International Airports
| Airport Name | City | IATA Code | ICAO Code |
|---|---|---|---|
| Charles de Gaulle Airport | Paris | CDG | LFPG |
| Orly Airport | Paris | ORY | LFPO |
| Nice Côte d’Azur Airport | Nice | NCE | LFMN |
| Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport | Lyon | LYS | LFLL |
| Marseille Provence Airport | Marseille | MRS | LFML |
| Toulouse-Blagnac Airport | Toulouse | TLS | LFBO |
| Bordeaux–Mérignac Airport | Bordeaux | BOD | LFBD |
| Nantes Atlantique Airport | Nantes | NTE | LFRS |
| Strasbourg Airport | Strasbourg | SXB | LFST |
| Montpellier-Méditerranée Airport | Montpellier | MPL | LFMT |
| Lille Airport | Lille | LIL | LFQQ |
| Biarritz Pays Basque Airport | Biarritz | BIQ | LFBZ |
| Ajaccio Napoleon Bonaparte Airport | Ajaccio (Corsica) | AJA | LFKJ |
| Bastia – Poretta Airport | Bastia (Corsica) | BIA | LFKB |
| Grenoble Alpes–Isère Airport | Grenoble | GNB | LFLS |
| Rennes – Saint-Jacques Airport | Rennes | RNS | LFRN |
| Basel-Mulhouse EuroAirport | Basel-Mulhouse (Alsace) | MLH | LFSB |
Domestic Airports
| Airport Name | City | IATA Code | ICAO Code |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chambéry Airport | Chambéry | CMF | LFLB |
| Pau Pyrénées Airport | Pau | PUF | LFBP |
| Limoges Airport | Limoges | LIG | LFBL |
| Perpignan – Rivesaltes Airport | Perpignan | PGF | LFMP |
| La Rochelle – Île de Ré Airport | La Rochelle | LRH | LFBH |
| Carcassonne Airport | Carcassonne | CCF | LFMK |
| Toulon-Hyères Airport | Toulon | TLN | LFTH |
| Calvi – Sainte-Catherine Airport | Calvi (Corsica) | CLY | LFKC |
| Figari – Sud Corse Airport | Figari (Corsica) | FSC | LFKF |
| Avignon – Provence Airport | Avignon | AVN | LFMV |
| Tarbes–Lourdes–Pyrénées Airport | Lourdes/Tarbes | LDE | LFBT |
| Brest Bretagne Airport | Brest | BES | LFRB |
Notes:
- Major international airports such as Charles de Gaulle and Orly in Paris handle most of the international traffic.
- Many domestic airports also accommodate international flights, especially to neighboring European countries.
- Regional and domestic airports connect smaller cities and popular tourist destinations, such as Corsica and southern France.
France Airports: Major Upgrades Planned for 2025
France boasts a vast network of airports that connect its cities and regions to destinations around the globe. From bustling international hubs to smaller regional facilities, these airports play a crucial role in the country’s transport infrastructure.
France has over 460 airports, with Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport being the largest and busiest, handling over 76 million passengers annually. This major international airport serves as a key gateway for travellers entering and leaving France, offering flights to countless destinations worldwide.
Beyond Paris, France’s airport system extends to every corner of the country. Regional airports like Nice Côte d’Azur, Lyon-Saint Exupéry, and Marseille Provence provide vital links for both domestic and international travel, supporting tourism and business across France’s diverse regions.
Overview of France’s Airport Infrastructure
France boasts a robust network of airports serving both domestic and international travellers. The country’s aviation infrastructure includes major international hubs, regional airports, and smaller airfields spread across its diverse geography.
Major International Airports
France is home to several large international airports that serve as gateways to the country and beyond. Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) stands out as the busiest, handling millions of passengers annually. It offers connections to 237 destinations through 108 airlines.
Paris Orly Airport (ORY) ranks as the second busiest, focusing on domestic and European flights. Both airports use IATA and ICAO codes for identification.
Nice Côte d’Azur Airport serves as a key entry point to the French Riviera, while Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport caters to central France.
Key Regional Hubs
France’s regional airports play a crucial role in connecting smaller cities and towns. Marseille Provence Airport serves the south, whilst Toulouse-Blagnac Airport is vital for the country’s aerospace industry.
Bordeaux-Mérignac Airport connects the wine region to international destinations. Nantes Atlantique Airport serves western France. These regional hubs often host a mix of national and low-cost carriers.
Many of these airports have modernised facilities to enhance passenger experience and increase capacity.
Airport Management and Operations
French airports operate under various management models. Groupe ADP manages the Paris airports, whilst regional airports often involve local authorities and chambers of commerce.
