Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Paris to Raleigh-durham. The left side delivers the more dramatic and memorable moment: a clear view over central Paris during departure, which is a once-per-flight spectacle that outweighs the modest Raleigh skyline view on arrival. Over the Atlantic and the US eastern seaboard approach, neither side offers a decisive advantage, so the Paris departure view tips the balance to the left.

During takeoff from Charles De Gaulle (CDG), sit on the Left side for the best views. CDG typically departs eastward on runways 08L/08R or westward on 26L/26R. On a westbound departure toward the Atlantic, a left-side seat gives you a view south over Paris itself as the aircraft turns onto its transatlantic heading. You'll see the Seine river snaking through the city, the Eiffel Tower area, and the dense urban grid of central Paris before the aircraft climbs out over the Île-de-France. Notable sights include: Seine river bends through central Paris, Eiffel Tower district (Champ de Mars), La Défense business district high-rises, Bois de Boulogne forest patch west of the city.

When landing at Raleigh Durham International (RDU), sit on the Right side for the best views. RDU's most common landing approach is from the northeast on runway 23L/23R, meaning the aircraft tracks southwest on final. A right-side seat faces northwest, giving views over the Research Triangle urban area including Raleigh's downtown skyline and the broader Piedmont landscape. The left side faces southeast toward less distinctive terrain. Notable sights include: Raleigh downtown skyline, Jordan Lake reservoir to the southwest, Falls Lake reservoir to the north, Piedmont farmland and pine forest patchwork.

The flight from Charles De Gaulle (CDG) to Raleigh Durham International (RDU) takes Approximately 8 hours 30 minutes to 9 hours 15 minutes westbound.

After departing France the route crosses Brittany and exits the European coast near Brest, then tracks across the North Atlantic at high latitude passing south of Newfoundland and Nova Scotia. Mid-ocean there is nothing to see but open water. On the US approach the aircraft crosses the New England or Mid-Atlantic coast, then tracks southwest over Virginia and North Carolina Piedmont before descending into RDU.