The right side wins overall due to the dramatic Pyrenees arrival view and the Atlantic coastline on descent into BIQ. The takeoff from CDG on the left is good but relatively flat and urban. The right side also tracks the Loire valley region in the mid-flight and gets the best coastal and mountain scenery on approach.
Flown CDG to BIQ? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Paris to Biarritz is 429 miles (691 km), a flight of about 1 hour 25 minutes.
The flight tracks roughly southwest over the Loire Valley (visible as a broad river corridor), the Poitou plains, then the Landes pine forest — one of the largest man-made forests in Europe, a vast dark green carpet visible from altitude — before the Atlantic coast and Pyrenees foothills appear on the approach to Biarritz.
Great circle distance and headings ›.jpg?width=600)
Phase by phase
Takeoff from CDG
LEFTCDG typically departs southwest on runways 26L/26R, meaning the left side faces south toward Paris city center. You get a clear view of the Seine river bends and the urban sprawl of Paris as you climb out heading southwest.
Landing at BIQ
RIGHTBIQ's primary runway 27 means aircraft approach from the east heading west, placing the right side facing north toward the Pyrenees mountain range. The Atlantic coast and the Basque coastline are also visible on the right as you descend over the Bay of Biscay approach.
Will your flight be in sunlight?
Pick a date and time in the Sun Map to watch the sun move across your whole flight.
About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Charles De Gaulle (CDG) to Anglet (BIQ)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Paris to Biarritz. The right side wins overall due to the dramatic Pyrenees arrival view and the Atlantic coastline on descent into BIQ. The takeoff from CDG on the left is good but relatively flat and urban. The right side also tracks the Loire valley region in the mid-flight and gets the best coastal and mountain scenery on approach.
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. CDG typically departs southwest on runways 26L/26R, meaning the left side faces south toward Paris city center. You get a clear view of the Seine river bends and the urban sprawl of Paris as you climb out heading southwest. Notable sights include: Seine river meanders south of CDG, Paris urban grid, Marne river confluence, Roissy industrial zone receding behind.
What can I see when landing at Anglet in Biarritz?
When landing at Anglet (BIQ), sit on the Right side for the best views. BIQ's primary runway 27 means aircraft approach from the east heading west, placing the right side facing north toward the Pyrenees mountain range. The Atlantic coast and the Basque coastline are also visible on the right as you descend over the Bay of Biscay approach. Notable sights include: Pyrenees mountain range to the south-southeast, Bay of Biscay Atlantic coastline, Adour river mouth near Bayonne, Basque coastal towns of Biarritz and Anglet.
How long is the flight from Paris to Biarritz?
The flight from Charles De Gaulle (CDG) to Anglet (BIQ) takes about 1 hour 25 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 429 miles (691 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Paris to Biarritz flight path pass over?
The flight tracks roughly southwest over the Loire Valley (visible as a broad river corridor), the Poitou plains, then the Landes pine forest — one of the largest man-made forests in Europe, a vast dark green carpet visible from altitude — before the Atlantic coast and Pyrenees foothills appear on the approach to Biarritz.