One route that has become a favorite of mine is flying from Paris to Caen, France. Whether you’re heading to this charming Normandy city for history, culture, or simply to enjoy its local vibes, booking your flight smartly can save you a bundle and make your journey smoother. I’ll take you through everything I’ve learned—complete with my own flight experience, pricing insights, airline reviews, and practical advice.
My Personal Flight Experience: Paris to Caen with Chalair Aviation
One sunny summer morning in August 2023, I boarded the Chalair Aviation flight CHC123, departing from Paris Orly (ORY) to Caen Carpiquet Airport (CFR). I chose economy class, aiming to balance cost and comfort. Here’s a detailed account of my experience.
Booking the Flight
I found my ticket on the official Chalair Aviation website. Their user interface is clean, straightforward, and offers transparent pricing. The round-trip ticket cost me €148, booked two months in advance, which I consider a great deal for a regional flight within France. Chalair frequently offers discounts if you subscribe to their newsletter—something I highly recommend.
Flight Details:
- Airline: Chalair Aviation
- Flight Number: CHC123
- Route: Paris Orly (ORY) → Caen Carpiquet (CFR)
- Date: August 15, 2023
- Class: Economy
- Duration: About 1 hour
- Cost: €148 round-trip
At Paris Orly Airport
Paris Orly is less chaotic than Charles de Gaulle and easier to navigate for domestic flights. Arriving 90 minutes before departure was perfect—smooth security, quick check-in, and I found a cozy café near Gate B9 to relax. The boarding process was orderly, and the staff friendly.
Onboard Experience
The aircraft was a small turboprop ATR 72, seating about 70 passengers. While it wasn’t spacious like a big airliner, the seat was surprisingly comfortable for a one-hour flight. The legroom was adequate, and the cabin temperature was just right—not too cold or warm. The crew was attentive and offered bottled water and a small snack pack including a cookie and fruit—simple, but appreciated. The views descending into Normandy were stunning, especially over the lush green fields and historic towns.
Arrival at Caen Carpiquet
Caen’s airport is small but modern, located roughly 6 kilometers from the city center. The baggage claim was efficient, and I quickly found the shuttle bus stop that took me to downtown Caen for about €8. The airport offers car rentals, taxis, and local bus connections.
Analyzing Ticket Pricing: One-Way vs. Round-Trip, Booking Platforms, and Deals
When I first researched flights to Caen, I noticed a few patterns regarding pricing:
One-Way vs. Round-Trip
- One-way tickets typically ranged from €85 to €120.
- Round-trip tickets booked early can drop to €140-€160, offering better value.
- However, last-minute round-trip fares often jump to €250+.
For my trip, booking a round-trip ticket on Chalair saved me about 20% compared to buying two one-ways separately.
Booking Platforms I Used and Recommend
- Official Airline Websites: Chalair’s own website gave me the best price and direct customer service.
- Skyscanner: Useful for comparing prices across airlines. It showed me other options like Air France and Ryanair (though these flights usually included connections).
- Google Flights: Great for visualizing date flexibility and price trends.
- Expedia & Kayak: Good for package deals when combining flights with hotels, but sometimes prices were slightly higher than booking directly.
Seasonal Discounts and Deals
- Book early for summer and holiday travel; prices skyrocket close to departure dates.
- Mid-week flights (Tuesday and Wednesday) are often cheaper.
- Signing up for airline newsletters helped me snag a 10% discount code on my Chalair ticket.
- Some credit cards and frequent flyer programs offer additional savings or cashback.
Four Recommended Flights from Paris to Caen: Pros and Cons
If you want alternatives to Chalair, here are four flights I recommend, with brief details based on my research and fellow travelers’ reviews:
1. Chalair Aviation (ORY → CFR) — Direct, Regional
- Pros: Direct flight, good on-time record, competitive prices, personal service.
- Cons: Small plane, fewer amenities, no Wi-Fi onboard.
- Booking: Directly through Chalair Aviation or Skyscanner.
- Price Range: €80–€160 round-trip.
2. Air France (CDG → CFR) — Mostly Connecting Flights
- Pros: Reliable, better in-flight service, option to combine with international flights from CDG.
- Cons: Often involves layovers (Lyon or Nantes), more expensive.
- Booking: Air France official site or major platforms like Expedia.