Safety and security measures adhere to international standards set by ICAO. French airports prioritise efficiency, with many investing in new technologies for smoother passenger flow.
Environmental concerns are increasingly shaping airport operations, with efforts to reduce noise pollution and carbon emissions. Some airports have implemented green initiatives, such as solar panels and electric ground vehicles.
Exploring Key French Airports
France boasts a network of modern airports that connect the country to destinations worldwide. These hubs serve as gateways for millions of travellers, offering diverse amenities and transport options.
Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport
Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport is France’s largest and busiest airport. Located 25 km northeast of Paris, it handles over 70 million passengers annually. The airport has three main terminals and serves as the primary hub for Air France.
CDG offers extensive shopping and dining options. Travellers can find luxury brands, duty-free shops, and a variety of restaurants.
Transport to central Paris is convenient. The RER B train connects the airport to key stations like Gare du Nord. Taxis and ride-sharing services are also readily available.
Orly Airport
Orly Airport is Paris’s second-largest airport, situated 13 km south of the city. It primarily serves domestic and European flights, with a focus on low-cost carriers.
Orly has two main terminals: Orly 1 & 2 and Orly 3 & 4. The airport is known for its efficiency and shorter queues compared to CDG.
Transport options to Paris include the Orlyval shuttle to RER B stations, Orlybus to Denfert-Rochereau, and taxis.
Nice Côte d’Azur Airport
Nice Côte d’Azur Airport is the main gateway to the French Riviera. It’s France’s third-busiest airport, serving over 14 million passengers yearly.
The airport has two terminals and offers flights to numerous European destinations. It’s known for its stunning approach over the Mediterranean Sea.
A short tram ride connects the airport to Nice city centre. Car hire facilities are available for exploring the picturesque Côte d’Azur region.
Marseille Provence Airport
Marseille Provence Airport serves as the primary airport for Marseille and the Provence region. It handles around 10 million passengers annually.
The airport has two terminals. Terminal 1 serves most flights, while mp2 caters to low-cost carriers.
A shuttle bus connects the airport to Marseille’s main train station. The airport also provides easy access to popular tourist destinations in Provence.
Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport
Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport is a key hub for central-eastern France. Named after the famous French writer and pilot, it serves over 11 million passengers yearly.
The airport has three terminals and offers flights to major European cities and some long-haul destinations.
The Rhônexpress tram provides a quick connection to Lyon city centre. The airport’s central location makes it ideal for accessing the French Alps.
Other Notable Airports
France has several other important regional airports:
- Toulouse-Blagnac Airport: Serves the aerospace industry hub of Toulouse.
- Bordeaux-Mérignac Airport: Gateway to the wine region of Bordeaux.
- Nantes Atlantique Airport: Main airport for western France and Brittany.
These airports offer a mix of domestic and international flights, serving both business and leisure travellers. They provide essential connections to smaller French cities and popular tourist regions.
Frequently Asked Questions
France has many airports that serve travellers from around the world. These airports offer various facilities and transport options to make your journey smooth and comfortable.
What are the main international airports in France?
France has over 30 international airports. The biggest is Charles de Gaulle Airport in Paris. Other major ones include Paris Orly Airport and Nice Côte d’Azur Airport.
Marseille Marignane Airport is a good choice for those heading to Provence. Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport serves the Rhône-Alpes region.
How can one travel between Paris airports and the city centre?
Paris airports offer several transport options to the city centre. From Charles de Gaulle, you can take the RER B train, which is quick and affordable.
Buses and taxis are also available. Orly Airport connects to Paris via the Orlyval shuttle and RER B train. Both airports have car hire services for those who prefer to drive.
What facilities are available at Charles de Gaulle Airport?
Charles de Gaulle Airport has 39 departure gates for easy passenger movement. It offers shops, restaurants, and duty-free areas.
The airport provides free Wi-Fi, currency exchange, and luggage storage. There are also prayer rooms, children’s play areas, and medical services available.
Are there direct flights from the UK to the South of France?
Yes, there are direct flights from the UK to the South of France. Many airlines fly to Nice International Airport on the French Riviera.
Marseille Marignane Airport also receives direct flights from the UK. These routes are often more convenient and not necessarily more expensive than flying to Paris.
What are the transportation options from Nice Airport to the French Riviera?
Nice Airport offers various transport options to the French Riviera. Buses run regularly to nearby towns and cities along the coast.
Taxis and car hire services are available at the airport. There’s also a train station nearby, connecting to other Riviera destinations.
How far in advance should I arrive at a French airport for an international flight?
For international flights from French airports, it’s best to arrive at least 3 hours before departure. This allows time for check-in, security checks, and any unexpected delays.
During busy periods or holidays, you might want to arrive even earlier. Always check with your airline for specific recommendations.
