While the Paris turn gives the left side a strong start, the right side dominates for the bulk of the flight—offering glimpses of the Alps during cruise, the Adriatic and Albanian coastline, and finally the Saronic Gulf islands on approach into Athens.
Flown CDG to ATH? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Paris to Athens is 1,310 miles (2,108 km), a flight of about 3 hours 10 minutes.
Western Alps near Mont Blanc, the Po Valley of northern Italy, and the Adriatic Sea crossing toward Albania and the Greek mainland
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from CDG
LEFTWith CDG's typical westerly departure (26/27), the aircraft takes off heading west then banks left toward the southeast heading for Greece, swinging the nose—and the view—directly over central Paris. Passengers on the left get a brief but clear look at the city's landmarks before the route turns toward open country.
Landing at ATH
RIGHTWith Athens typically landing toward the northeast (runway 03) due to meltemi winds, the final approach comes up from the south over the Saronic Gulf, putting the sea and its islands on the right side of the aircraft. Passengers get sweeping views of turquoise water and island silhouettes just before touchdown.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Charles De Gaulle (CDG) to Athens International Eleftherios Venizelos (ATH)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Paris to Athens. While the Paris turn gives the left side a strong start, the right side dominates for the bulk of the flight—offering glimpses of the Alps during cruise, the Adriatic and Albanian coastline, and finally the Saronic Gulf islands on approach into Athens.
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. With CDG's typical westerly departure (26/27), the aircraft takes off heading west then banks left toward the southeast heading for Greece, swinging the nose—and the view—directly over central Paris. Passengers on the left get a brief but clear look at the city's landmarks before the route turns toward open country. Notable sights include: Eiffel Tower, Seine River bends, Sacré-Cœur/Montmartre, La Défense skyline.
What can I see when landing at Athens International Eleftherios Venizelos in Athens?
When landing at Athens International Eleftherios Venizelos (ATH), sit on the Right side for the best views. With Athens typically landing toward the northeast (runway 03) due to meltemi winds, the final approach comes up from the south over the Saronic Gulf, putting the sea and its islands on the right side of the aircraft. Passengers get sweeping views of turquoise water and island silhouettes just before touchdown. Notable sights include: Saronic Gulf, Aegina island, Attica coastline, Mount Hymettus (distant left).
How long is the flight from Paris to Athens?
The flight from Charles De Gaulle (CDG) to Athens International Eleftherios Venizelos (ATH) takes about 3 hours 10 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 Paris to Athens flight path pass over?
Western Alps near Mont Blanc, the Po Valley of northern Italy, and the Adriatic Sea crossing toward Albania and the Greek mainland