While Athens offers a strong coastal departure on the left, the right side wins overall thanks to a possible glimpse of the Alpine foothills and Rhône valley during cruise plus the more interesting Paris-suburb and Seine views on final approach, giving it more sustained visual variety across the flight.
Flight Path
Athens to Paris is 1,310 miles (2,108 km), a flight of about 3 hours 15 minutes.
Adriatic Sea crossing near the Italian coast, the Po Valley of northern Italy, and the western Alpine foothills before descending into the Rhône and Seine river basins of France
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from ATH
LEFTDeparting ATH on runway 03, aircraft climb northeast then bank west/southwest toward the Ionian Sea, putting Athens, the Saronic Gulf, and the Attica coastline on the left side. Passengers get a good look at the city sprawl, Piraeus port, and the Peloponnese coastline as the plane turns.
Landing at CDG
RIGHTOn approach into CDG from the east under a typical westerly (26/27) configuration, the descent path passes north of central Paris before the final turn south onto the runway, putting the Seine valley, Paris suburbs, and occasional glimpses of the city skyline on the right side. This gives a much more scenic urban view than the flat farmland typically seen on the left during approach.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Athens International Eleftherios Venizelos (ATH) to Charles De Gaulle (CDG)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Athens to Paris. While Athens offers a strong coastal departure on the left, the right side wins overall thanks to a possible glimpse of the Alpine foothills and Rhône valley during cruise plus the more interesting Paris-suburb and Seine views on final approach, giving it more sustained visual variety across the flight.
What can I see during takeoff from Athens International Eleftherios Venizelos in Athens?
During takeoff from Athens International Eleftherios Venizelos (ATH), sit on the Left side for the best views. Departing ATH on runway 03, aircraft climb northeast then bank west/southwest toward the Ionian Sea, putting Athens, the Saronic Gulf, and the Attica coastline on the left side. Passengers get a good look at the city sprawl, Piraeus port, and the Peloponnese coastline as the plane turns. Notable sights include: Athens cityscape, Piraeus harbor, Saronic Gulf, Peloponnese peninsula.
What can I see when landing at Charles De Gaulle in Paris?
When landing at Charles De Gaulle (CDG), sit on the Right side for the best views. On approach into CDG from the east under a typical westerly (26/27) configuration, the descent path passes north of central Paris before the final turn south onto the runway, putting the Seine valley, Paris suburbs, and occasional glimpses of the city skyline on the right side. This gives a much more scenic urban view than the flat farmland typically seen on the left during approach. Notable sights include: Seine River bends, Paris northern suburbs, Charles de Gaulle terminal complex, distant Paris skyline (La Défense towers).
How long is the flight from Athens to Paris?
The flight from Athens International Eleftherios Venizelos (ATH) to Charles De Gaulle (CDG) takes about 3 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,310 miles (2,108 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Athens to Paris flight path pass over?
Adriatic Sea crossing near the Italian coast, the Po Valley of northern Italy, and the western Alpine foothills before descending into the Rhône and Seine river basins of France