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All You Need to Shop in Charles de Gaulle Airport: Ultimate Guide 2025

Discover the ultimate 2025 guide to shopping at Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG). Learn about duty-free deals, terminal shopping maps, time-saving tips, and hidden boutiques from a frequent Paris traveler.

Shopping Like a Pro at Paris CDG: What I’ve Learned After 15+ Layovers

The first time I stepped into Charles de Gaulle’s shopping arcades back in 2015, I made a rookie mistake that still makes me cringe. With only a 90-minute connection, I spent precious time wandering aimlessly between terminals trying to find that perfect Parisian souvenir, only to hear my name being called for final boarding. I sprinted to my gate empty-handed, sweaty, and frustrated.

Fast forward to today, and I’ve transformed those stressful shopping scrambles into efficient, enjoyable experiences that have saved me hundreds of euros and countless headaches. After more than 15 layovers at CDG, I’ve mapped every worthwhile boutique, timed the walks between terminals, and discovered secret spots where even Parisians shop during their travels.

Whether you’ve got a quick connection or a longer layover at Paris Charles de Gaulle in 2025, this guide will ensure you maximize your shopping experience with insider strategies that only come from years of trial and error (and missed flights!).

CDG Shopping Blueprint: Terminal-by-Terminal Guide

Charles de Gaulle’s shopping landscape has evolved dramatically in 2025, with new boutiques and reorganized spaces that aren’t reflected in most online guides. Here’s my current terminal-by-terminal breakdown:

Terminal 1: The Vintage Cylindrical Marvel

The oldest terminal at CDG has received significant upgrades to its shopping areas this year. The circular design means shops are arranged in a ring pattern, which can be disorienting at first.

  • Main Level Shops: Primarily convenience and travel essentials
  • Satellite Shops: Higher-end boutiques and duty-free

My favorite discovery in Terminal 1 is Relay Maison de la Presse, which stocks authentic French literary classics in English translations—perfect lightweight souvenirs that don’t break the bank.

Inside Tip: Terminal 1’s upper level has a small “Marché Parisien” section with locally-made products that opened in late 2024. Most tourists miss it completely, but it has some of the most authentic (and reasonably priced) Parisian gifts in the entire airport.

Terminal 2: The Shopping Motherlode

Terminal 2 is actually a collection of interconnected buildings (2A through 2G), and the shopping options vary dramatically between them. In 2025, Terminal 2E and 2F remain the premier shopping destinations.

Terminal 2E: Luxury Haven

This is where I spend most of my shopping time. The Hall K and Hall L areas were renovated in late 2024, bringing in more high-end brands.

  • Hall K: French luxury brands (Hermès, Louis Vuitton, Chanel)
  • Hall L: International luxury and mid-range options
  • Hall M: More accessible fashion and French gastronomic products

In Hall M, La Grande Épicerie de Paris outpost offers exceptional French food products that make perfect gifts. Their macarons are almost as good as the famous Parisian patisseries but cost about 30% less.

Terminal 2F: The Best Balance

For travelers with limited time, 2F offers the best mix of quality shopping without overwhelming options.

  • Main Concourse: Excellent duty-free selection
  • Gates F1-F10: Mid-range fashion and accessories
  • Gates F20-F36: French gastronomy and souvenirs

Shopping Time Requirements

Terminal Minimum Time Needed Ideal Time Best For
Terminal 1 30 minutes 1 hour Books, basic souvenirs, travel necessities
Terminal 2A-2D 20 minutes 45 minutes Basic shopping, some French products
Terminal 2E 45 minutes 2 hours Luxury shopping, high-end duty-free
Terminal 2F 30 minutes 1.5 hours Best all-around shopping experience
Terminal 2G 15 minutes 30 minutes Limited options, essentials only
Terminal 3 20 minutes 45 minutes Budget-friendly options

Terminal 3: Budget Shopping Haven

Don’t overlook Terminal 3 just because it serves primarily low-cost carriers. The shopping options have improved dramatically in 2025:

  • FNAC – For electronics and media at better prices than other terminals
  • Monoprix City – A mini-version of the French department store with surprisingly reasonable prices
  • Le Comptoir des Artisans – New in 2025, featuring handmade French crafts at non-airport prices

Money-Saving Insider Tip #1: The Terminal 3 Pharmacy (Pharmacie) sells French skincare brands like La Roche-Posay, Avène, and Bioderma at prices 15-20% lower than in Terminals 1 and 2. I stock up here instead of at the fancy duty-free shops.

