While the takeoff offers good Aegean coastal views from the left, the landing approach into Paris provides more dramatic and recognizable scenery—the Seine's distinctive meanders and the sprawling metropolitan landscape are visually compelling and geographically significant. Right seats win overall for the descent experience.
Flown ATH to ORY? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Athens to Paris is 1,309 miles (2,107 km), a flight of about 3 hours 15 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Balkans (Albanian and North Macedonian highlands visible as distant ridges), then transitions over the Adriatic Sea, continues across Italy (Po Valley and northern Italian plains), and approaches the Alps from the south before descending into the Paris basin. Notable midpoint sightings include the Pindus Mountains (Greece-Albania border), the Adriatic coastline, the Italian peninsula's central regions, and the Alpine foothills.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from ATH
LEFTLeft seats offer immediate views of the Saronic Gulf and the Attica coastline as the aircraft climbs out on a northwesterly heading. You'll see the irregular rocky shoreline and small islands dotting the water before the aircraft turns toward the northwest corridor.
Landing at ORY
RIGHTRight seats provide excellent views during the descent into Orly as the aircraft approaches from the southeast. You'll see the Seine River winding through the Paris metropolitan area, and the distinctive urban sprawl of the Île-de-France region with its radiating road networks.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Athens International Eleftherios Venizelos (ATH) to Orly (ORY)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Athens to Paris. While the takeoff offers good Aegean coastal views from the left, the landing approach into Paris provides more dramatic and recognizable scenery—the Seine's distinctive meanders and the sprawling metropolitan landscape are visually compelling and geographically significant. Right seats win overall for the descent experience.
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. Left seats offer immediate views of the Saronic Gulf and the Attica coastline as the aircraft climbs out on a northwesterly heading. You'll see the irregular rocky shoreline and small islands dotting the water before the aircraft turns toward the northwest corridor. Notable sights include: Saronic Gulf, Attica Peninsula coastline, Mount Hymettus (distant ridge to the northwest), small Aegean islands near Athens.
What can I see when landing at Orly in Paris?
When landing at Orly (ORY), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right seats provide excellent views during the descent into Orly as the aircraft approaches from the southeast. You'll see the Seine River winding through the Paris metropolitan area, and the distinctive urban sprawl of the Île-de-France region with its radiating road networks. Notable sights include: Seine River and its meanders, Paris metropolitan sprawl, Fontainebleau Forest (distant, to the southeast), suburban ring roads and urban districts of Île-de-France.
How long is the flight from Athens to Paris?
The flight from Athens International Eleftherios Venizelos (ATH) to Orly (ORY) takes about 3 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,309 miles (2,107 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Athens to Paris flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Balkans (Albanian and North Macedonian highlands visible as distant ridges), then transitions over the Adriatic Sea, continues across Italy (Po Valley and northern Italian plains), and approaches the Alps from the south before descending into the Paris basin. Notable midpoint sightings include the Pindus Mountains (Greece-Albania border), the Adriatic coastline, the Italian peninsula's central regions, and the Alpine foothills.