Things To Do
in Le Bourget

Le Bourget is a small northeastern suburb of Paris famous for its aviation heritage and convenient access to the capital. The town is centered around the historic Le Bourget airport and the adjacent aviation museum, attracting visitors from across France and beyond. Quiet residential streets, parks, and café-lined squares offer a relaxed pace while being linked to Paris by rail.

Nearby forests and riverside trails make it a practical base for day trips in the Île-de-France region.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Exploring Le Bourget
morning
:

Begin your day with a visit to the Le Bourget Airport Museum, where you can marvel at the various aircraft on display, including historic warplanes. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at a nearby café, savoring fresh pastries and local coffee. Take a moment to stroll through the surrounding park, enjoying the fresh morning air and greenery.

afternoon
:

Spend your afternoon in Parc de la Courneuve, a lovely spacious park perfect for picnics, leisure walks, or renting bicycles to explore the area further. Grab lunch at a local bistro with a menu showcasing French cuisine, and don’t forget to try their signature dishes. Afterward, head to the nearby Cité des Sciences et de l'Industrie to engage with interactive exhibits and learn about scientific advancements.

evening
:

As the sun sets, return to Le Bourget for a delightful dinner at a recommended restaurant offering traditional French fare. Bask in the delightful ambiance as you enjoy a leisurely meal, accompanied by local wines. Finish the evening with a serene walk along Le Bourget’s waterfront, taking in the calm atmosphere and beautiful views.

day 2
Cultural Discoveries
morning
:

Start your day with a visit to the fascinating Musée de l'Air et de l'Espace, where you can discover the history of aviation and space exploration. Enjoy a hearty breakfast nearby, featuring freshly baked bread and local cheeses. Capture some stunning photos of the aircraft before the crowds arrive for the day.

afternoon
:

After lunch, immerse yourself in the Le Bourget cultural scene by exploring the local art galleries and boutiques that showcase regional artists. Savor a delightful coffee and dessert at a quaint café as you take in the local atmosphere. Attend a workshop or local cultural event, if available, to connect with the community and learn something new.

evening
:

For dinner, select a cozy, upscale restaurant that specializes in French gastronomic cuisine, where flavors are both innovative and traditional. As you dine, enjoy the quiet lull of the evening and maybe consider trying a tasting menu to fully experience the depth of French culinary arts. Cap off the night with a leisurely walk through the streets, absorbing the charm of Le Bourget lit up at night.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$12-18
Coffee$3-5
🚌One-way public transport ticket$2-3
🧺Grocery meal for two$15-25
🏨Mid-range hotel per night$100-180

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Proximity to Paris and major attractions
  • Aviation heritage and unique museums
  • Calmer base with good transit connections
  • Parks and forested areas nearby
  • Limited nightlife within Le Bourget itself
  • Some trains and buses can be infrequent on weekends
  • Can feel quiet for travelers seeking a nonstop city vibe
  • "Bonjour" - Hello (formal)
  • "S'il vous plaît" - Please
  • "Merci" - Thank you
  • "Parlez-vous anglais?" - Do you speak English?
  • "Où est... ?" - Where is... ?
  • "Combien ça coûte?" - How much does this cost?

Places to Visit in Le Bourget

Visit one of these nice places.

Musée de l'Air et de l'Espace (exterior and runways)

The museum site and surrounding runways offer dramatic aircraft silhouettes especially during golden hour.

Le Bourget Airport perimeter viewpoints

Public viewing areas around the airport provide opportunities for aviation photography and sunset silhouettes.

Parc de la Mairie and Place de l'Église

Historic squares and green spaces with fountains and church spires make for classic Parisian-influenced street photography.

Culinary Guide

Food in Le Bourget

Le Bourget benefits from the broader Paris region’s cuisine, blending classic French bistro fare with fresh market produce and cosmopolitan offerings.

Le Bourget Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Steak frites

A Parisian staple featuring a pan-seared steak served with crisp fries and a simple green salad.

Must-Try!

Boeuf bourguignon

Rich slow-cooked beef in red wine with mushrooms and onions, a comforting classic found in many bistros.

Crème brûlée

Silky vanilla custard finished with a caramelized sugar crust, a common dessert in local cafés.

Quiche Lorraine

Savoury custard tart with bacon and cheese, a popular lunch option in markets and cafes.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Marché du Bourget

Weekly market offering fresh produce, cheeses, bread, and ready-to-eat delights you can enjoy on-site or take away.

