While the takeoff offers Paris views, the landing approach to Tahiti is far more visually dramatic and memorable. The volcanic peaks, lagoon system, and tropical island scenery of French Polynesia provide superior scenic value for the majority of the descent phase.
Flown CDG to PPT? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Paris to Papeete is 9,764 miles (15,714 km), a flight of about 20 hours.
Over the Atlantic, you'll cross the African coast near Senegal or further south; the Sahara Desert is visible on eastbound routes. Crossing the Indian Ocean offers open water views. Near the equator crossing, you may see the island of Réunion (if routed that way) with its active Piton de la Fournaise volcano. In the Pacific, the approach to Polynesia reveals the Society Islands' volcanic peaks rising from deep ocean, with Moorea and Tahiti being the most prominent landmarks before landing at Papeete.
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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 as the aircraft climbs northwestward. You'll see the urban sprawl of greater Paris receding below, with occasional glimpses of the Marne and Oise rivers branching through the landscape.
Landing at PPT
RIGHTRight side provides the best approach views of Tahiti and the Society Islands. As the aircraft descends toward Fa'a'ā, you'll see the dramatic volcanic peaks of Tahiti dominating the landscape, with the turquoise lagoon and coral reef system clearly visible around the island's perimeter.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Charles De Gaulle (CDG) to Fa'a'ā International Airport (PPT)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Paris to Papeete. While the takeoff offers Paris views, the landing approach to Tahiti is far more visually dramatic and memorable. The volcanic peaks, lagoon system, and tropical island scenery of French Polynesia provide superior scenic value for the majority of the descent phase.
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 as the aircraft climbs northwestward. You'll see the urban sprawl of greater Paris receding below, with occasional glimpses of the Marne and Oise rivers branching through the landscape. Notable sights include: Seine River, Paris urban area, Île-de-France agricultural plains, Marne River valley.
What can I see when landing at Fa'a'ā International Airport in Papeete?
When landing at Fa'a'ā International Airport (PPT), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right side provides the best approach views of Tahiti and the Society Islands. As the aircraft descends toward Fa'a'ā, you'll see the dramatic volcanic peaks of Tahiti dominating the landscape, with the turquoise lagoon and coral reef system clearly visible around the island's perimeter. Notable sights include: Mount Orohena (Tahiti's highest peak), Tahiti's volcanic crater, turquoise lagoon and coral reef barrier, neighboring Moorea island.
How long is the flight from Paris to Papeete?
The flight from Charles De Gaulle (CDG) to Fa'a'ā International Airport (PPT) takes about 20 hours. The shortest flight path between them is 9,764 miles (15,714 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Paris to Papeete flight path pass over?
Over the Atlantic, you'll cross the African coast near Senegal or further south; the Sahara Desert is visible on eastbound routes. Crossing the Indian Ocean offers open water views. Near the equator crossing, you may see the island of Réunion (if routed that way) with its active Piton de la Fournaise volcano. In the Pacific, the approach to Polynesia reveals the Society Islands' volcanic peaks rising from deep ocean, with Moorea and Tahiti being the most prominent landmarks before landing at Papeete.