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Major Airports in France: The Complete Guide 2026
Most travelers flying to France book into Paris Charles de Gaulle by default. For many trips, that is exactly right. But if you are heading to the French Riviera, Provence, Bordeaux, or Alsace, flying directly into a regional airport can save you three to four hours of travel time and the stress of a Paris connection.
This quick guide to the main international airports in France tells you which French airport to choose for the part of France you want to visit – and how to get from the airport to your destination.
Last update: March 2026
Be mindful of our planet: These French airports can serve as excellent alternatives to flying into Paris if your trip doesn’t include time in the French capital. However, they should not replace domestic train travel – prioritize rail connections within France for a smarter, more environmentally friendly way to get around.
French Airports: Quick Answers
Visiting Paris?: Fly to Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) or Paris Orly (ORY)
Nice / French Riviera: Fly to Nice-Côte d’Azur Airport (NCE) – direct flights from some US cities
Lyon / French Alps: Fly to Lyon Saint-Exupéry Airport (LYS)
Marseille / Provence: Fly to Marseille-Provence Airport (MRS)
Bordeaux / South West France: Fly to Bordeaux-Mérignac Airport (BOD)
Brittany / Loire Valley: Fly to Nantes-Atlantique Airport (NTE)
Strasbourg / Alsace: Fly to Basel-Mulhouse Airport (BSL) or Strasbourg-Entzheim Airport (SXB)
Traveling from North America? Paris CDG has the most direct connections from the US and Canada. Nice, Lyon, Marseille, and Bordeaux also have seasonal direct flights from select North American cities – check the destination links in each airport section below for current routes.
International Airports in France Map
Click here to see the major French Airports map on Google
TIP: Between parentheses, you have the airport’s IATA code. An IATA airport code is a three-letter geocode defined by the International Air Transport Association designating many airports and metropolitan areas around the world.
Airports in Northern France
Northern France is home to France’s two busiest airports (both serving Paris), plus two smaller options worth knowing about for travelers arriving on budget airlines or heading to the north of the country (Hauts-de-France and Normandy regions) without visiting Paris.
Paris – Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG)
Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) is France’s main international gateway and the largest airport in the country. Charles de Gaulle Airport is the hub for Air France and a major connecting point for onward flights within Europe. It also handles the majority of transatlantic flights from North America, making it the default arrival point for most American and Canadian travelers flying to France. Inside the airport, there’s a TGV train station for onward travel to Disneyland Paris (closest airport) or other cities in France without going into Paris at all.
A practical warning: CDG Airport is large and complex, with three terminals spread across a wide area. Allow extra time for connections and follow signs carefully. Note that all terminals will be renumbered in March 2027 – if you are traveling after that date, check your ticket carefully.
Best for: Travelers flying directly from North America, visiting Disneyland Paris, anyone starting their trip in Paris, connections to the rest of France by TGV trains.
How to get to Paris city center: RER B train travels from the airport to Gare du Nord or Châtelet in approximately 35-50 minutes. Check all the ways to travel from Paris CDG to Paris.
Check current destinations from CDG → | Search flights to CDG →
Paris – Orly Airport (ORY)
Paris’s second airport, Orly (ORY) is smaller and closer to the city center. Paris Orly Airport handles a mix of European, North African, and some domestic routes. It is also the preferred airport for flights to the French overseas territories.
For travelers, Orly’s main advantage over CDG is simplicity. Smaller terminals, shorter walking distances, and a generally less stressful experience overall.
Best for: Travelers on certain domestic routes, flights to Martinique, Guadeloupe, and other overseas territories, anyone staying on the south side of Paris. New in March 2026: Air France leaves Orly Airport except for its connections with Corsica. Air France’s domestic routes will be operated by Transavia (Air France’s low cost company).
How to get to Paris city center: The Paris metro now connects Paris to Orly Airport. Check all the ways to travel from Paris Orly Airport to Paris.