Duty-Free Strategy: What’s Actually Worth Buying in 2025

Not all duty-free purchases at CDG are created equal. After price comparisons across Paris and other European airports, here’s what I’ve found offers genuine value in 2025:

Worth Your Euros

  • French Alcohol: Particularly cognac, champagne, and higher-end wines (save 15-30% compared to Paris shops)
  • French Perfumes: Especially larger sizes of Guerlain, Diptyque, and Fragonard (savings of 15-25%)
  • French Chocolate: Particularly La Maison du Chocolat and Valrhona (10-20% cheaper than in city center)

Skip These (Better Deals in Paris)

  1. Mainstream Luxury Bags: The selection is limited, and prices are often only 5-10% lower than in Paris boutiques with better selection
  2. Electronics: Rarely a good deal except for France-specific items
  3. Standard Souvenirs: The typical Eiffel Tower trinkets are 2-3x more expensive than in city center shops

Money-Saving Insider Tip #2: Buy Paris Museum Pass at the airport! It’s the exact same price as in the city (around €75 for a 4-day pass in 2025), but you’ll save precious vacation time by skipping the purchase lines at attractions. Find it at the information desks in all terminals.

The Price Comparison Test

I conducted a price check in April 2025 comparing identical items at CDG duty-free versus central Paris shops:

Item CDG Price (€) Paris City Price (€) Savings at CDG
Chanel N°5 (100ml) 98 116 15.5%
Moet & Chandon Brut Imperial 39 52 25%
La Maison du Chocolat (250g box) 29 32 9.4%
Louis Vuitton Neverfull MM 1,450 1,500 3.3%
Eiffel Tower Keychain 8.50 3.99 -113% (more expensive!)
Ladurée Macarons (Box of 8) 24 23.50 -2.1% (slightly more expensive)

Hidden Shopping Gems Most Travelers Miss

Beyond the obvious boutiques, CDG has several outstanding shops that fly under most travelers’ radar:

La Maison de la Truffe (Terminal 2E, Hall K)

Tucked behind the main duty-free area is this small shop selling truffle products that make exceptional gifts. Their truffle salt (€19.50) lasts forever and transforms ordinary dishes into gourmet experiences.

Librairie Relay Histoires de Lire (Terminal 2F)

This isn’t your typical airport bookstore. They have an excellent curated section of French literature classics in multiple languages, beautiful art books, and Paris-themed photography collections that make meaningful souvenirs.

Le Chocolat Alain Ducasse (Terminal 2E, Hall M)

This small kiosk offers some of France’s finest artisanal chocolates, made under the supervision of celebrated chef Alain Ducasse. The single-origin chocolate bars (€7.50) make perfect gifts and have won numerous international awards.

Money-Saving Insider Tip #3: Ask for the “transit traveler special” at Le Chocolat Alain Ducasse. It’s not advertised anywhere, but if you’re flying outside the EU, they offer a 10% additional discount beyond the duty-free price when you show your boarding pass for a non-EU destination. I discovered this by chance in January 2025!

The VAT Refund Game: Playing It Right

One of the biggest money-saving opportunities when shopping in Paris is getting your VAT tax refund before departure. The system at CDG has been digitized in 2025, but it’s still prone to long lines and confusion.

The New Digital PABLO System

In 2025, CDG has implemented the fully digital PABLO system for tax refunds, which has eliminated some paperwork but created new challenges:

Step-by-Step VAT Refund Process

  1. Make qualifying purchases in Paris (minimum €100.01 spent in same store, same day)
  2. Ask for a tax-free form (now mostly digital via email or QR code)
  3. At CDG, locate a PABLO self-service kiosk before checking your luggage
  4. Scan your digital refund QR code
  5. Follow instructions to scan receipts and possibly show merchandise
  6. Choose your refund method (credit card is fastest)

The locations of PABLO kiosks in each terminal can be found on the official Paris Airports website.

