The takeoff experience on the right side—with the dramatic Lebanon Mountains and Mediterranean coast—outweighs the landing advantage on the left. The climb-out views are more visually distinctive and memorable than the approach to Paris.
Flown BEY to ORY? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Beirut to Paris is 1,982 miles (3,190 km), a flight of about 4 hours 50 minutes.
Cyprus (island visible as a landmass in the eastern Mediterranean, typically passed to the south), Anatolian coast of Turkey (southern coastline with mountain ranges inland), Aegean Sea (open water with scattered Greek islands), Greece mainland (Peloponnese and central Greece), Balkans (mountain ranges in Albania and North Macedonia), Alps (visible as a snow-capped ridge on the horizon during descent into France), Rhône Valley (major river valley visible during approach to France)
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from BEY
RIGHTRight side offers immediate views of the Lebanon Mountains running north-south along the coast, plus the Mediterranean Sea stretching westward. The left side faces inland toward the Anti-Lebanon range, which is less visually dramatic during climb-out.
Landing at ORY
LEFTLeft side provides views of the Seine River winding through Paris, the Île-de-France region's patchwork of fields and forests, and the city's urban sprawl. Right side faces toward less distinctive suburban areas and industrial zones north of Orly.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Beirut International (BEY) to Orly (ORY)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Beirut to Paris. The takeoff experience on the right side—with the dramatic Lebanon Mountains and Mediterranean coast—outweighs the landing advantage on the left. The climb-out views are more visually distinctive and memorable than the approach to Paris.
What can I see during takeoff from Beirut International in Beirut?
During takeoff from Beirut International (BEY), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right side offers immediate views of the Lebanon Mountains running north-south along the coast, plus the Mediterranean Sea stretching westward. The left side faces inland toward the Anti-Lebanon range, which is less visually dramatic during climb-out. Notable sights include: Lebanon Mountains (coastal ridge), Mediterranean Sea, Mount Sannine (3,088 m, visible as a prominent peak in the range), Beirut's urban sprawl along the coast.
What can I see when landing at Orly in Paris?
When landing at Orly (ORY), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left side provides views of the Seine River winding through Paris, the Île-de-France region's patchwork of fields and forests, and the city's urban sprawl. Right side faces toward less distinctive suburban areas and industrial zones north of Orly. Notable sights include: Seine River (multiple meanders visible), Île-de-France agricultural landscape, Paris city center (visible as dense urban core in the distance), Fontainebleau Forest (to the south, appearing as a dark wooded area).
How long is the flight from Beirut to Paris?
The flight from Beirut International (BEY) to Orly (ORY) takes about 4 hours 50 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,982 miles (3,190 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Beirut to Paris flight path pass over?
Cyprus (island visible as a landmass in the eastern Mediterranean, typically passed to the south), Anatolian coast of Turkey (southern coastline with mountain ranges inland), Aegean Sea (open water with scattered Greek islands), Greece mainland (Peloponnese and central Greece), Balkans (mountain ranges in Albania and North Macedonia), Alps (visible as a snow-capped ridge on the horizon during descent into France), Rhône Valley (major river valley visible during approach to France)