Whether you need a transit visa for France depends heavily on your nationality, your destination, and how you plan to move through the airport. Most travelers do not require a visa for a "direct airside transit," meaning they stay within the international zone of the airport (like Charles de Gaulle) while waiting for a connecting flight to a non-Schengen country. However, citizens of specific countries—such as Afghanistan, Iraq, Nigeria, and several others—must obtain an Airport Transit Visa (ATV) even if they never leave the terminal. If your transit involves leaving the international zone to change airports (e.g., moving from CDG to Orly), checking into a hotel outside the terminal, or if your final destination is within the Schengen Area, you would likely need a standard short-stay Schengen Visa rather than a transit-specific one. It is crucial to check the current French consular guidelines based on your specific passport, as regulations are strictly enforced and airline staff will deny boarding if the proper documentation for the layover is not present at the time of departure.