While left offers better Paris departure views, right provides superior scenery during the longer portion of the flight—particularly the Atlantic coast, delta systems, and the dramatic approach into São Paulo over the Serra do Mar mountains.
Flown CDG to CGH? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Paris to Sao Paulo is 5,861 miles (9,433 km), a flight of about 11 hours 45 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Atlantic Ocean for roughly 6-7 hours with no major landmarks visible. Notable geographic features along the route include: the Bay of Biscay (off western France), the Iberian Peninsula and Spanish coast (visible during initial westward climb), the African coast near Morocco and Western Sahara (visible on the southern horizon during mid-Atlantic crossing), and the Brazilian coast approaching landfall near Recife or further south. The equator is crossed during the southern Atlantic crossing. As the aircraft approaches South America, the Brazilian coastline becomes visible, followed by the Paraná River delta and coastal mountains near São Paulo.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from CDG
LEFTLeft side offers views of the Seine River winding through Paris and the surrounding Île-de-France region. Right side faces northwest toward industrial suburbs with less scenic value.
Landing at CGH
RIGHTRight side provides views of the Atlantic coast, the Paraná River delta region, and the approach into São Paulo from the east. Left side faces inland toward less distinctive terrain during descent.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Charles De Gaulle (CDG) to Congonhas (CGH)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Paris to Sao Paulo. While left offers better Paris departure views, right provides superior scenery during the longer portion of the flight—particularly the Atlantic coast, delta systems, and the dramatic approach into São Paulo over the Serra do Mar mountains.
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. Left side offers views of the Seine River winding through Paris and the surrounding Île-de-France region. Right side faces northwest toward industrial suburbs with less scenic value. Notable sights include: Seine River (visible as it curves through central Paris), Île de la Cité and Notre-Dame area, Bois de Boulogne and Bois de Vincennes (large green spaces), suburban sprawl of greater Paris.
What can I see when landing at Congonhas in Sao Paulo?
When landing at Congonhas (CGH), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right side provides views of the Atlantic coast, the Paraná River delta region, and the approach into São Paulo from the east. Left side faces inland toward less distinctive terrain during descent. Notable sights include: Paraná River and its delta system (visible as it widens toward the Atlantic), Atlantic coastline with Santos and surrounding beach towns, Serra do Mar mountain range (eastern escarpment), Guarulhos and São Paulo urban sprawl.
How long is the flight from Paris to Sao Paulo?
The flight from Charles De Gaulle (CDG) to Congonhas (CGH) takes about 11 hours 45 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 5,861 miles (9,433 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Paris to Sao Paulo flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Atlantic Ocean for roughly 6-7 hours with no major landmarks visible. Notable geographic features along the route include: the Bay of Biscay (off western France), the Iberian Peninsula and Spanish coast (visible during initial westward climb), the African coast near Morocco and Western Sahara (visible on the southern horizon during mid-Atlantic crossing), and the Brazilian coast approaching landfall near Recife or further south. The equator is crossed during the southern Atlantic crossing. As the aircraft approaches South America, the Brazilian coastline becomes visible, followed by the Paraná River delta and coastal mountains near São Paulo.