Crucial Warning: “Mince alors!” (Darn it!) – I learned this the hard way in March 2025. The new system requires you to process your refund before checking your luggage, as you may be required to show your purchases. I lost out on a €200 refund by checking my bag first. Don’t make my mistake!

VAT Refund Time Requirements

Terminal Average Wait Time (2025) Peak Hours Quietest Times
Terminal 1 15-30 minutes 9-11am, 4-6pm Early morning, late evening
Terminal 2E 20-45 minutes 10am-2pm Before 8am, after 8pm
Terminal 2F 15-35 minutes 11am-3pm Early morning
Other Terminals 10-20 minutes Varies Rarely crowded

Time-Efficient Shopping: Routes for Different Layovers

As someone who’s sprinted through CDG more times than I care to admit, I’ve developed optimized shopping routes based on how much time you have:

The Sub-60 Minute Speed Run

If you have less than an hour during a connection, follow this express route:

  • Terminal 1: Head directly to the central duty-free area, focusing only on must-buy items
  • Terminal 2E: If in Hall K or L, use the duty-free shops nearest your arrival gate
  • Terminal 2F: The central Buy Paris Duty Free has the best efficiency-to-selection ratio

The 1-2 Hour Comfortable Shop

With 1-2 hours to spare:

  1. Start with duty-free essentials near your arrival gate
  2. Visit one specialty boutique (recommendations by terminal below)
  3. Allow 20 minutes to return to your departure gate

Best Single Boutique Per Terminal (1-2 Hour Layover)

  • Terminal 1: Longchamp (for their Paris-exclusive Le Pliage designs)
  • Terminal 2A/C: L’Occitane (good value-to-size ratio for gifts)
  • Terminal 2E: Ladurée (for elegant packaged confections)
  • Terminal 2F: Fauchon (for gourmet food gifts)

The 3+ Hour Shopping Expedition

With 3+ hours, you can explore multiple terminals if desired. My recommended sequence:

  1. Start with specialty shops for unique items
  2. Then visit luxury boutiques if interested
  3. Finish with duty-free for heavy items you don’t want to carry
  4. Process any VAT refunds (allow 30-45 minutes for this)

Shopping for Business vs. Leisure Travelers

Your shopping approach should differ based on your travel purpose:

Business Traveler Essentials

As a frequent business traveler through CDG, I’ve found these shops particularly useful:

  • FNAC (Terminals 2E and 3): For adapters, chargers, and emergency tech needs
  • Pharmacy (all terminals): For travel-sized French skincare that impresses clients
  • Hermès (Terminal 2E): For tasteful, compact client gifts (their small leather goods start around €200)

Business travelers should focus on lightweight, impressive items that show thoughtfulness without being ostentatious.

Family Traveler Strategy

When traveling with my young nieces through CDG last summer, I discovered these family-friendly shopping options:

  • Nature et Découvertes (Terminal 2F): Educational French toys that are compact and unique
  • Relay (all terminals): Children’s books in multiple languages
  • La Cure Gourmande (Terminal 2E): Colorful cookie tins that delight kids and make great souvenirs

Parent Tip: Terminal 2E Hall L has a small play area near gate L25. Let one parent watch the kids there while the other shops nearby—then switch. This strategy saved our sanity during a 3-hour delay last December.

Sustainable and Ethical Shopping Options

In 2025, CDG has significantly expanded its eco-friendly and ethical shopping options. These choices are both better for the planet and often better for your wallet:

Eco-Friendly Finds

  • Le Chocolat des Français (Terminal 2F): Organic, ethically-sourced chocolate with packaging that uses sustainable inks and papers. Their 80g bars (€7.90) use less packaging than luxury brands while offering superior taste.
  • Fragonard (Terminal 2E, Hall K): Their new “Provence Durable” line uses refillable containers for perfumes, saving you about 20% on refills versus buying new bottles.
  • Green Factory (Terminal 2E, Hall M): Self-sustaining plant ecosystems in glass containers that require no maintenance—perfect sustainable souvenirs.

Sustainable + Money-Saving Tip: Skip bottled water purchases at CDG where they cost €3.50-4.50. Instead, bring an empty reusable bottle and fill it at one of the new filtered water stations installed throughout all terminals in late 2024. They’re marked with blue “Eau Potable” signs.

