While the left offers good Paris departure views, the right side captures the more dramatic and visually distinctive Abidjan approach over the lagoon and coastline. The landing scenery is more geographically striking than the takeoff, making right the better overall choice for this route.
Flown CDG to ABJ? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Paris to Abidjan is 3,046 miles (4,903 km), a flight of about 6 hours.
The flight path crosses the Bay of Biscay and enters West African airspace over the Atlantic. Notable features include: the Pyrenees Mountains (visible from cruising altitude if flying slightly south of direct routing), the Spanish and Portuguese coastlines during initial westward leg, the Atlantic Ocean for the majority of the flight, and the transition into Saharan air masses as you approach West Africa. The Mauritanian coast and Western Sahara region may be visible in the distance on the southern leg of descent. The flight typically maintains cruising altitude of 35,000-37,000 feet for most of the transatlantic and trans-Saharan portion.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from CDG
LEFTLeft-side seats offer views of the Seine River winding through Paris and the surrounding Île-de-France region during the initial climb-out. You'll see the distinctive urban sprawl pattern radiating from central Paris before heading southwest toward the Atlantic coast.
Landing at ABJ
RIGHTRight-side seats provide excellent views of the Ivorian coastline and Lagune Ébrié as you approach Abidjan from the southwest. The lagoon's distinctive shape and the contrast between the Atlantic Ocean and the inland water body are striking during descent.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Charles De Gaulle (CDG) to Abidjan Felix Houphouet Boigny International (ABJ)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Paris to Abidjan. While the left offers good Paris departure views, the right side captures the more dramatic and visually distinctive Abidjan approach over the lagoon and coastline. The landing scenery is more geographically striking than the takeoff, making right the better overall choice for this route.
What can I see during takeoff from Charles De Gaulle in Paris?
During takeoff from Charles De Gaulle (CDG), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats offer views of the Seine River winding through Paris and the surrounding Île-de-France region during the initial climb-out. You'll see the distinctive urban sprawl pattern radiating from central Paris before heading southwest toward the Atlantic coast. Notable sights include: Seine River, Paris metropolitan area, Versailles region, Loire Valley (distant).
What can I see when landing at Abidjan Felix Houphouet Boigny International in Abidjan?
When landing at Abidjan Felix Houphouet Boigny International (ABJ), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats provide excellent views of the Ivorian coastline and Lagune Ébrié as you approach Abidjan from the southwest. The lagoon's distinctive shape and the contrast between the Atlantic Ocean and the inland water body are striking during descent. Notable sights include: Lagune Ébrié, Atlantic Ocean coastline, Abidjan city sprawl, Cocody district waterfront.
How long is the flight from Paris to Abidjan?
The flight from Charles De Gaulle (CDG) to Abidjan Felix Houphouet Boigny International (ABJ) takes about 6 hours. The shortest flight path between them is 3,046 miles (4,903 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Paris to Abidjan flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Bay of Biscay and enters West African airspace over the Atlantic. Notable features include: the Pyrenees Mountains (visible from cruising altitude if flying slightly south of direct routing), the Spanish and Portuguese coastlines during initial westward leg, the Atlantic Ocean for the majority of the flight, and the transition into Saharan air masses as you approach West Africa. The Mauritanian coast and Western Sahara region may be visible in the distance on the southern leg of descent. The flight typically maintains cruising altitude of 35,000-37,000 feet for most of the transatlantic and trans-Saharan portion.