France has it all. So in this hexagon-shaped country, which airports are the best for you to reach your desired location? There are over 30 airports (les aéroports) in France, many of which only service the domestic (nationale) French market. However, to reach the key locations in France we have listed the essential airports to visit.
Like many capital cities, Paris has more than one airport. Paris Charles de Gaulle (also known as Roissy Airport) is the capital’s main international airport. Despite its status as the second busiest airport in Europe, CDG is quite a nice place to be when departing or taking a connecting flight. It is also serviced by most international airlines (compagnies aériennes internationales) and as such offers direct flights (vols directs) to most countries.
Paris Orly and Beauvais are the two other airports in Paris. Orly was previously the main airport of Paris before Charles de Gaulle was opened up in 1974. Beauvais is a very small airport located a fair distance from the city. Serviced by low-cost airlines such as Ryanair, it can be cheap to fly to but won’t provide the nicest of traveling experiences.
If you’re looking for extravagance and some Italian culture mixed in with French, then Nice is calling you. Flying into Nice Côte d’Azur Airport will take you to Cannes, Monaco and very close to the Italian border. The third busiest airport in France is the home to the rich and wealthy of the French Mediterranean coast. It’s also home to the Cannes French film festival and the international film market.
Located in the southeast of the country, near the Swiss border, is the Lyon Saint-Exupéry Airport. As Lyon is France’s third biggest city, France’s renowned high-speed train, the TGV, was soon brought to this busy international airport. From here you can travel directly to Paris or Marseille. Or cross the Swiss border into Geneva or down to Turin in Italy. The southeast of France is populated with many national parks, including the French part of the Alps, which are just a stone’s throw away from Lyon (or from Nice as well).
Also on the Mediterranean coast is the city of Marseille. Serviced by Aéroport Marseille Provence, this sleek international airport was once home to the French flying boats of the 1920s and 1930s, including Pan American World Airways, Aéropostale and Air Union. The fishing port of Marseille is one of the main attractions on the French southern coast, followed closely behind by Montpellier and Perpignan.
For another city filled with French culture and tradition, fly to Toulouse – Blagnac Airport. While this airport services mainly Europe and North Africa and often experiences flight closures during the winter months, it is still quite a popular destination in southwest France. Its equal proximity to the French Alps and the Mediterranean is perhaps the reason. Be sure to check the winter schedule though if you plan to use the airport as your base for your skiing trip.
Bordeaux-Mérignac Airport is located in south-western France. Close to the Bay of Biscay, it’s a popular tourist spot for families, but also for surfers as it is famed for its great waves. However, Bordeaux’s airport is also known for being the main base for the KG40, the Luftwaffe’s maritime patrol unit, during the occupation of France during WWII.
As our exploration of the best airport in France comes to a close, one thing is clear: traveling through this captivating country begins the moment you step foot in its exceptional airports. From the bustling terminals to the modern amenities, France’s airports offer a seamless blend of convenience, efficiency and elegance. Whether you find yourself marveling at the architectural wonders of Charles de Gaulle Airport or savoring the tranquil ambiance of Nice Côte d’Azur Airport, each facility has a unique charm that adds to the overall experience of your journey. So, whether you’re arriving, departing or in transit, remember that your adventure in France starts and ends with the exceptional service and atmosphere of its finest airports.
