France is not only the most visited country in the world, but also a central hub for international travel in Europe, with millions of tourists, students, and business professionals arriving every year. These list International airports in France play a vital role in connecting the country to the rest of the world, serving as gateways for global tourism, academic exchange, international business, and cultural interaction. Paris alone hosts two of Europe’s busiest airports, while other regions such as Nice, Lyon, and Marseille provide essential air links to Europe, Africa, Asia, and the Americas.
The French aviation network reflects the country’s significance as a global destination, balancing both domestic and international connectivity. From high-capacity hubs like Charles de Gaulle Airport to regional airports serving cross-border flights, each airport contributes to the transportation system that makes France a leading travel destination.
This guide provides a detailed overview of all the list of international airports in France, their locations, roles, and accessibility, highlighting how they support tourism, business, and student mobility.
Table of Contents
- List of International Airports in France
- International Airports in Paris Region
- International Airports in Southern France
- International Airports in Central and Eastern France
- International Airports in Western France
- Major International Airports in France (Detailed Overview)
- Accessibility and Transportation to French Airports
- Importance of Airports for Tourism, Business, and Student Travel
- Conclusion
- Frequently Asked Questions
International Airports in Paris Region
Paris, the capital of France, is the main hub for international air traffic and home to two of the busiest airports in Europe.
| Airport Name | City | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) | Paris | Largest airport in France, major global hub. |
| Paris Orly Airport (ORY) | Paris | Secondary international airport, strong domestic and regional links. |
| Paris Beauvais–Tillé Airport (BVA) | Beauvais (near Paris) | Popular with low-cost carriers such as Ryanair and Wizz Air. |
Together, these airports handle the majority of international traffic in France, offering connections across Europe, the Americas, Africa, Asia, and the Middle East.
International Airports in Southern France
Southern France attracts millions of tourists annually due to its Mediterranean climate, coastal cities, and proximity to Italy and Spain.
| Airport Name | City | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Nice Côte d’Azur Airport | Nice | Third-busiest airport in France, gateway to the French Riviera. |
| Marseille Provence Airport | Marseille | Major hub for Southern France with international flights. |
| Toulouse–Blagnac Airport | Toulouse | Serves southwestern France, significant for aerospace industry. |
| Montpellier–Méditerranée Airport | Montpellier | Smaller but important for Mediterranean access. |
| Perpignan–Rivesaltes Airport | Perpignan | International links with Spain and other European cities. |
These airports cater heavily to tourism, especially along the Riviera and Mediterranean coast.
International Airports in Central and Eastern France
The central and eastern regions of France are also connected internationally through a series of airports.
| Airport Name | City | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Lyon–Saint Exupéry Airport | Lyon | Major hub in Eastern France, well connected to Europe and long-haul destinations. |
| Grenoble Alpes–Isère Airport | Grenoble | Serves Alpine region, popular with winter tourists. |
| Chambéry Airport | Chambéry | Seasonal hub for ski tourism in the Alps. |
| Clermont-Ferrand Auvergne Airport | Clermont-Ferrand | Regional connections with limited international flights. |
These airports are critical for connecting the Alpine regions and central France to the rest of Europe.
International Airports in Western France
Western France includes important cultural and tourist destinations, served by several international airports.
| Airport Name | City | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Bordeaux–Mérignac Airport | Bordeaux | Key hub for wine tourism and southwestern France. |
| Nantes Atlantique Airport | Nantes | Important airport for Brittany and Loire region. |
| Brest Bretagne Airport | Brest | Serves Brittany with international flights. |
| Rennes–Saint-Jacques Airport | Rennes | Regional airport with some European destinations. |
These airports contribute significantly to regional tourism and trade.
List of International Airports in France by Location
The table below shows the major international airports in France, along with their city and exact location:
| Airport Name | City | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) | Paris | Roissy-en-France, Île-de-France |
| Paris Orly Airport (ORY) | Paris | Orly, Île-de-France |
| Beauvais–Tillé Airport (BVA) | Paris (serves) | Tillé, Hauts-de-France |
| Lyon–Saint Exupéry Airport (LYS) | Lyon | Colombier-Saugnieu, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes |
| Marseille Provence Airport (MRS) | Marseille | Marignane, Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur |
| Nice Côte d’Azur Airport (NCE) | Nice | Alpes-Maritimes, Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur |
| Toulouse–Blagnac Airport (TLS) | Toulouse | Blagnac, Occitanie |
| Bordeaux–Mérignac Airport (BOD) | Bordeaux | Mérignac, Nouvelle-Aquitaine |
| Nantes Atlantique Airport (NTE) | Nantes | Bouguenais, Pays de la Loire |
| Montpellier–Méditerranée Airport (MPL) | Montpellier | Mauguio, Occitanie |
| Strasbourg Airport (SXB) | Strasbourg | Entzheim, Grand Est |
| Lille Airport (LIL) | Lille | Lesquin, Hauts-de-France |
| Basel–Mulhouse–Freiburg Airport (BSL/MLH/EAP) | Mulhouse/Strasbourg region | Saint-Louis, Grand Est (serves France, Switzerland & Germany) |
Major International Airports in France (Detailed Overview)
While France has many international airports, a few stand out due to their size, passenger volume, and global significance.
Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG)
- Largest airport in France and second busiest in Europe.
- Handles over 76 million passengers annually (pre-pandemic).
- Main hub for Air France and a key transit airport for Europe.
- Offers flights to all continents, making it a global aviation hub.
Paris Orly Airport (ORY)
- Handles more than 30 million passengers annually.
- Focuses on domestic and European flights but also connects to North Africa and the Middle East.
- Convenient for travelers heading to southern Paris and nearby regions.
Nice Côte d’Azur Airport (NCE)
- France’s third busiest airport, serving the French Riviera.
- Popular for both tourism and business, with significant seasonal traffic.
- Offers flights to European capitals and intercontinental destinations.
Lyon–Saint Exupéry Airport (LYS)
- Key hub in Eastern France.
- Connects to major European destinations and long-haul flights to North America and Asia.
- Supports Lyon’s status as a growing business and cultural center.
Marseille Provence Airport (MRS)
- Significant international airport for Southern France.
- Strong connections to North Africa, Mediterranean countries, and European hubs.
- Handles both passenger and cargo traffic.
Accessibility and Transportation to French Airports
France has one of the most advanced transport networks in Europe, ensuring excellent airport accessibility:
- Rail Connections: Airports like Charles de Gaulle and Lyon–Saint Exupéry are integrated with high-speed TGV networks, allowing travelers to reach major cities quickly.
- Metro and Tram Links: Paris airports (Orly and CDG) are connected to the Paris metro and RER train systems. Cities like Toulouse, Lyon, and Marseille also have tram or metro connections to their airports.
- Bus and Shuttle Services: Dedicated airport shuttles operate in most major French cities, providing cost-effective transport.
- Road and Car Access: All international airports are accessible by highways and offer parking facilities. Taxis and ride-sharing services are widely available.
Efficient accessibility ensures smooth connections for tourists, business professionals, and students traveling across France.
Importance of Airports for Tourism, Business, and Student Travel
These list of International airports in France are more than just transit points; they are vital drivers of the economy and cultural exchange:
- Tourism: With France welcoming over 90 million international visitors annually, airports are critical gateways for global tourism. Destinations such as Paris, the French Riviera, and the Alps rely heavily on air connectivity.
- Business and Trade: Airports like Lyon, Toulouse, and Marseille are essential for global business operations, conferences, and trade partnerships.
- Student Travel: France is one of the top destinations for international students, and airports like Paris CDG, Orly, and Lyon serve as entry points for students arriving from Africa, Asia, and the Americas.
- Regional Development: Smaller airports support local economies by facilitating trade and tourism outside Paris.
READ ALSO: List of Domestic Airports in France by Regions and Locations
Frequently Asked Questions – List of International Airports in France
Q1: What is the busiest international airport in France?
A1: The busiest airport in France is Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG), which handles over 76 million passengers annually and serves as a major European hub.
Q2: How many international airports are there in France?
A2: France has over 30 international airports, with Paris Charles de Gaulle, Orly, Nice, Lyon, and Marseille being the most important.
Q3: Which airport should I use when traveling to the French Riviera?
A3: The main gateway to the French Riviera is Nice Côte d’Azur Airport (NCE), which is the third busiest airport in France.
Q4: Which French airport is best for student travelers?
A4: Paris Charles de Gaulle and Lyon–Saint Exupéry are best for student travelers due to their global flight connections and integration with high-speed trains.
Q5: Do French airports connect directly to the United States?
A5: Yes, major airports like Paris Charles de Gaulle, Orly, and Nice operate direct flights to New York, Los Angeles, Miami, and other US cities.
Q6: Which French airport is most convenient for African destinations?
A6: Paris Orly and Marseille Provence Airport have strong links to North Africa and West Africa, making them convenient for African travel.
Q7: Are French airports connected to high-speed trains?
A7: Yes, airports like Paris Charles de Gaulle and Lyon–Saint Exupéry are directly connected to France’s TGV high-speed rail network.
Q8: Which airport is closest to central Paris?
A8: Paris Orly Airport is the closest major airport to central Paris, located about 13 kilometers south of the city.
Q9: Do French airports serve low-cost airlines?
A9: Yes, airports such as Paris Beauvais, Lyon, and Marseille are popular hubs for low-cost carriers including Ryanair, EasyJet, and Wizz Air.
Q10: What role do French international airports play in tourism?
A10: French airports act as gateways for millions of tourists annually, supporting travel to Paris, the Alps, the French Riviera, wine regions, and cultural destinations, making them vital for the tourism economy.
SEE ALSO: Cheapest Cities in France for Students to Live and Study
Conclusion – List of International Airports in France
France has a well-distributed network of international airports, ensuring that every region is connected to Europe and the wider world. From the major global hub of Paris Charles de Gaulle to regional airports in Bordeaux, Nantes, and Grenoble, each facility contributes to France’s reputation as a world leader in travel, culture, and international exchange.
These List of International Airports in France not only serve as gateways for millions of tourists but also sustain global business connections and support the movement of international students. Their strategic locations, efficient accessibility, and wide range of international routes make France one of the most connected countries in the world.