In about 2 weeks I will have a five hour layover at CDG and would like to have a nice French lunch. Price not the most important factor to me. I’ve read I Love Paris by Guy Martin may be a good option — any experiences there? Or other suggestions?
I’m arriving on Air France from Portugal at 12:30 and departing on Air France to Florence at 6:05, and both I believe are terminal 2F.
Well darn, Mike. I was hoping that you would get some replies because I wanted to know the answer too! I guess that the airport website might be your best bet, and then you can cross check the restaurant ratings on Trip Advisor. I was just through CDG recently and there did seem to be some upscale dining options in Terminal 2. I don't know if you have flown through there before, but I love this airport. Have fun!
A "French" lunch could be soup and sandwich, only the bread will be really good. What worked for me a few months ago was finding my way to the ongoing departure gate first and then seeing what was available nearby. There was a sit-down sandwich shop in the same lobby and I was ready to leave when the gate opened.
If it must be fine dining, Google will show you sites with maps and indexes for the airport.
I had this same question, lol.
In 2019, we ate at Fauchon, a sit down cafe on level 2 of the American Airlines terminal (2A?) and it was a very nice lunch, very French, salads, sandwiches, etc. However, googling it there are conflicting reports, some say it is closed permanently.
I have no other dining experience inside security at CDG.
I don't have any specific recommendation, but you have lots of appealing options at 2F. I passed through the other day and regretted getting a sandwich from my departing airport!
The Fauchon counter was open in the Delta terminal (2E or F?) when I passed through CDG last month.
OK if you are used to US airports where there are lots of bar and restaurant options, you will find CDG 2F disappointing.
On the other hand, if you're looking to buy a Hugo Boss suit, or Swarovski jewelry, or a Rolex watch - you are in luck! I mean come on - who buys a $10,000 watch at an airport???
If you just want a good French meal or a drink at a bar - good luck!
I walked around for quite a while before eventually settling on Guy Martin's The French Taste. https://www.sortiraparis.com/hotels-and-restaurants/restaurant/articles/171888-the-french-taste-guy-martin-s-bistronomic-restaurant-at-charles-de-gaulle-airport/lang/en
I was seated quickly and ordered the duck and a glass of wine. The duck was served quickly and was OK but a small portion. With wine, the bill came to $44. I was done in about 40 minutes. There was a somewhat annoying guy at the table next to me who insisted on talking to me and wouldn't take the hint, so I left without desert or coffee.
The other options were some vegetarian counter service place that was totally mobbed, and a sandwich cafe. There was also a Starbucks.
Very disappointing.
I had a few extra hours so decided to visit the Air France lounge and buy a day pass for $50. The woman at the desk brusquely informed me they weren't selling day passes that day.
So... I ended up finding some seats in a corridor between 2D and 2F and sitting there for about 2 hours until my flight left.
VERY disappointing layover.
I remember a caviar bar in the center of the terminal before you start hitting the $hop$.
Next time I'm in that terminal, I'll try Guy Martin.
The AF lounge used to have food of that caliber, but now the Lounge food at CDG reminds me of a supermarket hot bar.
