Paris Orly Airport Mini Guide
I Know the Main Sights of Paris but What Else can I see or do?
Paris isn’t so much about the sights but more about the experience. Many simply join the crowds that visit the Eiffel Tower or Notre Dame but getting up early and walking the Rive Gauche – the left bank of the Seine, as the sun rises and other early (or late!) birds head for their destinations, really captures the romance of the city. Equally, a quiet walk through the many parks or through the old centre is more representative of the city. Rest then during the day and head out into the Paris of lovers when the lights of the city cast a magical glow over the streets.
How can I get to Paris?
There are two main airports,
Charles de Gaulle and Orly. Orly used to be the main Paris airport but since the building of Charles de Gaulle has become quieter, although 25 million people managed to end up there last year! Orly is only five miles from the city centre and well connected through the metro and buses. Although budget airlines do fly there, the only
UK flights are with Flybe from
Southampton and BA from
Heathrow. The airport is also a great international hub taking flights to and from many world cities.
What is the Airport Like?
It’s big and blocky, not very attractive from the outside but the size means there’s enough space inside for the millions that use it each year. It has excellent facilities as you’d expect from a capital city’s airport.
What can I Expect When I Land?
After disembarkation you’ll find that the airport seems quite compact with only a short walk to passport control. There, if you have one of the newer passports you can go through the automatic passport barrier and downstairs into the baggage reclaim area. From there you’ll pass through customs and into the arrivals hall which forms a wide sweep around the terminal. In the hall you’ll find all you need to commence your onward journey; from the information desk which can advise on transport and airport facilities to a medical centre if you haven’t had a good journey. There’s a bank and a currency exchange facility plus several ATMs.
If you’re collecting a hire car, you can’t miss the car rental desks which are on the wall facing you as you exit customs. There are a number of ways of getting to your destination so simply look for the sign or ask at information for directions to your chosen option.
What can I do in the Airport on my Return?
After you’ve dropped off your bags you’ll have an amazing range of shops to choose from and the departures level is almost like a shopping mall with the variety of shopping you can do there; clothing, accessories, jewellery, books etc., the list goes on. The same is true of the eating facilities there with a range to suit every taste and budget. After security you have the chance for more shopping at the duty free outlets and you also get fifteen minutes of free airtime on the airport’s Wi-Fi network.