Under 3 hours at CDG or ORY means stay airside — non-EU immigration alone averages 45-60 min at CDG.
- CDG Terminal 2E has the best airside dining: I Love Paris by Guy Martin has sit-down French food past security
- CDG Terminal 1 is quieter with a food court on the departure level
- ORY has Paul bakery and Laduree airside — better than most airports at this window
Extremely tight, especially from CDG. Only attempt the city if you have a Schengen e-passport and land early.
- From CDG: RER B to Gare du Nord is 25 min (€11.80). A coffee at a cafe near the station is the realistic goal
- From ORY: Orlyval to Antony then RER B to city takes 35-40 min (€13.50). Even tighter — genuine airside-only territory
- CDG departure queues run 45-60 min on peak days — leave city no later than 2.5 hours before your flight
A genuine Paris taste is possible. Notre-Dame area, the Marais, or a cafe lunch near Saint-Michel work well in this window.
- From CDG: RER B to Saint-Michel Notre-Dame or Chatelet, 30-35 min, €11.80, runs every 10-15 min
- From ORY: Orlyval and RER B to city, 35-40 min, €13.50. Plan 30 min less city time than CDG travellers
- The Louvre exterior (Pyramid) and Tuileries Garden are free — no ticket required to enjoy them
- Leave for the airport 2 hours before departure — CDG is large and security lines are unpredictable
Paris opens up properly with 10+ hours. An Eiffel Tower visit plus two other sights is realistic.
- Eiffel Tower summit ticket: €29.40, book online — queues at the ticket window add 60-90 min without a booking
- Musee d'Orsay: €16, no booking required most days. Best Impressionist collection in the world, takes 2-3 hours
- Seine walk from Pont d'Iena to Notre-Dame is free and takes about 90 min at a relaxed pace
- Return to CDG: RER B from Chatelet, 30-35 min. Allow 2 hours before departure for CDG security
