Charles de Gaulle Visitor Guide 2024: Everything you need to know

France’s largest airport is named after one of its most famous sons, General Charles de Gaulle, who commanded French forces during World War II. Also known as Roissy or CDG, Charles de Gaulle Airport is not only the biggest in France but the biggest in all of Europe. With more than 70 million passengers using this airport every year, it’s an exceptionally busy gateway to the City of Light.

Whether your final destination is nearby Paris, somewhere else in France, or somewhere even further afield, you’ll have an easier time navigating the mayhem of Charles de Gaulle Airport if you travel light. Drop off your needed bags at a luggage storage locker near Charles de Gaulle Airport to make things easier on yourself. Paris awaits, but you have a much better time if you don’t carry more than you need to.

Charles de Gaulle Airport bag policy

Charles de Gaulle Airport’s policy around bags is similar to that you’ll find in other major airports around the world. Above all, make sure you don’t leave your bags unattended at any time, as this can be taken as a security risk. Also, if you’re catching a flight, remember that your bags will be subject to search. Don’t carry any liquids in volumes greater than 100 milliliters, no matter how tempting that bottle of French wine may be.

CDG Airport does have a luggage storage facility in Terminal 2, close to the train station. However, because the airport gets so many visitors, these lockers are often in high demand. It may be better to drop off your unneeded bags at a luggage storage service near Charles de Gaulle Airport where you can come and go as you please.

Charles de Gaulle Airport food policy

Paris is a destination that is known for its food, and while Charles de Gaulle Airport isn’t many people’s idea of a culinary institution, you will find plenty of options for something to eat. If you just want something quick to take on a plane with you, you’ll find the usual grab-and-go outlets such as McDonald’s, Starbucks, and Pret a Manger. Yo! Sushi also offers a taste of Japan in the French capital. And if you want to go upmarket, check out Caviar House & Prunier Seafood Bar for something a bit more luxurious.

Charles de Gaulle Airport camera policy

Cameras are allowed inside Charles de Gaulle Airport. You are also allowed to take photos for noncommercial use. If, however, you’re planning to sell your photos, you’ll require special permission from the airport authorities.

As with all airports, be careful where you point your camera. Secure areas of the airport and security personnel should not be photographed as this may be perceived as a threat. Also, make sure you don’t create a nuisance for other passages. In a busy place like CDG, setting up a tripod may not be the best idea. If you have a lot of heavy camera equipment, it’s probably a good idea to leave it behind at a suitcase storage near Charles de Gaulle airport before you go.

Charles de Gaulle Airport rules

• If passing through airport security, make sure all your electronic devices are removed from your bags and that they have been charged. Security may ask you to turn them on, and if you can’t because of a dead battery, they may be confiscated.
• Guns, knives, sharp objects, and any blunt objects that could be used as a weapon are not allowed in your carry-on baggage.
• If you carry medication in the form of syringes or aerosols, make sure you bring a medical certificate with you to justify carrying them.
• The suburban train line RER 2 is the best way to reach Charles de Gaulle Airport. It departs from Gare du Nord and takes around 40 minutes to make the trip. If you’re in a hurry, a taxi can make the same journey in around 20 minutes.

Charles de Gaulle Airport lockers

Charles de Gaulle Airport lies some distance outside the city of Paris. For millions of passengers, it’s the gateway to all the French capital has to offer. It’s also the closest major airport to Disneyland Paris, and a key link in Europe’s aviation infrastructure. If you’re traveling in Europe, Charles de Gaulle Airport can be difficult to avoid.

You’ll find getting around the airport much easier if you leave any heavy bags behind at a luggage storage near CDG. Drop off your belongings and travel light, and you’ll find it much easier to navigate both the airport and the city it serves.