Salon Icare

Salon Icare Lounge – Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG)

Salon Icare at Paris Charles de Gaulle Terminal 1 is a pay-in and contract lounge operated by Aeroports de Paris, the local airport authority. The club welcomes all passengers departing from Terminal 1 regardless of airline and class of service for a fee, as well as members of popular lounge access programs such as Priority Pass and Lounge Club.

The Icare Lounge is located in the non-Schengen area, after passport control but before security. Passengers traveling within Europe’s Schengen zone are welcome to use the lounge, but they must go through passport control twice—see notes below.

In Greek mythology, Icare (Icarus) and his father Dedale (Daedalus) attempted to escape a labyrinth using wings that they built out of wax and feathers. Daedalus made it out, but Icarus, against his father’s advice, flew too close to the sun and his wings melted. While the story is tragic, Icarus is often perceived as a symbol of flight and freedom. The name of the lounge pays him homage—and doesn’t stand for “iCare”, as many English speakers believe.

Salon Icare CDG design

Salon Icare Lounge – Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG)

A long-time relic of days gone by, the Icare Lounge used to be a caricature of Charles de Gaulle airport Terminal 1, a building conceived in the 60s which is struggling to meet the demands of modern air travel. Left virtually untouched in over 30 years, the club featured furniture from another era and an iconic hanging light fixture from the 70s.

In 2016, Aeroports de Paris finally shuttered the vintage Icare Lounge, and built a brand new facility in the space left vacant by the defunct United Club on the lower floor.

The new lounge has virtually nothing in common with the former club, save for the low ceilings which are a hallmark of Terminal 1. The space is resolutely modern, though the plain and industrial-looking décor is boring and uninspired. There is hardly a touch of color to break the monotony of a sea of grey. Thankfully, a window lets daylight in, though the lounge overlooks a small patio with no views of the tarmac or airport grounds.

Salon Icare Lounge – Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG)

While the décor is underwhelming, the new Icare Lounge earns high marks when it comes to convenience and privacy. The club was designed with the solo traveler in mind, with an abundance of cube chairs offering patrons a secluded and personal cocoon. The seats come with a small laptop table, as well as Western European power outlets and USB ports, either near the ground or at shoulder level.

In the center is a small dining area with a handful of tables for two. Behind the reception desk is an odd space for groups, of dubious comfort.

An outdoor patio, open in the warmer seasons, is furnished with cocktail tables. While there are no views, the novelty is enjoyable.

Salon Icare CDG amenities

Salon Icare Lounge – Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG)

As an independent club, the Icare Lounge at Paris Charles de Gaulle airport features basic amenities.

A modest assortment of shrink-wrapped snacks and fruit is available, along with fresh croissants and pastries in the morning. Drinks wise, patrons will find an espresso machine, a selection of juices and soft drinks, two bottles of wine, and a barebones liquor selection. The spread is elegantly presented on a sparkling white island.

Unlike the previous Icare lounge, the new club has bathrooms. There are however no showers. While there is no formal business center, fast and complimentary Wi-Fi is available.

Salon Icare CDG bottom line

The Icare Lounge at Paris Charles de Gaulle airport is a basic but ultra-functional lounge offering essential amenities and comfortable private seating. In the summer, the patio is enjoyable, while year round the club is a welcome departure from the cramped and crowded gate areas.

Important: the Icare Lounge is located outside security in the non-Schengen zone. Allow ample time to reach your gate and go through security. Passengers traveling within the Schengen zone have access to the lounge, but will need to go through passport control on their way to the lounge, and again on their way to the boarding gate. Non-European passport holders should allocate additional time to go through immigration.