Market stalls in town center

Small stalls and pop-ups around the square with everyday groceries and casual street bites.

Climate Guide

Weather

Le Bourget experiences an oceanic climate with mild winters and warm summers. Rain can occur year-round, so packing a light waterproof layer is useful. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures for outdoor activities, while summer can bring sunny days interspersed with rain showers.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Greetings

Greet with a polite bonjour when entering shops or cafes; say au revoir when leaving.

Language

French is preferred; making an effort to speak a few phrases is appreciated.

Dining etiquette

Keep hands on the table, use utensils properly, and avoid loud conversations in quiet places.

Respect for privacy

Avoid loud behavior in residential areas, especially in the evenings.

Safety Guide

Safety

As with any urban area, stay aware of your surroundings, especially at night in remote spots. Keep valuables secure, use official taxis or ride-sharing, and follow local advisories for road closures around events at the airport. Emergency numbers in France: 112 (EU-wide) and 15 for medical emergencies.

Tipping in Le Bourget

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

Service is usually included in restaurant bills; if not, a tip of 5-10% for good service is common.

Payment Methods

Credit and debit cards are widely accepted; contactless payments and mobile wallets are common in urban areas.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Spring

Mild temperatures, flowers in bloom, and longer days; ideal for outdoor strolls and photography in parks.

Summer

Warm days with a tendency for afternoon heat; chance of showers; good for canal-side picnics and outdoor dining.

Autumn

Cooler weather and colorful foliage; great light for photography and forest walks.

Winter

Chillier with possible drizzle; city lights and indoor dining help make the visit comfortable.

Nightlife Guide

Le Bourget at Night

In Le Bourget, nightlife is low-key with cozy cafés and bars. For a more vibrant scene, quick transit to Paris offers a wide range of clubs, live music venues, wine bars, and late-night bistros. Expect relaxed venues with friendly atmospheres and a focus on good conversation, especially on weekends.

Hiking in Le Bourget

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Forêt de Montmorency

Extensive woods with well-marked trails, ideal for day hikes and forest walks near the Île-de-France countryside.

Forêt de Saint-Germain-en-Laye

Coastal-forest area with scenic trails and gentle climbs, offering a peaceful escape from the city.

Parc de la Poudrerie

Forest and parkland near the Seine with river views and easy walking paths.

Airports

How to reach Le Bourget by plane.

Aéroport Paris–Le Bourget (LBG)

Proximity to Le Bourget city center; a historic airfield with aviation museums and occasional exhibitions.

Aéroport Charles de Gaulle (CDG)

Major international hub about 15-20 minutes by car or train from Le Bourget; many international connections.

Paris Orly Airport (ORY)

Another large hub south of Paris; accessible via regional train and road connections.

Getting Around

Walkability

Le Bourget is fairly walkable in its town center, with compact streets and easy access to shops and cafés. To reach major attractions in Paris or CDG, public transport is reliable but may require transfers; the area is well connected by bus and RER lines. Expect more walking in good weather and shorter trips in shoulder seasons.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Local residents

Mostly French nationals with a mix of longtime residents and commuters from nearby suburbs.

Commuters

People who work in Paris and the immediate region, attracted by the quieter residential areas.

International residents

A variety of expatriates and international workers due to proximity to Paris and business hubs.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Football (soccer)

Popular at community clubs and local schools; casual games and local leagues.

Cycling

Flat and easy routes around the suburbs and nearby countryside; enjoyable during spring and summer.

Tennis

Public courts in parks and clubs; seasonal play with equipment rental often available.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic is typical of the Île-de-France region: peak hours can be busy around morning and late afternoon on major routes to Paris. Public transit (RER/metro and buses) offers frequent connections into central Paris, with more limited service in the evenings on weekends. Taxis and rideshares are reliable options for airport transfers.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Le Bourget.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Many Parisian-style restaurants offer vegetarian options; look for veggie plates, salads, gratins, and cheese specials, and ask to modify dishes when needed.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

France has a strong public healthcare system; in Le Bourget you’ll find clinics and GP services with access to hospitals in Paris and nearby suburbs. If you are visiting, carrying a European Health Insurance Card (EEA) can ease care and you should consider travel insurance for coverage and language support. For emergencies dial 112.

Discover France

Read more in our France 2025 Travel Guide.

France Travel Guide