Post-Pandemic Shopping Changes to Be Aware Of (2025 Edition)

CDG’s shopping landscape has evolved significantly since the pandemic:

New Safety-Focused Services

  • Mobile Ordering: Many shops now offer the option to pre-order via the Paris Aéroport app for contactless pickup
  • Extended Return Policies: Most airport retailers now offer 60-day return policies (up from 30 days pre-pandemic)
  • Virtual Shopping Assistance: Available via WhatsApp for Terminal 2E luxury boutiques

Store Hours and Availability Changes

As of 2025, operating hours have been extended, but they vary significantly by terminal:

Terminal Standard Shop Hours Duty-Free Hours Notes
Terminal 1 6:00am – 10:00pm First to last flight Some shops close 8:30pm on Sundays
Terminal 2E 6:30am – 11:00pm 5:30am – 11:30pm Luxury boutiques open 8:00am
Terminal 2F 6:00am – 10:30pm First to last flight Full hours all week
Other Terminals 6:30am – 9:30pm Varies by flight schedule More limited evening hours

Regional French Products Now at CDG

One positive post-pandemic change has been the increased presence of regional French producers at CDG, supporting local businesses:

  • La Boutique du Terroir (Terminal 2F): Features products from small French producers
  • Les Caves Particulières (Terminal 2E, Hall K): Showcases small-batch French wines not available in standard duty-free
  • Artisans de Paris (Terminal 1): Rotating selection of handcrafted items from Parisian workshops

Your 5-Step Action Plan for CDG Shopping Success in 2025

After countless CDG shopping trips (and several mistakes along the way), here’s my foolproof action plan for making the most of your shopping experience:

  1. Before Your Trip: Download the Paris Aéroport app for maps and real-time updates on store openings/closures
  2. Upon Arrival at CDG: Check the information screens for your departure gate first, then identify the closest PABLO kiosk for VAT refunds if needed
  3. Strategic Shopping: Start with specialty items unique to France, then move to duty-free for heavier items
  4. Timing Management: Set an alarm on your phone for 45 minutes before boarding to begin wrapping up purchases
  5. Final Logistics: Request all receipts (even for small purchases) and ask for secure packaging if buying fragile items

Following these steps has saved me countless headaches and maximized my shopping efficiency, even during tight connections.

“Ce n’est pas la mer à boire” (It’s not the sea to drink) as the French say—meaning it’s not that difficult once you know what you’re doing!

Frequently Asked Questions About Shopping at CDG

Are prices at CDG Airport higher than in central Paris?

It depends on the category. Luxury goods (perfumes, cognac, champagne) are typically 10-25% cheaper at CDG duty-free for non-EU travelers. Everyday items and souvenirs are generally 15-50% more expensive at the airport than in city shops.

What are the duty-free allowances when leaving France?

For travelers heading to non-EU countries in 2025, the standard allowances are: 1 liter of spirits above 22% ABV or 2 liters of fortified wine/sparkling wine, 4 liters of still wine, 200 cigarettes, and other goods up to a value of €430 for air travelers.

How early should I arrive at CDG if I want to shop?

For a satisfying shopping experience, arrive at least 3 hours before your international flight. This allows time for check-in, security, VAT refund processing, and approximately 1.5 hours of shopping time.

Can I shop if I’m just connecting through CDG?

Yes! Transit passengers can access all shops in their connection terminal. If connecting between terminals, allow at least 45 minutes of extra time for shopping beyond your minimum connection time.

Where can I store purchases if I have a long layover?

CDG offers luggage storage facilities in all terminals. In 2025, they’ve introduced a new “Shop & Collect” service in Terminals 2E and 2F where you can leave airport purchases and collect them before your flight.

Do all shops accept credit cards? What about foreign currency?

All shops accept major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express). Many luxury boutiques also accept UnionPay and JCB. While euro is the primary currency, duty-free shops also accept US dollars, British pounds, and Chinese yuan, though at less favorable exchange rates.

Is the CDG shopping experience better than other European airports?

For French products, absolutely! CDG offers the best selection and prices on French wines, spirits, perfumes, and gourmet foods. For international luxury brands, I find the prices comparable to Amsterdam Schiphol or London Heathrow, but the selection of French brands is superior.

References and Further Resources