Check current destinations from Orly → | Search flights to Orly →
Paris – Beauvais Airport (BVA)
Paris Beauvais Airport is not actually in Paris – it is in the town of Beauvais, in the Hauts-de-France region, which is 85 kilometers north of Paris. It exists almost exclusively to serve budget airlines, primarily Ryanair and Wizz Air. Fares can be significantly cheaper than CDG or Orly, but factor in the transfer time and cost (not cheap) before booking. The saving is sometimes real, sometimes not.
Best for: Budget travelers on Ryanair or Wizz Air routes who have factored in the transfer cost and time, visiting some of the most beautiful gothic cathedrals in France, and other places in the Hauts-de-France region.
How to get to Paris city center: Dedicated coach to Porte Maillot metro station (west of Paris), with a travel time of 90+ minutes. Discounted price if you book online.
Check current destinations from Beauvais → | Search flights to Beauvais →
Lille – Lesquin Airport (LIL)
Lille – Lesquin (LIL) is the main airport for Northern France, serving the city of Lille and the Hauts-de-France region. Lille is also exceptionally well connected by Eurostar and TGV trains, but the airport is a useful option for those who are not visiting Paris or flying in from certain European destinations not well served by CDG.
Lille is one of France’s most underrated cities and well worth a day or two: excellent food, Flemish-influenced architecture, and easy access to the Somme battlefields and the Opal Coast.
How to get to Lille city center: Dedicated shuttle bus to Lille city center, with a travel time of 20-30 minutes to Lille city center.
Check current destinations from Lille → | Search flights to Lille →
Airports in South of France
Southern France has the best regional airport options for travelers who want to skip Paris entirely. Nice, Marseille, and Toulouse are all major south of France airports with strong international connections – and flying directly into one of them can save you three to four hours compared to landing at CDG Airport and taking a train south.
Nice – Côte d’Azur Airport (NCE)
France’s third busiest airport and the most important gateway outside Paris, Nice Airport serves the entire French Riviera – from Cannes to Menton – as well as the Provence interior. It handles over 120 direct destinations across Europe, North Africa, the Middle East, and North America, making it a genuine international hub rather than a regional airport.
For American travelers, Nice is increasingly well-connected, with United Airlines and Delta operating regular and seasonal flights. If the timing works, flying directly into Nice rather than through CDG saves a full day of travel.
Best for: Anyone visiting the French Riviera, Monaco, Cannes, and Antibes. It’s also a good entry point for a Gorges du Verdon road trip in Provence. Nice is one of France’s most beautiful cities – allow at least two days.
How to get to Nice city center: Direct connections by tram and bus to Nice city center, with a travel time of 10 minutes. Check all the ways to travel from Nice Airport to Nice.
Check current destinations from Nice → | Search flights to Nice →
Marseille – Provence Airport (MRS)
Marseille-Provence is the fourth busiest airport in France and the main gateway for western Provence – Aix-en-Provence, the Luberon, and the Camargue are all within easy reach. It has strong connections across Europe, North Africa (particularly Algeria and Morocco), and some transatlantic routes, including seasonal flights from Montréal.
For travelers focused on Provence rather than the Riviera, Marseille is often a better choice than Nice – it puts you closer to Avignon, Arles, the hilltop villages in the Luberon, and the lavender fields in Provence. This airport is also a good entry point for a Gorges du Verdon road trip.
Best for: Travelers heading to Provence. France’s second city, Marseille is a fascinating place to explore – allow at least two days, more if you wish to visit the Calanques of Marseille or the coastal town of Cassis.
How to get to Marseille city center: There is a shuttle bus to Saint-Charles train station, with a travel time of 25 minutes.
Check current destinations from Marseille → | Search flights to Marseille →
Toulouse Blagnac Airport (TLS)
Toulouse Blagnac is the fifth busiest airport in France and the aviation capital of Europe – Airbus headquarters its operations here, and the airport doubles as a test facility for new aircraft. For travelers, it is the natural gateway to the Occitanie region: the Canal du Midi, the Cathar Country, Carcassonne, and the Pyrénées are all within comfortable driving distance.
