About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Charles De Gaulle (CDG) to Merignac (BOD)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Paris to Bordeaux. While takeoff offers Seine views from the right, the landing approach provides more dramatic and sustained scenic value with the Garonne River and Bordeaux city clearly visible. The left side captures the river's distinctive curves and the city's geography more effectively during descent.
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 the Île-de-France region and the sprawling suburbs of Paris as you climb southwestward. You'll see the urban-to-rural transition clearly as CDG sits northeast of the city proper. Notable sights include: Seine River (winding through northern Paris suburbs), Paris city center (visible as dense urban area to the southwest), Marne River confluence, suburban sprawl of Montsouris and Orly areas.
What can I see when landing at Merignac in Bordeaux?
When landing at Merignac (BOD), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats provide excellent views of the Garonne River as you descend toward Bordeaux-Mérignac. You'll see the river's distinctive curves and the city's position on its banks, plus the flat Aquitaine plains that dominate this region. Notable sights include: Garonne River (major river with visible meanders), Bordeaux city center (urban area on river's left bank), Aquitaine plains (flat agricultural landscape), Landes forest (pine forests visible to the south and southeast).
How long is the flight from Paris to Bordeaux?
The flight from Charles De Gaulle (CDG) to Merignac (BOD) takes Approximately 1 hour 15 minutes.
What does the Paris to Bordeaux flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Loire Valley region (around 47.5°N, 1.5°E) where you may glimpse the Loire River and its tributary valleys if conditions permit. Further south, the landscape transitions from the Loire's fertile valleys to the flatter Aquitaine plains. The Massif Central's western foothills remain distant to the east (left) throughout the flight but are typically below the horizon or obscured by haze at cruise altitude. The most notable midpoint feature is the gradual transition from the Seine basin's rolling terrain to the completely flat Aquitaine plateau.