Right side wins overall because the takeoff view over Paris is the highlight of this short flight — the city is genuinely spectacular from the right seat heading southeast. The flight is only about 55 minutes and cruises at relatively low altitude, so the right side also picks up the Burgundy plateau and Beaujolais hills in the mid-flight before the Lyon approach.
Flight Path
The flight tracks roughly southeast from CDG, crossing the Île-de-France plain, then over the Burgundy wine region around Dijon and Beaune (visible as rolling vine-covered hills), the Saône valley lowlands, and the Beaujolais hills north of Lyon. The Alps are visible on the eastern horizon throughout the descent into Lyon, with Mont Blanc identifiable on very clear days far to the east-southeast.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from CDG
RIGHTCDG typically departs on runways 26L/26R or 09L/09R depending on wind. On the dominant westerly departure (runway 27/26), a right-side seat gives you a view south over the Paris basin and the city itself as the aircraft turns southeast toward Lyon. You'll catch the Seine river snaking through the suburbs and, on a clear day, the Eiffel Tower and central Paris in the distance.
Landing at LYS
LEFTLYS typically lands on runway 36R/36L (northerly approach) or 18 (southerly). On the common northerly approach from the Paris direction, the aircraft descends from the northwest and the left side faces west and southwest — giving a clear view of Lyon city center, the Rhône and Saône river confluence, and the Massif Central foothills in the far distance. The right side faces east toward the Alps, which is spectacular, but the left gives you the city itself on final.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Charles De Gaulle (CDG) to Saint Exupery (LYS)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Paris to Lyon. Right side wins overall because the takeoff view over Paris is the highlight of this short flight — the city is genuinely spectacular from the right seat heading southeast. The flight is only about 55 minutes and cruises at relatively low altitude, so the right side also picks up the Burgundy plateau and Beaujolais hills in the mid-flight before the Lyon approach.
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. CDG typically departs on runways 26L/26R or 09L/09R depending on wind. On the dominant westerly departure (runway 27/26), a right-side seat gives you a view south over the Paris basin and the city itself as the aircraft turns southeast toward Lyon. You'll catch the Seine river snaking through the suburbs and, on a clear day, the Eiffel Tower and central Paris in the distance. Notable sights include: Seine river and its suburban meanders, central Paris skyline including Eiffel Tower at distance, La Défense business district tower cluster, Marne valley to the east.
What can I see when landing at Saint Exupery in Lyon?
When landing at Saint Exupery (LYS), sit on the Left side for the best views. LYS typically lands on runway 36R/36L (northerly approach) or 18 (southerly). On the common northerly approach from the Paris direction, the aircraft descends from the northwest and the left side faces west and southwest — giving a clear view of Lyon city center, the Rhône and Saône river confluence, and the Massif Central foothills in the far distance. The right side faces east toward the Alps, which is spectacular, but the left gives you the city itself on final. Notable sights include: Lyon city center and the Presqu'île peninsula between Rhône and Saône, the two rivers converging south of the city, Fourvière hill and basilica above the old town, Ain river valley flatlands on approach.
How long is the flight from Paris to Lyon?
The flight from Charles De Gaulle (CDG) to Saint Exupery (LYS) takes Approximately 50-60 minutes.
What does the Paris to Lyon flight path pass over?
The flight tracks roughly southeast from CDG, crossing the Île-de-France plain, then over the Burgundy wine region around Dijon and Beaune (visible as rolling vine-covered hills), the Saône valley lowlands, and the Beaujolais hills north of Lyon. The Alps are visible on the eastern horizon throughout the descent into Lyon, with Mont Blanc identifiable on very clear days far to the east-southeast.