Toulouse has good European connections and seasonal transatlantic routes, including flights from Montréal. Because Toulouse isn’t yet fully on the dedicated high-speed LGV lines, consider flying to Toulouse if your holiday doesn’t include time in Paris.
Best for: Travelers visiting the city of Toulouse or heading to Carcassonne, the Canal du Midi, and the Pyrénées. It’s also a practical entry point for a road trip to the Cathar Country.
How to get to Toulouse city center: Tram line T2 connects the airport to the city center, with a travel time of 35 minutes on average.
Check current destinations from Toulouse → | Search flights to Toulouse →
Montpellier – Méditerranée Airport (MPL)
This is one of the smaller airports in south of France worth considering, serving the coastal cities of eastern Occitanie. Montpellier Airport has around 40 direct destinations, primarily within Europe and North Africa, operated by a mix of budget airlines and Air France. It is a good option for travelers focusing on the Mediterranean coast between Marseille and Barcelona – Montpellier, Sète, Nîmes, and the Camargue are all easily accessible.
Best for: Travelers heading to Montpellier and the western Mediterranean coast in general.
How to get to Montpellier city center: Shuttle bus (line 620) and tramway connect the airport to the city center in less than 20 minutes.
Check current destinations from Montpellier → | Search flights to Montpellier →
Eastern France Airports
Eastern France is served by three French airports covering Lyon, Alsace, and Strasbourg. They are all excellent entry points for road trips into Burgundy, the Jura, the French Alps, and the Rhine wine country in Germany.
Lyon Saint-Exupéry (LYS)
Lyon Saint-Exupéry is one of the top five international airports in France and one of the most useful for travelers who want to avoid Paris entirely. Lyon has over 120 direct destinations across Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East, with connections to Canada and select long-haul destinations. What makes Lyon particularly useful is its integrated TGV station directly inside the airport – you can fly into Lyon and take a train to the most beautiful cities in France without going into the city at all.
In winter, Lyon also serves as the main gateway to the French Alps ski resorts, with direct bus connections from the airport to Chambéry, Grenoble, and Chamonix.
Best for: Travelers heading to Lyon, the French Alps, and Burgundy. It’s also a good entry point for the wine regions of the Rhône Valley and Beaujolais.
How to get to Lyon city center: The Rhônexpress tram-train shuttle connects the airport to Lyon Part-Dieu train station in approximately 30 minutes.
Check current destinations from Lyon → | Search flights to Lyon →
EuroAirport Basel-Mulhouse-Fribourg (BSL/MLH/EAP)
This is one of the most unusual airports in Europe, with a single terminal shared between France and Switzerland. The EuroAirport Basel-Mulhouse-Fribourg Airport is located on French soil but serves Basel (Switzerland), Mulhouse (France), and Freiburg (Germany). It has three IATA codes depending on which country you’re departing to – BSL for Switzerland, MLH for France, and EAP for the airport itself.
With around 100 destinations, primarily in Europe and the Mediterranean, EuroAirport is the best choice for travelers heading to Colmar and beyond in Alsace – the Alsace Wine Route, and the best Christmas Markets in Alsace are all within easy reach.
Important note for spring 2026: The main runway will be closed for refurbishment from April 15 to May 20, 2026. During this period flights operate from the secondary runway with a reduced schedule. If you are traveling in this window, check your airline’s schedule carefully.
Best for: Travelers heading to Colmar and Alsace. Also serves Basel and the Black Forest in Germany.
How to get to Colmar/Alsace: There’s a bus from the French side of the terminal to Saint-Louis SNCF station, then trains to Mulhouse, Colmar, and Strasbourg every 30 minutes. Colmar is approximately 45 minutes by train.
