Paris, the capital of France, is one of the most popular destinations in Europe. Being a major hub for tourism and international business, Paris has several airports to cater to its visitors. However, the main airport in Paris is Charles de Gaulle Airport.
Charles de Gaulle Airport
Charles de Gaulle Airport, also known as Roissy Airport, is the largest international airport in France. It is located about 25 kilometers northeast of Paris and serves as a major connection point for air traffic between Europe and other continents.
History
The history of Charles de Gaulle Airport dates back to 1964 when it was inaugurated by President Charles de Gaulle. The airport was built to replace the existing Le Bourget Airport which had become too small to handle the increasing air traffic.
Facilities
Charles de Gaulle Airport has three main terminals: Terminal 1, Terminal 2, and Terminal 3. Each terminal has various facilities such as duty-free shops, restaurants, cafes, lounges, and currency exchange counters.
Terminal 1: This terminal was designed by Paul Andreu and features a unique circular shape with seven satellite buildings connected by walkways. It is mainly used by Air France for its long-haul flights.
Terminal 2: This terminal is divided into seven sub-terminals (2A to 2G) that are interconnected by shuttle buses and pedestrian walkways. It serves several airlines such as Emirates, Delta Airlines, and British Airways.
Terminal 3: This terminal is smaller in size compared to Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 and mainly serves low-cost carriers such as Ryanair and EasyJet.
Transportation
There are several transportation options available at Charles de Gaulle Airport:
- Train: The RER B suburban train line connects the airport to central Paris. The journey takes approximately 30 minutes.
- Bus: Several bus companies operate services to and from the airport, including Air France, Roissybus, and Le Bus Direct.
- Taxi: Taxis are available outside each terminal. However, they can be quite expensive compared to other modes of transportation.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Charles de Gaulle Airport is the main international airport in Paris and serves as a gateway for millions of visitors every year. With its modern facilities and excellent transportation links to central Paris, it is no wonder that it is one of the busiest airports in Europe.