If you’re currently on a layover at Paris Orly Airport, you might be looking for ways to pass the time. Although it’s the smaller of the two Paris-area airports, there are still plenty of things to do. Here are ten activities that you can try while waiting for your next flight:
1. Grab a bite to eat
There are over 30 eateries available at the airport, including fast-food and to-go options, cafes, bars, and sit-down restaurants. Paul, Pret a Manger, and McDonald’s are great for those in a rush, while Bellota-Bellota, Cafe Cubiste, or Caviar House & Prunier Seafood Bar are ideal for leisurely meals. You can also satisfy your sweet tooth with tea and macaroons from Laduree. However, note that no eateries are open past 10:30 p.m.
2. Relax in a lounge
Two lounges at the airport offer all-inclusive access to unlimited food and drinks, WiFi, news and TV, and comfortable seating. Any traveller can access these lounges, regardless of their airline or class. You can pre-book your visit online or use your lounge membership program to gain entry. Details are available in our Paris Orly Airport Guide.
3. Go shopping
You won’t hurt for shopping opportunities here. More than 30 boutiques are available for fashionistas and those who like the finer things. Plenty more options offer more affordable shopping or browsing, too, like convenience shops, Duty-Free areas, and bookstores. For last-minute souvenirs, head to the Disneyland Paris shop or PSG, the official team store of Paris Saint-Germain’s football club.
4. Sit for a massage
Massage chairs are located throughout the airport, starting at €2, so you can ease any neck or back kinks from your previous flight.
5. Enjoy some art and culture
Works of Parisian art and culture are on display in rotating galleries at the airport. Currently, artwork from the prestigious Conservatoire de Paris and masterpieces from the Louvre are on display until the end of 2020.
6. Visit the library
A modern library in Terminal 4’s Hall B lends out traditional print media and magazines, children’s books, and tablets loaded with eBooks. Comfy leather couches and big tables invite you to work or relax with your book or any of those on loan.
7. Have fun at the arcade
Pass some time with a visit to the ’80s-themed arcade, where vintage video games are available. Two locations.
8. Sightseeing
Nearby Paris may tempt you to skip out on your next flight altogether (which is fine by us!). But, if you have a long layover of at least 8 hours, public transit options make it easy to leave the airport in favour of sightseeing in the City of Lights.
The RER B and C train lines connect the airport with the Paris metro and city center, departing every few minutes. The trip takes about 50 minutes one way. Several bus lines also connect with other destinations in the area, including Disneyland Paris. You could also hire a taxi, for more direct service – it won’t be cheap, but it might save you a little time. Note that no luggage storage is available onsite, so you’ll want to pack lightly or plan to bring along your suitcase.
Once in the city center, you can hop on a casual boat cruise down the Seine River, taking you past Notre Dame, the Eiffel Tower, and the Tuileries. The Louvre is world-class, but it can make your few hours disappear quickly, so you may want to opt for the more compact Musee d’Orsay for impressionist works or the Pompidou Centre for modern art. Would you prefer a self-guided walk? Montmartre’s hilltop locale offers excellent views and many artsy shops and galleries, and Bastille is a blend of historic sites and parks with modern cafes and bars.
Exploring this city can make you forget all your worries – which is fine unless you want to make that next flight!
9. WiFi
Free WiFi is available for casual internet use, but if you’re trying to work or stream content, you may want to pay to upgrade to the Faster or Stronger internet options.
10. Sleep
If you need some shuteye, you shouldn’t have any problem with tolerant airport staff. (Technically, the airport closes between 12:30 a.m. and 3:30 a.m., so you may be asked to leave if you don’t have proper ticket documentation.) Most travellers stretch out on the floor or wriggle in between the armrests on the seats. You might get lucky with a bench or a couch inside a cafe. Few flights depart overnight, so it quiets down, but do plan on chilly temps and bright lights. Several hotels are within a 5-minute drive or short walk of the airport, and most offer complimentary shuttle service. For locations and details, see our Paris Orly Airport Guide.
These are just a few things to do on a layover at Paris Orly Airport. Visit our Paris Orly Airport Guide for more information about the services and facilities available, such as food, WiFi, mobile charging, luggage storage, nearby airport hotels, and much more.