If you’re stuck with time to spare, these are the most realistic things to do at Paris Orly Airport while waiting for your next flight. Orly is smaller and quieter than Charles de Gaulle, which can be a plus during a long layover — but it also means fewer late-night options and limited overnight comfort. Still, with some planning, you can eat well, browse local shops, or even sneak into Paris itself if your schedule allows.
1. Grab a bite to eat
Paris Orly Airport has a solid mix of cafés, bakeries, fast food, and sit-down restaurants, especially during daytime hours. Alongside international chains, you’ll find recognisably French options that are worth trying if you want a small taste of Paris without leaving the terminal. Paul is a reliable stop for fresh baguette sandwiches, pastries, and espresso, while Pret A Manger is popular for lighter meals and takeaway snacks. For something distinctly French, look for Ladurée, known for its colourful macarons, or Bellota-Bellota, which specialises in Spanish and French cured meats and small plates. Cheese lovers may spot shops or counters selling packaged French cheeses and charcuterie that travel well.
Dining options thin out considerably in the evening. Most restaurants and cafés close by late evening, and there are no reliable overnight food options, so travellers arriving late should plan ahead or eat before security if possible.
2. Relax in a lounge
Several lounges offer paid entry or accept common lounge programs, with amenities such as snacks, drinks, Wi-Fi, and quieter seating than the public areas. Details are available in our Paris Orly Airport Guide.
3. Go shopping
Shopping at Orly focuses on a mix of duty-free, French brands, and practical travel stores rather than destination shopping. Duty-free shops sell the usual alcohol, perfume, cosmetics, and confectionery, with a strong emphasis on French perfumes and skincare brands. You’ll also find boutiques offering French fashion, scarves, leather goods, and accessories, as well as newsstands and convenience shops for snacks and reading material.
For souvenirs, travellers often stop at the Disneyland Paris shop or the Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) store, which sells team apparel and gifts tied to the city’s football culture. As with dining, many shops close in the evening, so browsing is best done earlier in the day.
4. Sit for a massage
Massage chairs are located throughout the airport, starting at €2, so you can ease any neck or back kinks from your previous flight.
5. Enjoy some art and culture
Paris Orly Airport periodically features small cultural displays and art installations that highlight elements of Parisian creativity, design, or heritage. These exhibitions are typically modest in scale and rotate over time, offering a brief visual distraction rather than a full gallery experience. If you come across one during your layover, it can be a pleasant way to pass a few minutes between flights.
6. Sightseeing
If you have a long layover of at least 8 hours, leaving the airport to explore Paris can be realistic — but only with careful time management. Orly does not have a direct RER train into central Paris. Most travellers reach the city by taking the Orlyval shuttle to Antony and connecting to the RER B, or by using buses or taxis. Expect a total journey time of roughly 45–60 minutes each way, depending on traffic and connections.
Once in the city, low-stress sightseeing works best. A short Seine river cruise offers an easy overview of Paris landmarks without committing to long queues or strict entry times. If you prefer museums, the Musée d’Orsay or the Centre Pompidou are generally easier to manage on a tight schedule than the Louvre Museum, which can consume most of your layover.
Neighbourhood walks are another flexible option. Montmartre offers views, cafés, and a distinctly Parisian atmosphere, while areas around Bastille combine green space with casual dining. Important: there is no luggage storage at Paris Orly Airport, so sightseeing is most practical if you can travel light or are comfortable bringing your bags with you.
Exploring this city can make you forget all your worries – which is fine unless you want to make that next flight! Visit Tripadvisor for more things to do in Paris.
7. WiFi
Free WiFi is available for casual internet use, but if you’re trying to work or stream content, you may want to pay to upgrade to the Faster or Stronger internet options.
8. Sleep
If you’re hoping to rest at Orly, expectations should be modest. Airport staff are generally tolerant, but the airport closes overnight for several hours, and access may be restricted if you do not have valid onward travel documentation. Most people rest on the floor or on seats with armrests, with very limited comfortable options. Overnight, the airport becomes quieter, but lighting remains bright and temperatures can feel cool.
For better rest, several nearby hotels are within a short walk or drive and are often the most practical option for late-night or early-morning flights. Details are listed in our Paris Orly Airport Guide.
Updated 02 January 2026
These are just a few things to do on a layover at Paris Orly Airport. Visit our Paris Orly Airport Guide for more information about the services and facilities available, such as food, WiFi, mobile charging, luggage storage, nearby airport hotels, and much more.