Informational Guide to Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) - Non Official

Services at Charles de Gaulle Airport

Shopping & Gastronomy at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG)

Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport is not just a major European aviation hub — it’s also a destination in itself for shopping, food, and traveller services. Whether you have a short stopover or are departing on a long-haul flight, CDG offers a rich mix of shops, restaurants, lounges, and services designed to make your journey more comfortable.

Shopping at CDG — By Category

CDG features a wide range of retail outlets across its terminals (especially in Terminals 1, 2A–F, and 3), catering to a multitude of tastes and needs.

 Duty Free & Luxury

  • DFS / La Vallée Village Duty Free: Premium duty-free shopping with cosmetics, fragrances, watches, jewellery, spirits, and luxury brands like Dior, Chanel, Montblanc, and Longchamp (available in departure zones).
  • Boutiques by Cartier, Montblanc, and Burberry: For designer fashion, accessories, and gifts.

 Fashion & Accessories

  • Longchamp, Lacoste, Armani Exchange, Gant — stylish Parisian and international fashion brands.
  • Swatch, Sunglass Hut — watches and eyewear.

Gastronomy & French Specialities

  • La Cave du Voyageur: Fine French wine and spirits.
  • Maison du Chocolat: Premium French chocolates and sweets — great as gifts.

Travel Essentials

  • Relay / WHSmith: Books, magazines, travel accessories, and snacks.
  • Tech shops: Chargers, headphones, adapters, and travel tech essentials.

Gifts, Toys & Kids

  • Disney, Lego, and local gift shops provide souvenirs and toys for children and families.

The best shopping areas tend to be inside departures after security, especially in Terminals 2E and 2F — allow extra time before your flight to browse.

Restaurants & Cafés — Tips and Top Picks

CDG offers a broad culinary selection, from fast casual to sit-down French gastronomy. Most are found in departure and transit areas, with varying opening hours aligned with flight schedules.

 Best-Rated Sit-Down Restaurants

Le Relais Plaza (Terminal 2E) — Elegant French Brasserie

  • Known for classic cuisine like steak tartare and French desserts.
  • Stylish and traditional Parisian atmosphere.
  • Great choice before long flights or business dinners.

L’Alsace (Terminal 2E) — Classic French Bistro

  • Famous for seafood, choucroute garnie, and Alsatian wine.
  • Located in a prime position near gates with airport views.

Caviar House (Multiple Terminals) — Luxury Dining & Seafood

  • Ideal for refined starters and premium snacks.
  • Excellent champagne pairing options.

Cafés & Quick Bites

Paul / Starbucks (Various Terminals)

  • Standard favourite for coffee, pastries, sandwiches, and salads.

Brioche Dorée (Terminal 1 & 2)

  • Fresh French bakery classics — croissants, quiches, and sandwiches.

Pret A Manger (Terminal 2F)

  • Healthy salads, soups, and sandwiches — good for light meals.

Bars & Lounges

Airside Bars (various gates)

  • Tend to offer beer, wine, cocktails and quick bar snacks.
  • Great for a relaxing drink before boarding.

Typical Hours: Most options begin opening early (05:00–06:00) and close late (21:00–23:00), tracking flight departures.

 For sit-down restaurants, reserve ahead if possible — spaces fill quickly during peak hours.

Duty Free at CDG

CDG’s duty-free shops are extensive and sophisticated, especially in Terminals 2E and 2F:

What You’ll Find

  • Perfumes & Cosmetics: Lancôme, Guerlain, Estée Lauder
  • Spirits & Wine: Fine French wine, champagne, cognac
  • Tobacco & Confectionery: Regional chocolates and sweets
  • Luxury Goods: Designer bags, watches, jewellery

Duty-free stores are located after security in departure areas, with signage clearly indicating locations.

Some duty-free items may be collected on arrival at destination (depending on airline and customs rules) — ask in store if unsure.

Airport Facilities & Traveller Services

Here’s what travellers can expect once they’re at CDG:

Free Wi-Fi

Free airport Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminals — connect, register, and enjoy internet access for browsing, messaging, or streaming.

ATMs & Currency Exchange

ATMs and currency exchange desks are available before and after security in all terminals.