- Price Range: €150–€300 round-trip.
3. Ryanair (BVA → CFR) — Budget Carrier via Beauvais
- Pros: Often the cheapest, low base fare, good for flexible schedules.
- Cons: Flights may involve connections; limited baggage included; longer travel to/from Paris Beauvais Airport.
- Booking: Ryanair.com or comparison sites.
- Price Range: €50–€120 one-way.
4. EasyJet (CDG → CFR or nearby airports)
- Pros: Good budget airline with decent service, modern fleet.
- Cons: Limited direct flights to Caen; sometimes need connecting transport.
- Booking: EasyJet website or aggregators.
- Price Range: €70–€140 one-way.
Insider Tips and Tricks for Booking Budget Flights to Caen
1. Flexible Travel Dates = Cheaper Tickets
Using flexible date searches on Google Flights or Skyscanner can save you up to 30%.
2. Set Price Alerts
Don’t wait to book; set alerts and monitor fares daily to catch drops.
3. Avoid Peak Times
Flying early morning or late evening often results in lower fares.
4. Consider Nearby Airports for Arrival or Departure
Sometimes flying into Deauville (DOL) or Rouen (URO) and taking ground transportation to Caen is cheaper.
5. Beware of Extra Fees
Budget airlines charge for checked luggage, seat selection, and even carry-ons beyond a certain size—factor this into your budget.
6. Book Directly When Possible
If you book through an official airline website, you’re better protected in case of delays or cancellations.
Airports Near Caen: Overview and How to Reach the City
Caen Carpiquet Airport (CFR)
Location: About 6 kilometers west of central Caen, Caen Carpiquet Airport is the most convenient airport for visitors heading directly to the city.
Transport Options:
- Shuttle Bus: The airport operates a shuttle service connecting passengers to Caen’s downtown area. Tickets cost around €8 per person and the journey takes approximately 15-20 minutes, depending on traffic. This is an affordable and relatively quick option, ideal if you’re traveling light and want to avoid taxi fares.
- Taxi: For greater comfort or if traveling with luggage or family, taxis are readily available outside the arrivals terminal. Expect to pay around €18 to €25 for a ride into the city center. It’s recommended to agree on the fare before departure, though most taxis have meters.
- Car Rentals: Several car rental agencies operate at Caen Carpiquet, including major international brands like Europcar, Hertz, and Sixt. Renting a car can be a great option if you plan to explore Normandy’s countryside or nearby attractions at your own pace. The terminal has a dedicated rental desk, making pickup and drop-off convenient.
- Other Options: Rideshare apps like Uber are less common here, but local ride services can sometimes be arranged through your hotel or tourist office.
Facilities:
Caen Carpiquet is a small but functional airport, mainly servicing regional flights. The terminal offers basic amenities: a café for grabbing a coffee or snack, free Wi-Fi in some areas, car rental desks, and limited parking. Don’t expect extensive shopping or dining options like larger airports, but the airport’s small size makes navigation simple and stress-free.
Tips:
- Arriving early is advisable, especially during peak tourist seasons.
- If flying Chalair Aviation or smaller carriers, baggage handling is usually quick.
- Note that some international flights do not operate here, so plan accordingly.
Deauville-Saint Gatien Airport (DOL)
Location: Situated roughly 85 kilometers (about a one-hour drive) east of Caen, Deauville Airport is an alternative for travelers flying from the UK and parts of Europe.
Flight Routes: This airport is popular for seasonal and charter flights, with airlines like TUI Airways and Ryanair serving routes mainly from the UK, including London, Manchester, and Liverpool. It’s a good choice if you find a better deal or direct flight that suits your travel dates.
Transport to Caen:
- Train and Bus: From Deauville, you can take a regional train to Caen, which takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours with one or two transfers, depending on schedules. Buses are also available but less frequent and slower.
- Car Rental: Renting a car here is a popular option for tourists who want to combine their Caen visit with exploring the Normandy coast, as Deauville is closer to coastal attractions.
- Taxi: Taxi rides to Caen from Deauville are possible but can be expensive (€80+), so car rental or public transport is usually more economical.
Facilities: The airport is relatively small but equipped with basic passenger amenities including cafes and rental services.
Tips: If your main goal is Caen, check connections carefully—sometimes the extra travel time may not be worth a cheaper flight.
