The right side wins at takeoff for Paris views, but the left side delivers the more dramatic sustained scenery: crossing the Alps over Switzerland and northern Italy, the Adriatic coastline, and then the spectacular Mount Lebanon approach into Beirut. The alpine crossing alone — with the Mont Blanc massif and Swiss Alps visible as a vast white wall — makes left the better seat for the majority of the flight.
Flown CDG to BEY? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Paris to Beirut is 1,980 miles (3,187 km), a flight of about 4 hours 30 minutes.
The flight tracks southeast from Paris, crossing the Jura mountains and then the Swiss Alps — the Mont Blanc massif and Matterhorn area are visible on clear days as a vast snowfield. The route then crosses northern Italy's Po Valley (flat, heavily farmed), the Adriatic Sea, then Greece or the Aegean depending on routing. The final segment crosses the eastern Mediterranean before the Lebanese coast appears. The Alps crossing is the single most dramatic midpoint feature.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from CDG
RIGHTCDG typically departs eastward on runways 09L/09R or 08R, meaning the right side faces south toward Paris. You get a clear view of the city center, the Seine river bends, and the Eiffel Tower area as you climb out and bank southeast. The left side faces north toward flat agricultural Île-de-France with little of interest.
Landing at BEY
LEFTBeirut airport sits on the coast and typically lands from the north or northeast on runway 03/17 approaches. On a southerly approach, the left side faces east toward the Lebanese mountains — the Mount Lebanon range rises dramatically just inland, snow-capped in winter. The right side faces west over the open Mediterranean with little to see.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Charles De Gaulle (CDG) to Beirut International (BEY)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Paris to Beirut. The right side wins at takeoff for Paris views, but the left side delivers the more dramatic sustained scenery: crossing the Alps over Switzerland and northern Italy, the Adriatic coastline, and then the spectacular Mount Lebanon approach into Beirut. The alpine crossing alone — with the Mont Blanc massif and Swiss Alps visible as a vast white wall — makes left the better seat for the majority of the flight.
What can I see during takeoff from Charles De Gaulle in Paris?
During takeoff from Charles De Gaulle (CDG), sit on the Right side for the best views. CDG typically departs eastward on runways 09L/09R or 08R, meaning the right side faces south toward Paris. You get a clear view of the city center, the Seine river bends, and the Eiffel Tower area as you climb out and bank southeast. The left side faces north toward flat agricultural Île-de-France with little of interest. Notable sights include: Paris city center and Seine river bends, Eiffel Tower district (visible as a slender spike), Bois de Vincennes forest edge, Marne river valley.
What can I see when landing at Beirut International in Beirut?
When landing at Beirut International (BEY), sit on the Left side for the best views. Beirut airport sits on the coast and typically lands from the north or northeast on runway 03/17 approaches. On a southerly approach, the left side faces east toward the Lebanese mountains — the Mount Lebanon range rises dramatically just inland, snow-capped in winter. The right side faces west over the open Mediterranean with little to see. Notable sights include: Mount Lebanon range (snow-capped peaks rising to 3,000m), Beirut city center and Corniche coastline, Jounieh Bay north of Beirut, the Bekaa Valley visible in gaps through the mountains.
How long is the flight from Paris to Beirut?
The flight from Charles De Gaulle (CDG) to Beirut International (BEY) takes about 4 hours 30 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,980 miles (3,187 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Paris to Beirut flight path pass over?
The flight tracks southeast from Paris, crossing the Jura mountains and then the Swiss Alps — the Mont Blanc massif and Matterhorn area are visible on clear days as a vast snowfield. The route then crosses northern Italy's Po Valley (flat, heavily farmed), the Adriatic Sea, then Greece or the Aegean depending on routing. The final segment crosses the eastern Mediterranean before the Lebanese coast appears. The Alps crossing is the single most dramatic midpoint feature.