Left Luggage / Lockers

CDG offers luggage storage services in several terminals, ideal for layovers or city trips.

Services for Families & PRM

CDG is equipped with facilities for families and persons with reduced mobility:

Family Services

  • Family restrooms
  • Baby changing facilities
  • Children’s play areas in some terminals

Accessibility

  • Wheelchair access throughout the terminals
  • Reserved assistance for PRM passengers
  • Accessible toilets and elevators
  • Pre-bookable assistance from airline or airport contact centre

Book assistance in advance (at least 48–72 hours) to ensure smooth handling.

Security & Baggage Control

Security and screening procedures at CDG follow EU aviation safety standards:

Tips for Security

  • Liquids in carry-on must be in containers of 100 ml or less in a clear bag
  • Laptops and electronics must be placed in trays
  • Please arrive early — queues can be long during peak times

Recommended arrival times:

  • 2 hours before European flights
  • 3 hours before international/long-haul flights

Lost & Found / Lost Items

If you lose an item at the airport:

  • Lost & Found offices are located in major terminals
  • Airlines often handle items left on board
  • Contact the appropriate airline or the airport office as soon as possible

Report missing items within 24 hours — chances of recovery are higher.

Check-In & Boarding

Check-In

  • Most airlines open check-in desks 2–3 hours before departure
  • Self check-in kiosks are available
  • Online check-in recommended if supported

Boarding

  • Follow flight information screens for gate numbers
  • Allow time for security and passport control

Lounges at CDG

CDG has several airline and pay-per-use lounges spread across terminals, offering comfort, refreshments, workspaces and quiet areas:

Terminal 1

Salon ICARE: Terminal 1, International Departures. Services: Snacks, Alcoholic drinks, Wi-Fi, Flight monitors, Newspapers, Magazines, TV, Smoking area. 

Entrance fee: €35.00 per traveler.

Lufthansa Business Lounge: Terminal 1, Gates 60-68. Services: Premium food, Snacks, Alcoholic drinks, Wi-Fi, Flight monitors, Newspapers, Magazines, TV, Internet terminals. Please note it is a non-smoking facility.

Entrance fee: €69.00 per traveler.

Star Alliance Lounge: Location: Terminal 1, level 11. Please note that this terminal is only allowed for Schengen flights. Services: Premium food, Snacks, Alcoholic drinks, Wi-Fi, Showers, Flight monitors, Newspapers, Magazines, TV, Printers, Copiers, Smoking area.

Entrance fee: €30.00 per traveler.

Qatar Airways Premium Lounge: Terminal 1, level 11. Open from 06:30 am - 10:00 am, 12:00 pm - 04:00 pm, 06:30 pm - 10:30 pm. Services: Premium food, Snacks, Alcoholic drinks, Wi-Fi, Showers, Flight monitors, Newspapers, Magazines, TV, Smoking area.

Salon Galaxy: Terminal 1, level 10. Open from 06:30 am to 10:30 pm. Services: Snacks, Alcoholic drinks, Wi-Fi, Flight monitors, Newspapers, Magazines, TV, Telephones, Smoking area.

SAS Lounge: Terminal 1, Satellite 7, level 10, close to Gate 70-78. Services: Snacks, Alcoholic drinks, Wi-Fi, Flight monitors, Newspapers, Magazines. Please note it is a non-smoking facility.

Lufthansa Senator Lounge: Terminal 1, Satellite 6. Services: Premium food, Snacks, Alcoholic drinks, Wi-Fi, Newspapers, Magazines, TV, Internet terminals, Printers, Copiers. Please note it is a non-smoking facility.

Terminal 2

King David Lounge: Terminal 2, opposite Gate 46. Open from first to last departure. Services: Snacks, Alcoholic drink, Newspapers and Magazines.

Paul Maxence Lounge: Terminal 2A. Services: premium food, snacks, drinks, showers, Wi-Fi, among others. 

Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge: Terminal 2A, close to gates A37-39. Services: Snacks, Alcoholic drinks, Wi-Fi, Flight monitors, Newspapers, Magazines, TV, Internet terminals, Printers, Copiers. Please note it is a non-smoking facility.

