While takeoff offers good Berlin city views from the right, the landing approach from the left provides superior visual interest with the Seine's dramatic meanders, Fontainebleau forest, and the transition from rural Essonne to Paris proper. The left side captures more of the flight's geographic narrative.
Flown BER to ORY? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Berlin to Paris is 549 miles (884 km), a flight of about 2 hours 15 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Rhine-Main corridor near Frankfurt (not directly overflown but visible to the south), then continues southwest over the Vosges Mountains foothills (visible as low ridges on the horizon), before descending into the Paris basin. The Champagne region's chalk plains are crossed in the final descent phase, characterized by geometric field patterns and sparse tree coverage.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from BER
RIGHTBER typically departs runway 07L/R (eastbound) or 25L/R (westbound). For westbound departure toward Paris, runway 25 is standard. Right-side seats offer views of the Spree River and Berlin's city center during initial climb, then the Grunewald forest and lakes southwest of the city.
Landing at ORY
LEFTOrly has two runway complexes: 06L/R and 04L/R. Approach from the east typically uses 06 runways. Left-side seats during descent provide excellent views of the Seine's meanders south of Paris, the Fontainebleau forest, and the approach over the Essonne valley with its distinctive patchwork of agricultural fields.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Berlin Brandenburg (BER) to Orly (ORY)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Berlin to Paris. While takeoff offers good Berlin city views from the right, the landing approach from the left provides superior visual interest with the Seine's dramatic meanders, Fontainebleau forest, and the transition from rural Essonne to Paris proper. The left side captures more of the flight's geographic narrative.
What can I see during takeoff from Berlin Brandenburg in Berlin?
During takeoff from Berlin Brandenburg (BER), sit on the Right side for the best views. BER typically departs runway 07L/R (eastbound) or 25L/R (westbound). For westbound departure toward Paris, runway 25 is standard. Right-side seats offer views of the Spree River and Berlin's city center during initial climb, then the Grunewald forest and lakes southwest of the city. Notable sights include: Spree River (winding through central Berlin), Grunewald forest (dark green expanse southwest of city), Müggelsee lake (largest in Berlin, visible to southeast before turn), Tegel area (former airport, now visible as cleared land to northwest).
What can I see when landing at Orly in Paris?
When landing at Orly (ORY), sit on the Left side for the best views. Orly has two runway complexes: 06L/R and 04L/R. Approach from the east typically uses 06 runways. Left-side seats during descent provide excellent views of the Seine's meanders south of Paris, the Fontainebleau forest, and the approach over the Essonne valley with its distinctive patchwork of agricultural fields. Notable sights include: Seine River (multiple oxbow bends clearly visible), Fontainebleau forest (large dark-green expanse southeast of Paris), Essonne valley (geometric patchwork of crop fields in greens and browns), Versailles area (palace grounds and formal gardens visible as geometric patterns west of city center).
How long is the flight from Berlin to Paris?
The flight from Berlin Brandenburg (BER) to Orly (ORY) takes about 2 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 549 miles (884 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Berlin to Paris flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Rhine-Main corridor near Frankfurt (not directly overflown but visible to the south), then continues southwest over the Vosges Mountains foothills (visible as low ridges on the horizon), before descending into the Paris basin. The Champagne region's chalk plains are crossed in the final descent phase, characterized by geometric field patterns and sparse tree coverage.