While left offers good Paris departure views, right provides superior scenery on the longer approach to Melbourne, including Port Phillip Bay and the Dandenong Ranges—the most visually distinctive features of the final descent.
Flown CDG to MEL? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Paris to Melbourne is 10,412 miles (16,756 km), a flight of about 17 hours 30 minutes.
This route typically routes southeast over the Mediterranean, then across North Africa (Atlas Mountains visible on some paths), the Red Sea, Arabian Peninsula, Indian Ocean, and across Australia's interior. Direct routing would pass over the Suez Canal region, then across the Arabian Sea and Indian Ocean for 8-10 hours with minimal landmarks. The Australian approach crosses the Great Dividing Range inland before descending toward Melbourne's coastal plain.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from CDG
LEFTLeft side captures the Seine River winding through Paris and the Île-de-France region during climb-out. You'll see the urban sprawl of greater Paris receding beneath you, with the river's distinctive loops clearly visible.
Landing at MEL
RIGHTRight side offers the best views during approach to Melbourne. You'll see Port Phillip Bay, the Dandenong Ranges to the east, and the urban sprawl of Melbourne spreading across the flat coastal plain as you descend.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Charles De Gaulle (CDG) to Melbourne International (MEL)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Paris to Melbourne. While left offers good Paris departure views, right provides superior scenery on the longer approach to Melbourne, including Port Phillip Bay and the Dandenong Ranges—the most visually distinctive features of the final descent.
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 captures the Seine River winding through Paris and the Île-de-France region during climb-out. You'll see the urban sprawl of greater Paris receding beneath you, with the river's distinctive loops clearly visible. Notable sights include: Seine River, Paris urban area, Fontainebleau Forest (southeast), Versailles region.
What can I see when landing at Melbourne International in Melbourne?
When landing at Melbourne International (MEL), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right side offers the best views during approach to Melbourne. You'll see Port Phillip Bay, the Dandenong Ranges to the east, and the urban sprawl of Melbourne spreading across the flat coastal plain as you descend. Notable sights include: Port Phillip Bay, Dandenong Ranges, Yarra River, Melbourne CBD skyline.
How long is the flight from Paris to Melbourne?
The flight from Charles De Gaulle (CDG) to Melbourne International (MEL) takes about 17 hours 30 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 10,412 miles (16,756 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Paris to Melbourne flight path pass over?
This route typically routes southeast over the Mediterranean, then across North Africa (Atlas Mountains visible on some paths), the Red Sea, Arabian Peninsula, Indian Ocean, and across Australia's interior. Direct routing would pass over the Suez Canal region, then across the Arabian Sea and Indian Ocean for 8-10 hours with minimal landmarks. The Australian approach crosses the Great Dividing Range inland before descending toward Melbourne's coastal plain.