Etihad Airways First & Business Class Lounge: Teminals 2A and 2C, second level. Opening hours may vary. Services: Premium food, Snacks, Alcoholic drinks, Wi-Fi, Showers, Flight monitors, Newspapers, Magazines, TV, Children’s area, Internet terminals. Please note it is a non-smoking facility.

The Emirates Lounge: Terminal 2A-2C, second level. Services: Premium food, Snacks, Alcoholic drinks, Wi-Fi, Showers, Newspapers, Magazines, TV, Internet Terminals, Printers, Copiers. Please note it is a non-smoking facility.

American Airlines Admirals Club: Terminal 2A-2C, second level. Services: Premium food, Snacks, Alcoholic drinks, Wi-Fi, Showers, TV, Internet Terminals, Flight monitors, Printers, Copiers. Please note it is a non-smoking facility.

Cathay Pacific First and Business Class Lounge: Terminals 2A-2C, second level. Open from 06:00 am to 09:30 pm. Services: Premium food, Snacks, Alcoholic drinks, Wi-Fi, Showers, TV, Internet Terminals, Flight monitors, Printers, Copiers. Please note it is a non-smoking facility.

Salon Paris: Terminal 2C, departures, between gates C83 and C84. Open from first to last departure. Services: Snacks, Alcoholic drinks, Wi-Fi. Please note it is a non-smoking facility.

Air France The Arrivals Lounge: Terminal 2C, next to check-in desk 10. Services: Premium food, Snacks, Wi-Fi, Showers, Newspapers, Magazines, TV, Internet terminals, Telephones, Clothes press.

YotelAir Paris de Charles de Gaulle: Terminal 2E, Gate L. Services: Wi-Fi, Showers, Flight monitors, Newspapers, Magazines, TV, Smoking area.

Services upon payment: Alcoholic drinks.

Only for non-Schengen departing and transit passengers.

Air France La Première Lounge (Concourse K): Terminal 2E. Open from 06:00 am to 09:00 pm. Services: Premium food, Snacks, Alcoholic drinks, Wi-Fi, Showers, Newspapers, Magazines, TV, Internet terminals, Telephones, Spa, Printers, Copiers, Telephones. Please note it is a non-smoking facility.

Air France Lounge (Concourse M): Terminal 2E, close to Gates M. Services: Premium food, Snacks, Alcoholic drinks, Wi-Fi, Showers, Newspapers, Magazines, TV, Internet terminals, Telephones, Printers, Copiers, Telephones. Please note it is a non-smoking facility.

Air France Lounge (Concourse M): Terminal 2E, close to boarding gates L. Services: Premium food, Snacks, Alcoholic drinks, Wi-Fi, Showers, Newspapers, Magazines, TV, Children’s area, Internet terminals, Telephones, Printers, Copiers, Telephones. Please note it is a non-smoking facility.

Spa services are available upon payment.

Air France Lounge (Concourse K): Terminal 2E, Gates K. Open from 05:30 am to 11:30 pm. Services: Premium food, Snacks, Alcoholic drinks, Wi-Fi, Showers, Newspapers, Magazines, TV, Internet terminals, Telephones, Printers, Copiers, Telephones. Please note it is a non-smoking facility.

Spa services are available upon payment.

Air France Lounge: Terminal 2F, Pier F1, next to Gate F31. Open from 05:30 am to 10:30 pm. Services: Premium food, Snacks, Alcoholic drinks, Wi-Fi, Showers, Newspapers, Magazines, TV, Internet terminals. Please note it is a non-smoking facility.

Air France Lounge: Terminal 2F, Pier F2, next to Gate F49. Open from 05:30 am to 10:30 pm. Services: Premium food, Snacks, Alcoholic drinks, Wi-Fi, Showers, Newspapers, Magazines, TV, Internet terminals. Please note it is a non-smoking facility.

Air France Lounge: Terminal 2G. Services: Premium food, Snacks, Wi-Fi, Showers, Flight monitors, Newspapers, Magazines, TV, Internet terminals. Please note it is a non-smoking facility.

Purchase your pass to Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport lounges


Lounges are a great way to relax during long layovers — check eligibility (credit card access, airline status, or paid passes).