I often get asked by readers about the best ways to fly from other cities in Europe to France. This is an incredibly useful question, especially for those planning a trip to this beautiful and diverse country. France is not just Paris—though, of course, Paris is the iconic heart of the country—but also an enchanting array of destinations, from the sun-kissed beaches of the French Riviera to the serene charm of the Alps.

I’m going to walk you through how to fly to France from major European cities, focusing particularly on flights to Paris and other popular destinations in France. Whether you’re coming from a nearby European city or planning to explore different regions of France, this guide will provide you with all the essential flight information to make your travel experience smooth and stress-free.

1. How to Fly to Paris – The Gateway to France

1.1 Paris’s Major Airports: Charles de Gaulle and Orly

Paris, as the capital of France, is undoubtedly one of Europe’s busiest and most important transport hubs. Most international flights, including those from other European cities, will land here. Paris has two primary international airports: Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) and Orly Airport (ORY).

1.1.1 Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG)

Located about 25 kilometers northeast of Paris, Charles de Gaulle is the largest and busiest airport in France. It’s the primary gateway for international flights arriving in Paris, especially from major cities across Europe and beyond. Charles de Gaulle is an extremely efficient and modern airport, equipped with all the facilities you would expect from a top-tier international terminal.

• Flying from London to Paris: If you’re traveling from London, flights to Paris CDG are frequent, with a flight time of just 1 hour and 10 minutes. You can easily find flights departing almost every hour, making it convenient to choose a time that works for you.
• Flying from Amsterdam to Paris: If you’re coming from Amsterdam Schiphol Airport, you’ll find plenty of flights to CDG with a flight time of about 1 hour and 20 minutes. The route is quite popular, and you can travel at almost any time of day.
• Flying from Berlin to Paris: Flights from Berlin to Paris usually take around 1 hour and 45 minutes. This is another highly convenient route for those looking to head from Germany to France.

Once you land at Charles de Gaulle, you have quick access to Paris via the RER B train, which takes you straight into the city center in about 30-40 minutes. Alternatively, taxis and shuttle buses are also available.

1.1.2 Orly Airport (ORY)

Orly is located around 13 kilometers south of Paris, much closer to the city center compared to Charles de Gaulle. It’s a smaller airport but still serves many international flights, especially those from southern Europe, North Africa, and Mediterranean countries.

• Flying from Madrid to Paris: Flights from Madrid to Paris typically arrive at Orly, with a flight time of around 2 hours. There are several daily flights available for you to choose from.
• Flying from Rome to Paris: From Rome, the flight to Orly takes about 2 hours, and flights are frequent throughout the day.

Although smaller than CDG, Orly is still equipped with great facilities, including restaurants, duty-free shops, and lounges. You can easily reach the city center by taking the Orlyval light rail or the Orlybus.

1.2 Connecting Flights to Other French Cities

Paris is France’s aviation hub, so many domestic flights depart from here to cities all over the country. If you’re traveling to other parts of France, such as the south, east, or the Alps, Paris will be your natural starting point.

2. Flying to Southern France: Provence, the French Riviera, Marseille, and Nice

The south of France, with its beautiful beaches, charming towns, and warm weather, is one of the most popular destinations for travelers. From Provence to the French Riviera, as well as Marseille and Nice, southern France is rich with stunning locations. Flying into one of these cities is often the easiest way to start your adventure.

2.1 Flying to Marseille (Marseille)

Marseille, located on the Mediterranean coast, is France’s second-largest city and a gateway to the south. It has its own international airport: Marseille Provence Airport (MRS).

• Flying from Paris to Marseille: From Paris CDG, the flight to Marseille typically takes around 1 hour and 30 minutes, and there are several daily flights available. This is one of the busiest routes in France, so you’ll have plenty of options to choose from.
• Flying from London to Marseille: Flights from London to Marseille take about 2 hours, and this is a common route for travelers heading to southern France.
• Flying from Munich to Marseille: Flights from Munich to Marseille take around 1 hour and 30 minutes, making it a convenient choice for travelers from Germany.

Marseille Provence Airport is about 25 kilometers from the city center, and you can easily reach the city by shuttle bus, train, or taxi. Once in the city, you’ll be able to explore Marseille’s famous Old Port, stunning coastal views, and historical landmarks.

2.2 Flying to Nice (Nice)

Nice, located on the French Riviera, is a popular destination known for its glamorous beaches and vibrant atmosphere. The Nice Côte d’Azur Airport (NCE) serves as the main gateway for travelers heading to the French Riviera.

• Flying from Paris to Nice: Flights from Paris to Nice take around 1 hour and 30 minutes. Given the popularity of this route, there are numerous flights available each day, allowing you to pick a time that suits your schedule.
• Flying from London to Nice: The flight from London to Nice takes about 2 hours, and it’s one of the most popular international routes to the French Riviera.
• Flying from Barcelona to Nice: For travelers coming from Spain, flights from Barcelona to Nice take approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes, making it a quick and convenient option.

Nice’s airport is well-connected to the city by public transport, including buses and trams, so you can easily reach the famous Promenade des Anglais or explore the city’s historic Old Town.

3. Flying to Eastern France: Chamonix and the Three Valleys

Eastern France, home to the magnificent Alps, is a popular destination for winter sports enthusiasts. The Chamonix (Chamonix-Mont-Blanc) and Three Valleys (Les Trois Vallées) areas are famous for their ski resorts, and flying into nearby airports is often the easiest way to get there.

3.1 Flying to Lyon (Lyon)

Lyon is a major city in eastern France, and its Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport (LYS) is a popular choice for travelers heading to the Alps. While Lyon is not right at the foot of the Alps, it is a convenient gateway to the region, and it offers excellent connections to nearby ski resorts.

• Flying from Paris to Lyon: Flights from Paris to Lyon are quick and frequent, with a flight time of around 1 hour. There are numerous flights each day, and Lyon is well-connected to both domestic and international destinations.
• Flying from Geneva to Lyon: If you’re coming from Geneva, it takes about 1 hour to fly to Lyon, which is a convenient option for those heading into the French Alps.

3.2 Flying to Geneva (Geneva)

Geneva, located in Switzerland, is a prime option for those heading to Chamonix or the Three Valleys. The Geneva International Airport (GVA) is one of the main gateways to the Alps, and it’s just a short distance from some of the best ski resorts in the world.

• Flying from Paris to Geneva: Flights from Paris to Geneva are typically 1 hour and 10 minutes, and this is one of the most popular routes for those heading to the Alps. Many travelers opt to fly into Geneva due to its proximity to ski resorts in both France and Switzerland.
• Flying from Munich to Geneva: Flights from Munich to Geneva take around 1 hour and 30 minutes, making it a quick and convenient option for travelers coming from Germany.

Geneva is well-connected to ski resorts in the French Alps, with plenty of transportation options available, including buses, private transfers, and car rentals.

No matter where you are flying from in Europe, getting to France is relatively easy, thanks to its well-connected airports. Whether you’re heading to Paris for a cultural city experience or flying to the sunny beaches of Nice or the ski slopes of Chamonix, France is accessible via numerous flight routes from major European cities.

When planning your flight to France, be sure to book early to secure the best fares and choose the most convenient airport based on your travel destination. Once you land, getting to your next destination within France is simple, whether you’re flying to another city or taking a connecting flight.

I hope this guide helps you plan your journey to France and makes your trip smooth and enjoyable.