Car Rental CDG - Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport

Paris’s Charles de Gaulle airport is located about 35km from the main city centre, but reaching it is easy with a rental car. Simply follow the signs to the airport’s exit before heading towards the A3. This road can become busy at certain times of day, so be sure to plan ahead if you’re driving early in the morning or in the late afternoon on weekdays. If you’d prefer to avoid driving in the centre you’ll find parking on the outskirts of the city and Metro lines you can jump on to reach the main attractions.

If you’d prefer a more laid back driving experience, drive north of Charles de Gaulle Airport towards the coastline and the quaint port town of Rouen with its gorgeous Natural Park - the Loops of Seine Norman - situated close by.  The A13 road will take you there, cutting through stunning greenery and open countryside, making for a pleasant drive. 

When driving in France, be aware the road signs are in km/h. On motorways, you’ll find the speed limit is about 130km/h in normal conditions. Around Paris, there are many inner-city motorways and dual carriageways. These usually have a maximum speed of 110km/h. If you find yourself in a built-up area of the city, avoid going faster than 50km/h. But, of course, always keep a close eye out for speed limit signs that confirm what limit you should be adhering to.

It’s also a good idea to carry your passport, rental car agreement and insurance documents with you at all times should you ever need to present these to law enforcement.

Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport boasts a broad range of facilities, which is ideal if you need to freshen up or grab some shopping before heading on your way. Once you have the keys to your rental car and are settled in, it’s time to explore the area beyond the airport and the great city of Paris itself. Here’s what to consider adding to your itinerary.

Take a tour of the city’s iconic sites

The skyline-dominating Eiffel Tower, the spectacular Louvre Museum and the grand Notre Dame cathedral are all must-sees while visiting Paris. Located within easy reach of each other, you can easily tick these world-famous sites off in a couple of days.

Park on the outskirts and take the Metro or leave your rental car at your hotel to see each of these wondrous spectacles in person. You can even book a sightseeing tour to enjoy the city from a different perspective.

Eat fondue at Le Refuge des Fondus

Melted cheese, lightly toasted bread, sizzling meats and fine wines are just a few of the perks of a meal in this famous fondue restaurant in the Montmartre area of Paris.

You’ll need to call an hour before opening or queue outside the restaurant when it opens to get a seat. The restaurant serves wine in baby bottles, supposedly to avoid the Parisian tax on wine glasses. It’s a fun way of experiencing a glass of local red or white.

Spend a day in Disneyland Paris

Situated just 45 minutes south of the airport, Disneyland Paris is easy to reach in your rental car plus there’s lots of parking on site. See your favourite Disney characters up close and personal, and enjoy the huge range of exciting rides on offer - from the infamous Pirates of the Caribbean to Big Thunder Mountain.

Wait until dark to see the spectacular light and firework displays that Disney is famous for. If you’re a fan of ‘The Happiest Place on Earth’, there’s plenty to see and do – especially if you’re travelling with the whole family.

Spend time in the spooky catacombs

Beneath the streets of Paris lies the resting place of thousands of skeletons and bones, now arranged to create intricately designed pathways that you can explore.

The catacombs offers an experience you won’t forget - walk through a labyrinth lined with the skulls and bones of thousands of Parisians who lived in the city centuries ago. It’s an eerie but incredible sight to behold.

Visit the Luxembourg Gardens

Nestled in the centre of the city, these gorgeous gardens make for a pleasant visit at any time of year. See the newly-formed buds push their way out of the ground in spring or enjoy a stroll through autumn leaves later in the year.

There are playgrounds for children to spend an hour or so exhausting themselves on, as well as orchards to explore and a quaint carousel to ride on.