Charles de Gaulle, the larger of Paris's two airports, handles the majority of the capital's international traffic and in common with other major contemporaries is enjoying significant growth.

With excellent road and rail links it is well placed to serve one of the world's most popular cities and plans for additional runway capacity should enable it to cope with projected expansion.

CDG is a place of contrasts, almost three airports in one. The newer terminal facilities - Terminals 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D and 2F are functional and user friendly. Terminal 1 is neither and if logic prevails may one day be replaced. The romance of flying lives on at Terminal 3 which handles charter flights. Housed in a converted hangar it is a reminder of what air travel used to be, simple and uncomplicated if a little unsophisticated.

The modern world is reflected in the glass and steel of the new TGV rail station. Even if you have no intention of taking a train the eye-popping architecture is worth a visit. It may not be in the tradition of those grand Paris rail terminals but you won't be disappointed.

CDG is aware of its international status. That extends to signage in both French and English and information is available in four major European languages including German and Spanish.