Paris to Birmingham is 303 miles (488 km), a flight of about 1 hour 15 minutes.
While takeoff favors the right, the landing approach from the southwest into Birmingham is significantly more scenic on the left, offering views of the Severn Estuary and Cotswold Hills. The landing experience outweighs the takeoff advantage.
Flight Path
The flight path crosses the English Channel (narrow at this latitude, roughly 50 miles wide), then passes over the Cotentin Peninsula in Normandy, the Normandy bocage (hedgerow farmland), and the Severn Estuary before reaching Birmingham. The Channel crossing itself is the most visually distinctive midpoint feature, with the French and English coastlines visible on clear days. The Cotswolds and Forest of Dean are notable terrain features visible during descent into the Midlands.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from CDG
RIGHTRight-side seats offer views of the Seine's meanders through Paris and the surrounding Île-de-France plains as you climb out northwestward. You'll see the urban sprawl of Paris receding below before crossing into open farmland.
Landing at BHX
LEFTLeft-side seats provide excellent views during descent into Birmingham. You'll see the Severn Estuary and Cotswold Hills to the west and south, then the Black Country's industrial landscape and Birmingham's urban sprawl as you approach from the southwest.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Charles De Gaulle (CDG) to Birmingham (BHX)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Paris to Birmingham. While takeoff favors the right, the landing approach from the southwest into Birmingham is significantly more scenic on the left, offering views of the Severn Estuary and Cotswold Hills. The landing experience outweighs the takeoff advantage.
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. Right-side seats offer views of the Seine's meanders through Paris and the surrounding Île-de-France plains as you climb out northwestward. You'll see the urban sprawl of Paris receding below before crossing into open farmland. Notable sights include: Seine River (winding through central Paris), Paris urban area (recognizable street grid and landmarks), Île-de-France agricultural plains, Seine-et-Marne forests to the east.
What can I see when landing at Birmingham in Birmingham?
When landing at Birmingham (BHX), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats provide excellent views during descent into Birmingham. You'll see the Severn Estuary and Cotswold Hills to the west and south, then the Black Country's industrial landscape and Birmingham's urban sprawl as you approach from the southwest. Notable sights include: Severn Estuary (major water body to the southwest), Cotswold Hills (rolling terrain south of the flight path), Black Country industrial towns (Wolverhampton, Dudley area), Birmingham city center and surrounding conurbation.
How long is the flight from Paris to Birmingham?
The flight from Charles De Gaulle (CDG) to Birmingham (BHX) takes about 1 hour 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 303 miles (488 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Paris to Birmingham flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the English Channel (narrow at this latitude, roughly 50 miles wide), then passes over the Cotentin Peninsula in Normandy, the Normandy bocage (hedgerow farmland), and the Severn Estuary before reaching Birmingham. The Channel crossing itself is the most visually distinctive midpoint feature, with the French and English coastlines visible on clear days. The Cotswolds and Forest of Dean are notable terrain features visible during descent into the Midlands.