Top things to do in Roissy France

Of course there are the usual things like visit the airport shops or eat in one of the airport restaurants. Things to do in Roissy France with a long layover in Paris CDG Airport

Before our visit to Alsace, via a much cheaper train than SCNF, the national railway of France, we had some time to pass and did not just want to stay in the airport.

Visit the town of Roissy France

However if you have a layover in the Paris CDG airport and actually want to get out of the airport, but don’t have time to get all the way into the city, head over to the nearby town of Roissy.

There is luggage storage in Terminal 1 and Terminal 2.

From anywhere inside the airport, take the free CDGVAL shuttle to Terminal 3.

At Terminal 3, follow the signs to “Hotels by Shuttle”.

You can take any of the free hotel shuttle busses – pink, black or blue.  I took the black bus.

Get off at any stop.  Wander the streets and take in French life outside the airport.

Map of things to do in Rosily France

The small town is filled with buildings with flower boxes beneath windows and wooden shutters. Flowers hang from the lamp posts and life moves at a more leisurely pace.

If you get off at the Holiday Inn, take a right and go for a walk through the Parc de la Mairie where you will see the town hall.

and the remnants of a chateau from 1705.

Where to Eat in Roissy France

On the far side of the park, take a right on Avenue Charles De Gaulle and take the first left onto Rue Dorval. You will pass a bakery and a couple restaurants (which were closed on Sunday). At the end of the block turn right into the old Place du Pays de France. There you can find a Carrefour where you can get food and a bottle of wine for a picnic back at the park.

If you go the opposite direction on Avenue Charles de Gaulle, you will pass a couple restaurants if you want to eat; many were closed on Sunday but a lot of locals were seated at outdoor tables at Cinq J Pizza. There was also a creperie, Aux Trois Gourmonds, open on the left side of the street.

Continue a little farther down the hill to St. Eloi Church, dating from 1570. On the inside note the contrast between the simple architecture of of the main nave and the elaborate gothic architecture near the main altar.

Things to do in Roissy France

Get Out of the Airport

If you have the time during a long layover, don’t stay cooped up at the Paris CDG airport.  Get outside and visit the town of Roissy.  Or at least go to the mall.  Just don’t sit around at your gate all that time.

Remember, the shuttle busses are free.

Read more about our travels in France