Le Bourget Travel Guide

Explore Le Bourget, France with this comprehensive travel guide. Discover its natural attractions, culturally important sites, hiking and biking routes, best things to do, food and drink scene, where to stay, and much more.


Introduction to Le Bourget

Le Bourget is a commune located in the northeastern suburbs of Paris, France. Known for its rich aviation history, Le Bourget is home to the Musée de l’Air et de l’Espace, one of the largest aviation museums in the world. In addition, the town offers beautiful parks, hiking trails, and a variety of cultural attractions. Get ready to explore Le Bourget’s natural beauty and immerse yourself in its rich history.

List of Places to Visit in Le Bourget

  • Musée de l’Air et de l’Espace
  • François Mitterrand Park
  • Gare du Bourget
  • Château du Vieux Pays
  • Canal de l’Ourcq

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Musée de l’Air et de l’Espace

The Musée de l’Air et de l’Espace is a must-visit destination in Le Bourget for aviation enthusiasts. Established in 1919, it is one of the largest aviation museums in the world, showcasing aircraft from early planes to modern jets. The collection includes over 150 aircraft and 2000 models. Additionally, visitors can enjoy presentations and exhibitions on astronomy, space exploration, and aviation.

Gare du Bourget

The Gare du Bourget is a beautiful landmark located in the heart of the town. This train station was built in the early 20th century in the Art Deco style. The station’s interior features stunning murals depicting air travel, which were created by famous French artist Robert Delaunay. Don’t miss the chance to admire this gem of the town’s architectural heritage.

Château du Vieux Pays

The Château du Vieux Pays is a historic site located in the town center. Originally built in the 13th century, it was rebuilt in the 17th century in the classic French architectural style. The chateau has served as a town hall and is now a cultural center where visitors can enjoy art exhibitions and concerts.

Natural Attractions of Le Bourget: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

François Mitterrand Park

Francois Mitterrand Park is a large green space in the heart of Le Bourget. The park spans over 11 hectares and offers a variety of recreational activities for visitors. You can enjoy scenic walks, picnics, and biking. The park’s highlight is a glistening lake reflecting the surrounding greenery.

Canal de l’Ourcq

The Canal de l’Ourcq is a canal that runs through several communes in the northeastern suburbs of Paris, including Le Bourget. The canal is a great spot for cycling or strolling along the waterway’s banks. Relax and unwind while enjoying the scenic views, including the picturesque bridges, locks, and old factories.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Le Bourget

Le Bourget has a variety of hiking and biking trails to suit different levels of fitness and interests. Here are a few options:

  • Hiking: Head to Parc Georges Valbon, which has several nature trails to choose from.
  • Biking: Take the Canal de l’ Ourcq bike path, which stretches for 87 km across Ile-de-France.

Best Things to Do in Le Bourget: Activities and Tours

  • Helicopter tour: Experience the town from above with a helicopter ride from Le Bourget airport.
  • Hot air balloon ride: Take in the town’s stunning landscape and breathtaking views from a hot air balloon.
  • Train ride: Hop on a heritage train ride from Gare du Bourget to Gare de l’Est station in Paris.

Week-Long Itinerary for Le Bourget

Here is a sample itinerary for a week-long trip to Le Bourget:

Day 1: Visit the Musée de l’Air et de l’Espace and explore the airport area. Day 2: Take a guided tour of the Gare du Bourget and visit Parc Georges Valbon. Day 3: Discover the history of Château du Vieux Pays and enjoy a meal at a traditional French restaurant. Day 4: Take a hot air balloon ride over the town and indulge in some shopping at Les Quatre Temps mall in nearby La Defense. Day 5: Go hiking in Buttes-Chaumont Park and take a boat ride on Canal Saint-Martin. Day 6: Explore the cultural center at Château de Vincennes and the botanical garden of Paris. Day 7: Take a day trip to explore the beautiful town of Chantilly.

