The left side wins overall. The Paris departure view is genuinely spectacular and hard to beat — the Seine, La Défense, and the Eiffel Tower district are all clearly visible in the first few minutes. Over the Iberian Peninsula the left side also faces south toward the Atlas Mountains of Morocco as you cross the Strait of Gibraltar. The landing advantage shifts to the right, but the takeoff and mid-flight scenery on the left is more consistently rewarding across the full journey.
Flight Path
The route tracks southwest over the Loire Valley and Bordeaux region of France, then crosses the Bay of Biscay toward the Iberian Peninsula. Over Spain and Portugal the flight passes over the Meseta Central plateau. Crossing the Strait of Gibraltar, the Atlas Mountains of northern Morocco are visible. The route then follows the West African coast southward over Mauritania's Sahara desert — vast sand seas and occasional dry riverbeds — before reaching the Sahel transition zone and the Senegalese coast near Dakar.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Charles De Gaulle (CDG) to Blaise Diagne International (DSS)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Paris to Dakar. The left side wins overall. The Paris departure view is genuinely spectacular and hard to beat — the Seine, La Défense, and the Eiffel Tower district are all clearly visible in the first few minutes. Over the Iberian Peninsula the left side also faces south toward the Atlas Mountains of Morocco as you cross the Strait of Gibraltar. The landing advantage shifts to the right, but the takeoff and mid-flight scenery on the left is more consistently rewarding across the full journey.
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 or southeast on 09L/09R. On a southwest departure toward Dakar, the left side gives you Paris city center — you can clearly see the Seine river bends, the Eiffel Tower district, and the dense Haussmann grid of central Paris. The right side faces north toward flat suburban sprawl with little of interest. Notable sights include: Seine river meanders through central Paris, Eiffel Tower and Champ de Mars district, Bois de Boulogne forest patch west of the city, La Défense business district tower cluster.
What can I see when landing at Blaise Diagne International in Dakar?
When landing at Blaise Diagne International (DSS), sit on the Right side for the best views. Blaise Diagne International sits about 40km east of Dakar. Aircraft typically approach from the east or northeast, landing westward toward the Atlantic. On a westward approach, the right side faces north and gives you the Cap-Vert Peninsula, the Atlantic coastline, and the city of Dakar itself spread across the peninsula tip. The left side faces inland toward flat Sahel scrubland. Notable sights include: Dakar city and Cap-Vert Peninsula jutting into the Atlantic, Gorée Island visible as a small dark mass offshore, Atlantic Ocean coastline with breaking surf along the Petite Côte, Lake Retba (Lac Rose) pink salt lake northeast of Dakar.
How long is the flight from Paris to Dakar?
The flight from Charles De Gaulle (CDG) to Blaise Diagne International (DSS) takes Approximately 6 hours 30 minutes.
What does the Paris to Dakar flight path pass over?
The route tracks southwest over the Loire Valley and Bordeaux region of France, then crosses the Bay of Biscay toward the Iberian Peninsula. Over Spain and Portugal the flight passes over the Meseta Central plateau. Crossing the Strait of Gibraltar, the Atlas Mountains of northern Morocco are visible. The route then follows the West African coast southward over Mauritania's Sahara desert — vast sand seas and occasional dry riverbeds — before reaching the Sahel transition zone and the Senegalese coast near Dakar.