Charles de Gaulle Airport Strengthens France’s Global Tourism Dominance as Air France Introduces Next-Generation Stopover Experiences, Transforming Flight Connections into Premium Paris Escapes with Exclusive Experiences, Luxury Stays and Unforgettable Travel Adventures

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Charles de Gaulle Airport is strengthening France’s position as a leading global tourism gateway as Air France introduces the new Paris Stopover service, allowing connecting passengers to transform layovers into short Paris escapes through customised packages, premium accommodation, airport transfers and curated experiences. The initiative has been launched to meet growing demand from international travellers who want to maximise their journey time, offering visitors a seamless opportunity to explore Paris and surrounding attractions while continuing their onward flights. By combining aviation connectivity with tourism experiences, the service aims to enhance passenger convenience, increase destination appeal and create new opportunities for travellers passing through one of Europe’s busiest airports.

Air France Launches Paris Stopover Experience to Transform Layovers into Short Holidays Across Paris and Its Surrounding Attractions

Air France has introduced Paris Stopover, a new travel experience developed with Extime Travel that allows connecting passengers at Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport to transform a traditional flight layover into a short leisure escape. The initiative has been created to offer international travellers the opportunity to explore Paris, experience French culture and discover nearby attractions while waiting for their onward journey.

The new service has been launched during France’s busiest tourism period, as demand for travel experiences beyond conventional airport transfers continues to grow. Developed and operated by Extime Travel, Groupe ADP’s airport retail and hospitality brand focused on tourism experiences, Paris Stopover aims to make connecting journeys more valuable by turning waiting time into an opportunity for exploration.

New Paris Stopover Service Creates Seamless Travel Experiences for Connecting Passengers

Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport serves as one of Europe’s most important aviation gateways, with a significant number of travellers using the airport as a connection point. A large share of Air France passengers arriving at the hub continue their journey towards another destination, creating a major opportunity to introduce stopover tourism.

The Paris Stopover programme has been designed specifically for these connecting passengers, particularly international visitors who may have several hours or days available between flights. The service provides an integrated travel package combining accommodation, transfers and sightseeing experiences, allowing travellers to explore France without the need to organise separate arrangements.

The packages can be booked when purchasing an Air France flight ticket, giving passengers the flexibility to add a Paris stay either during their outbound or return journey. The stopover duration can range from one to four nights, depending on the traveller’s schedule and preferences.

Through Extime Travel, passengers receive assistance throughout their experience, creating a smoother transition between air travel and tourism activities. The service has been structured to reduce the complexity often associated with short city visits, especially for international travellers unfamiliar with local transport, accommodation options and attractions.

Rising Traveller Interest Fuels Expansion of Paris Stopover Experiences and Unlocks New Tourism Opportunities

The introduction of Paris Stopover follows growing passenger interest in using connection periods to explore destinations rather than remaining inside airports. Research conducted on transit passenger behaviour has highlighted strong demand for this type of travel experience.

A significant majority of passengers connecting through Paris expressed interest in leaving the airport during their layover to visit Paris or attractions located near Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport. Interest levels were particularly high among international markets, showing the potential of stopover tourism as an additional driver of destination growth.

The service is expected to appeal strongly to travellers from long-haul markets, including visitors from countries where Paris remains a major tourism attraction. The removal of French airport transit visa requirements for certain nationalities has also improved accessibility for some connecting passengers, creating additional opportunities for short visits during international journeys.

For travellers who previously viewed a connection as lost time, Paris Stopover provides an alternative approach by positioning the layover as part of the holiday experience. Instead of simply waiting for a connecting flight, passengers can now include cultural visits, entertainment activities and accommodation stays as part of their itinerary.

This approach reflects a wider shift in global travel trends, where passengers increasingly seek personalised experiences, flexible journeys and opportunities to maximise every stage of their trip.

Packages Showcase Paris Landmarks, Culture and Family Attractions

Paris Stopover packages have been designed to highlight the wide range of experiences available in the French capital and the surrounding region. The programme offers travellers access to carefully planned itineraries covering iconic attractions, family entertainment and premium experiences.

One of the featured options allows visitors to discover Paris’ most recognised landmarks, including famous cultural and architectural sites. Travellers can explore historic locations, museums and major attractions that represent France’s global cultural influence.

Another package focuses on Disneyland Paris, providing families and leisure travellers with the opportunity to combine an international flight connection with a memorable entertainment experience. Located close to the French capital, the theme park offers a convenient option for passengers looking for a family-focused stopover.

Future expansions of the programme are expected to introduce additional premium experiences, including cultural tours, gastronomy-focused activities and seasonal events. These additions are designed to provide greater choice for travellers with different interests, whether they are seeking luxury experiences, culinary discoveries or deeper connections with French heritage.

The initiative also aims to promote destinations surrounding Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport, encouraging visitors to discover attractions beyond the traditional tourist centres of the capital.

Four and Five-Star Accommodation Options Enhance Passenger Comfort

A key element of the Paris Stopover service is the inclusion of accommodation options designed to provide convenience and quality during short stays. Packages include stays at selected four-star and five-star hotels located in central Paris or near Disneyland Paris.

The accommodation component has been combined with airport transfers and curated activities, creating an all-in-one travel solution for connecting passengers. This structure allows visitors to enjoy Paris without needing to coordinate separate bookings for hotels, transport and attractions.

The flexibility of the packages enables travellers to customise their experience according to available time, personal interests and travel style. Passengers travelling in Economy, Premium, Business or La Première cabins can access the service, making the stopover option available across different customer segments.

Bookings through Extime Travel can be completed up to 48 hours before departure, subject to availability, giving passengers additional flexibility when planning their journey.

Partnership Strengthens Paris-Charles de Gaulle’s Role as a Global Tourism Gateway

The introduction of Paris Stopover marks a major advancement in the collaboration between Air France-KLM and Groupe ADP, supporting their shared vision of enhancing the global reputation of the Air France hub at Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport and creating stronger links between aviation connectivity and France’s tourism appeal.

By connecting aviation services with tourism experiences, the initiative supports France’s position as one of the world’s leading destinations. Paris remains a major attraction for international visitors, and the new programme aims to capture additional tourism value from passengers already passing through the airport.

The concept also reflects increasing competition among global aviation hubs seeking to provide more than traditional transfer services. Airports and airlines worldwide are developing stopover programmes to encourage passengers to explore connecting cities.

With Paris Stopover, Air France and Extime Travel are positioning Paris-Charles de Gaulle as a hub where transit time can become an opportunity for discovery, culture and leisure. The service creates a new bridge between international aviation connectivity and France’s tourism appeal, offering travellers a more enriching journey from departure to final destination.