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7 1/2 hour layover at CDG - any suggestions?

Posted by (Duluth 🛶 ) on

I am flying Delta to Berlin the end of April, but will be flying AirFrance from CDG to BER. I just received notice that the AirFrance flight has changed and what was once a 4 1/2 hour layover is now a 7 1/2 hour one. I checked around to see if there's an earlier flight but got nothing. I'm planning to check my bag so was thinking about heading into Paris (or someplace) for lunch. FWIW, I have been to Paris but it was over 20 years ago.

I have 2 concerns - one is the time factor, but also the COVID factor (I have been vaccinated and boosted). I was wondering how much of a headache it would be to leave the airport for a quick trip. And if it's even possible with COVID restrictions. I realize that the COVID situation will undoubtedly be different at the end of April but since there is also a time factor involved, I thought I'd check now.

If it looks like a major aggravation, I will probably not try it, but would like to know if it's feasible. Thanks!

Posted by
7303 posts

COVID aside, my main concern is: which date is that exactly?
There is a LOT of engineering work going on the rail line from CDG to Paris at weekends. If your layover happens on a day when the line (RER B) is shut, I would not take the risk. On a day when the line is open, I guess you could take it to Luxembourg and stroll the area + enjoy lunch for 2 hours or so, making sure you leave for the airport about 3 hours before your next flight.
If you still need a vaccine pass in France in April, then just eat takeaway/a sandwich in the Luxembourg gardens. The pass is not needed for local transportation.

Posted by
7998 posts

COVID aside, my main concern is: which date is that exactly?

I will arrive at CDG on the morning of April 26 (a Tuesday).

Posted by
8882 posts

It has been several years (definitely precovid), but the Air France lounge at CDG was one of the nicest I have ever been at. Maybe paying for a lounge pass would be worth it for that many hours.

Posted by
7303 posts

On a Tuesday, trains should run smoothly. The ride into the city will be crowded until 9.30 or so.
To save a bit of time: buy 2 tickets from CDG to Paris at the airport. The second one can be used for the return (the order of destinations does not matter!).

Posted by
10625 posts

The international lounge is nice with sleeping/ calm rooms and areas, but the domestic lounge is more like a coffee shop. Paris to Berlin would be domestic, unfortunately.

Posted by
7998 posts

Thanks, everyone! I really appreciate the suggestions! Aimee, that's a good idea - I might try that. My schedule is flexible so I could easily leave a day earlier. I'll call them tomorrow and see if there is anything. As much as I love France, I don't relish the idea of hanging out in the airport all day.

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