Paris - Charles De Gaulle (CDG) Airport Guide
from www.anyairportcarhire.com
SUMMARY
Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport was named after President Charles de Gaulle who founded the French Fifth Republic. It serves the Paris area and is located 25 km to the north-east of Paris. Not only is it one of the busiest airports in the world but it is the biggest airport in France. The airport is the main hub for Air France and there are flights to destinations around the world including Europe, Africa the Middle East and America. This huge international airport has three terminals and five concourses. Terminal 2 is the oldest terminal and was built for Air France flights. The third terminal (which used to be terminal 9) deals with charter flights and flights from no-frills airlines.
HISTORY
Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport used to be known as Roissy Airport and also as Paris North Airport. Planning and construction of the airport started in 1966. By 1974 the first flights had begun to take off and Paris Airport was then renamed in honour of President Charles de Gaulle who founded the French Fifth Republic. Terminal 1 was designed by a famous French architect with high ceilings and seven satellite buildings. He has since become notorious as the building of terminal 2 collapsed in 2004 and four people were killed.
While terminal 2E is being reconstructed, there are also expansion plans for terminal 2F and 2G. In 2007 a departure hall called the Galerie Parisienne was opened and it is the largest departure hall in France. In recent times there has been an effort to rebrand Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport with a corporate identity
DIRECTIONS
If you are driving from the centre of Paris then take the A1 road via Porte de la Chapelle. Alternatively it is possible to take the A3 road via Porte de Bagnolet. Just join the A1 and follow signposts for Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport.
FACILITIES
It is easy to get between the terminals thanks to the new CDGVAL airport metro line.
Each terminal has working zones where any electrical equipment can be plugged in.
Disabled passengers will find specially allocated parking places at cheaper than normal rates.
In the terminals they can make use of a welcome point at the information desk in the airport where they will be given details of all disabled access. Information desks are at departures and arrivals levels in Terminal 1, at halls A, B, C, D and F in Terminal 2 and in the arrivals area in Terminal 3.
There are a number of hotels near to the airport including the Sofitel Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport and the Sheraton Hotel in terminal 2.
ATMs are available in every terminal as a currency exchange booths. In terminal 1 there is a medical centre where first aid facilities are available.
SHOPPING
Each terminal has a wide choice of shops, cafes and restaurants. In true Parisian dial there is a top French department store – Galeries Lafayette - where you can get a whole range of things. There are also shops which sell the latest men's and women's fashion, newsagents, pharmacies, gift shops and music shops. If you want to eat you can get local French cuisine as well as food from large chains such as Pizza Hut and the Upper Crust.
DUTY FREE
Over 20 different shops sell tax-free goods from Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport. In 2009 alone they opened three duty-free shops which sold a multitude of brands and all sorts of tobacco, liquor and cosmetics. Terminals 2C, 2F and Terminal 3 welcomed 11 different fashion stores selling the latest clothes and accessories. They included names like Hermès, Salvatore Ferragamo, Longchamp and Hugo Boss.
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CAR HIRE
With all leading suppliers located at the airport you wiil be spoilt for choice with
Paris Airport car hire.