Tourist in Paris, France. Photo: Shutterstock Air France is making it easier than ever for travelers to turn a layover into a mini vacation.
The French flag carrier has teamed up with Extime Travel, the tourism and hospitality arm of Groupe ADP, to launch "Paris Stopover," a new service allowing eligible passengers connecting through Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport to spend between one and four nights exploring the French capital and nearby attractions.
Air France. Photo: ShutterstockThe initiative comes at the height of France's summer tourism season and targets the millions of passengers passing through Air France's hub each year. According to the airline, approximately half of its customers arriving at Paris Charles de Gaulle are connecting to another destination.
Passengers can now select the stopover option when booking flights through Air France and choose from a variety of packages designed by Extime Travel. The offers include airport transfers, accommodation in four- and five-star hotels, and curated activities tailored to the length of the stay.
Louvre Museum. Photo: ShutterstockAmong the first experiences available is the "Paris Must See" package, which includes visits to iconic landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre Museum. Families can also opt for a Disneyland Paris package, while additional cultural, gastronomic, and premium experiences are expected to be added in the coming months.
Eiffel Tour. Photo: ShutterstockThe launch follows growing demand from travelers. A study published by the Pégase Chair in April 2026 found that 81% of passengers connecting in Paris expressed interest in leaving the airport to explore the city or nearby attractions. Interest was even higher among Brazilian and Indian travelers, at 92.3% and 90% respectively.
The timing is particularly significant for Indian travelers, who have no longer been required to obtain a French airport transit visa since April 2026.
Air France says Paris Stopover is available across all cabins, including Economy, Premium, Business, and La Première. The service can be booked up to 48 hours before departure, provided travelers have a minimum connection time of 27 hours.
The new offering is also a major milestone in the "Connect France" partnership signed by Air France-KLM and Groupe ADP in 2025, which aims to strengthen Paris Charles de Gaulle's position as one of Europe's leading aviation hubs.
With Paris Stopover, Air France hopes travelers will no longer view a connection in Paris as simply time between flights, but as an opportunity to experience one of the world's most visited destinations.