Food and Drink Scene of Le Bourget

Must-Try Dishes

  • Ratatouille: A traditional French stew made of tomatoes, peppers, eggplant, onions, and garlic.
  • Escargots de Bourgogne: Snails cooked in butter, garlic, and parsley, served in their shells with slices of baguette.

Local Beverages

  • French wine: Indulge in a glass of wine, which is the most popular drink in France.
  • Champagne: If you want to splurge a bit, try the effervescent Champagne wine, which is known worldwide.

Where to Stay in Le Bourget: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Le Bourget offers a range of accommodation options to suit different budgets and preferences. Here are a few recommended options:

  • Ibis Le Bourget: A budget-friendly hotel located near the Musée de l’Air et de l’Espace.
  • Novotel Paris Nord Expo Aulnay: A modern hotel with spacious rooms located close to Parc Georges Valbon.
  • Auberge de la Tour: A charming guesthouse with a beautiful garden located in the heart of the town.

What to Buy in Le Bourget: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • French perfumes: Bring home a perfume from one of the many famous perfume houses in Paris.
  • French macarons: Indulge in some sweet treats by taking home delicious macarons from famous patisseries in Paris.

Local Culture and Customs of Le Bourget

Le Bourget is a town steeped in French culture, and it’s important to respect local customs and traditions. Here are a few tips:

  • Greetings: Greet people with a handshake or a ‘bonjour’ or ‘bonsoir,’ depending on the time of day.
  • Dress code: Dress smartly for formal events and avoid wearing overly revealing or casual clothing.
  • Tipping: It’s commonplace to tip in restaurants and cafes, but tipping is not required in other places like retail stores or supermarkets.

Best Time to Visit Le Bourget

The best time to visit Le Bourget is between May and September, when the weather is pleasant and warm. August is a popular time for holidays, and many locals may be on vacation, so fewer places will be open for tourists or visitors. Winter months can be cold and damp, and some outdoor attractions may be closed, so it’s best to check the opening times in advance.

Do’s and Don’ts of Le Bourget

Do:

  • Learn some basic French phrases.
  • Try local cuisine and wine.
  • Respect local customs and traditions.

Don’t:

  • Speak loudly in public places.
  • Wear inappropriate clothing in religious places.
  • Waste food in restaurants or cafes.

Safety and Health

Safety in Le Bourget

Le Bourget is generally a safe place for tourists. However, it’s always best to be precautious and aware of your surroundings. Avoid walking around alone at night, and keep your belongings close when in crowded places.

Health in Le Bourget

The healthcare system in France is of high quality. Visitors can access healthcare services at public hospitals and private clinics. If you’re travelling to France from another country, make sure you have travel insurance that covers medical expenses.

Getting to Le Bourget: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Le Bourget

Le Bourget Airport is the closest airport to the town. Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport is also located near the town.

Bus Stations Near Le Bourget

Several bus stations serve the town, including Bus Stop La Marseillaise and La Flamme.

Other Options

Metro line 7 can take you from Paris to Le Bourget. You can also take a taxi from Charles de Gaulle airport or Gare du Nord station.

How to Get Around in Le Bourget

Le Bourget is a small town that can easily be explored on foot or by bike. Car rentals are also available if you want to explore other places around the town.

Where to Go Next from Le Bourget: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Paris

Paris is the capital of France and one of the world’s best tourist destinations. Known as the ‘City of Love,’ it offers a variety of attractions, including the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame Cathedral, and the Louvre Museum.

Chantilly

Chantilly is a charming town located 40 km north of Paris. Visit the Chateaux de Chantilly, Chantilly Racecourse, and enjoy the beautiful nature of the nearby forests.

Conclusion

Le Bourget is a hidden gem that offers visitors a wealth of natural attractions, cultural sites, hiking and biking routes, and a fantastic food and drink scene. Relax and immerse yourself in the town’s charming atmosphere and rich aviation history. Plan your next visit to Le Bourget, and you’ll undoubtedly have an unforgettable experience.

The town hall of Le Bourget The town hall of Le Bourget Le Bourget Airport Le Bourget Airport