I’ve been to Paris a few times and I love it. I also think people sometimes arrive expecting the city they’ve seen in films, then feel let down when they encounter traffic, queues and Parisians getting on with their day. It’s a place where millions of people live and work. The locals have a reputation for being less than welcoming, although I’ve never thought it was fair to expect someone to perform delight because I’m on holiday.
Air France and Extime Travel are now giving connecting passengers a way to spend more than a few hours there. With Paris Stopover, travellers can extend a connection at Paris-Charles de Gaulle by one to four nights and book accommodation, transfers and activities through Extime Travel.
Passengers choose the extended connection when booking their Air France flights, on either the outbound or return journey. Once the flights are booked, they can open My Bookings to see the Extime Travel packages available for their stay. The connection must be at least 27 hours long, and packages can be booked up to 48 hours before departure, subject to availability. The option is available in every Air France cabin.
What’s included
Extime Travel’s packages include transfers, accommodation in four- or five-star hotels and a choice of activities. The first options include a Paris Must-See package covering landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre, and a Disneyland Paris stay. The companies say they plan to add more cultural and food experiences.
For South Africans flying onward through Charles de Gaulle, a few nights in Paris can fit into a trip they’re already making. Air France recently brought back its direct Cape Town–Paris flights for the summer season, while Johannesburg passengers also use the airport to connect to the airline’s wider network.
Having the hotel and transfers arranged could make a short stay easier to manage. I’d still leave some room in the itinerary to walk around. Paris is more enjoyable when you’re allowed to see something beyond its most photographed landmarks.
Check your visa before booking
Leaving Charles de Gaulle to spend time in Paris means entering France. South African ordinary passport holders should check whether they need a Schengen visa for their itinerary before extending their connection. An airport transit visa, where one applies, does not give its holder permission to enter the Schengen Area. France-Visas sets out the rules for airport transit, and Air France says passengers are responsible for meeting the entry requirements of every country on their journey.
Air France hasn’t given a standard price for the packages. Travellers will need to check what Extime Travel offers for their dates and compare that with arranging the stay themselves.