Rouen Airport (URO)
Location: Rouen Airport lies approximately 130 kilometers southeast of Caen, translating to roughly 1.5 to 2 hours by car.
Flight Services: This smaller regional airport mainly offers limited domestic flights and a few European connections, catering to niche travelers or those combining multiple stops in Normandy or northern France.
Transport to Caen:
- Car Rental: The best way to reach Caen from Rouen is by renting a car due to limited public transport links.
- Train/Bus: You would need to use a combination of regional trains and buses, making the trip longer and less convenient.
Facilities: Rouen Airport’s amenities are minimal but functional, focusing on essential passenger needs.
Paris Airports: Orly (ORY) and Charles de Gaulle (CDG)
For many international travelers, the journey to Caen begins at one of Paris’s two major airports. Both offer extensive flight options worldwide and convenient connections to Normandy.
Orly Airport (ORY)
Location: Located approximately 14 kilometers south of central Paris, Orly is a preferred departure point for many domestic and European flights to Caen.
Getting to Caen from Orly:
- Train: The fastest and most popular way is to take the Orlyval light rail to Antony station, then transfer to an SNCF train headed towards Caen. The total journey by train takes about 2 hours and 15 minutes. Trains arrive directly at Caen’s main station, which is close to the city center.
- Bus: Direct buses from Orly to Caen exist but are less frequent and usually slower than trains.
- Taxi/Car Rental: While taxis can be convenient, they’re expensive for this distance (~€250+). Renting a car is another option if you prefer flexibility.
Facilities: Orly is a large, modern airport with extensive dining, shopping, lounges, and excellent passenger services. It’s less hectic than Charles de Gaulle but still very well connected.
Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG)
Location: Around 25 kilometers northeast of Paris, CDG is France’s largest airport and one of Europe’s busiest.
Getting to Caen from CDG:
- Train: From CDG’s train station (located within Terminal 2), SNCF trains run regularly to Caen, typically with a transfer in Paris Saint-Lazare station. The whole journey takes about 2.5 hours. You can buy tickets online or at the airport.
- Bus/Shuttle: Various shuttle services operate but are generally slower and less convenient than the train.
- Taxi: Taking a taxi from CDG to Caen is possible but not cost-effective (expect fares of €250-€300).
- Car Rental: Car rentals are abundant at CDG and a good option for exploring Normandy after arrival.
Facilities: CDG offers world-class amenities including VIP lounges, wide dining and shopping options, currency exchange services, and multilingual support.
Additional Tips for Airport Transfers
- Advance Booking: For shuttles and trains, booking tickets ahead of time online can save money and guarantee seats, especially in summer and holiday periods.
- Luggage: Consider your luggage size and weight—public transport options may be cumbersome with large bags.
- Timing: Factor in Paris traffic if you are traveling by road between airports or from the airport to the train station. Trains tend to be more reliable for timing.
- Apps and Websites: Use apps like SNCF Connect or Rome2rio to plan routes and check schedules in real-time.
While Caen Carpiquet Airport (CFR) is the most direct and convenient airport for most travelers visiting Caen, Deauville-Saint Gatien and Rouen Airports offer alternatives that can suit different routes or budgets. For international visitors, Paris Orly and Charles de Gaulle airports remain key gateways with frequent and reliable connections to Caen via train or road.
Choosing the best airport and transport method depends on your itinerary, budget, and comfort preferences. Personally, I find flying into Orly or CDG and taking the train to Caen combines convenience, cost-effectiveness, and a chance to enjoy scenic French rail travel. But if you prefer a quicker regional flight, Chalair Aviation at Caen Carpiquet is unbeatable for speed and simplicity.
Making Your Flight to Caen Smooth and Budget-Friendly
From my personal experience flying Chalair Aviation and extensive research on alternative carriers, I can confidently say booking flights to Caen doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. Keep these key points in mind:
- Book early and be flexible with your dates to snag the best deals.
- Use multiple platforms to compare prices but consider booking direct.
- Check nearby airports for alternative routes.
- Factor in extra fees like baggage and transfers.
- Choose Chalair Aviation if you want a hassle-free regional direct flight.
Flying from Paris to Caen opened my eyes to Normandy’s beauty, even before setting foot on the ground. I encourage you to experience it yourself, armed with these insider tips for an affordable, comfortable, and memorable trip.