Check current destinations from EuroAirport → | Search flights to Basel-Mulhouse →
Strasbourg-Entzheim Airport (SXB)
A smaller airport serving France’s most easterly major city, Strasbourg is the seat of the European Parliament and a UNESCO World Heritage city. The Strasbourg Airport has a good range of European connections operated mainly by easyJet, Volotea, and several flag carriers. It is the most convenient option for travelers flying directly into Strasbourg – for the Strasbourg Christmas Market or the city’s extraordinary medieval center.
Best for: Travelers heading directly to Strasbourg and Alsace.
How to get to Strasbourg city center: The shuttle train travels from the airport to the city center in less than 10 minutes.
Check current destinations from Strasbourg → | Search flights to Strasbourg →
Airports in Western France
Western France’s airports serve the Atlantic coast, Brittany, the Loire Valley, and the Bordeaux wine region. They are all genuinely useful alternatives to flying into Paris and traveling west by train.
Nantes Atlantique Airport (NTE)
Nantes Atlantique is the main airport for western France and a genuinely excellent alternative to Charles de Gaulle for travelers heading to the Loire Valley, Brittany, or the Atlantic coast. Nantes has over 90 direct destinations and is served by a strong mix of airlines, including Air France, easyJet, Transavia, and Ryanair. The Loire Valley castles are within 90 minutes of the airport by car, and Brittany is easily accessible by road or train.
Best for: Travelers starting a Loire Valley road trip, exploring Brittany, or visiting the Atlantic coast. Nantes itself is a fascinating city worth at least a day – the Machines de l’Île alone justifies a stop!
How to get to Nantes city center: It is possible to reach the city center by shuttle bus or tramway in less than 20 minutes.
Check current destinations from Nantes → | Search flights to Nantes →
Bordeaux Mérignac Airport (BOD)
Bordeaux Mérignac is one of the ten major airports in France and the gateway to the Bordeaux wine region, the Atlantic coast, and the Dordogne. With over 80 direct destinations and a strong selection of airlines, including Air France, easyJet, Ryanair, Transavia, and Air Transat (Montréal), Bordeaux is an excellent entry point for a road trip to southwest France.
Best for: Travelers heading to Bordeaux, Saint-Émilion, the Médoc wine route, Dordogne, or starting a west coast road trip from Bordeaux to Biarritz. Bordeaux city center is one of France’s finest – allow at least two days.
How to get to Bordeaux city center: Bus and tram connections travel to the city center in approximately 45 minutes.
Check current destinations from Bordeaux → | Search flights to Bordeaux →
Biarritz Pays Basque Airport (BIQ)
This is a small but useful airport for travelers heading directly to the Basque Country or starting a road trip along the Atlantic coast. Biarritz Pays Basque Airport has a limited but practical selection of year-round and seasonal routes, with flights to/from the UK, Ireland, Belgium, Italy, Switzerland, and Marrakech.
Best for: Travelers heading to Biarritz, Saint-Jean-de-Luz, Bayonne, or taking a French Basque Country road trip.
How to get to Biarritz city center: Buses connect the airport to the city center in just 5 minutes.
Check current destinations from Biarritz → | Search flights to Biarritz →
Rennes Saint-Jacques Airport (RNS)
This is the main airport for Brittany’s capital, Rennes, with a good range of European connections. Smaller than Nantes, it is the right choice for travelers heading specifically to Rennes or northern Brittany. For southern Brittany and the Loire Valley, Nantes is a better option.
Best for: Travelers heading to Rennes, northern Brittany, or the Mont-Saint-Michel.
How to get to Rennes city center: Shuttle bus or taxi – approximately 20 minutes to city center.
Check current destinations from Rennes → | Search flights to Rennes →
And there you have it – the main international airports in France and the destinations they serve best. Before you book, however, check the train options too. France has one of the best high-speed rail networks in Europe, and the TGV is often faster, cheaper, and more comfortable than flying. Explore other transportation options in France.
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