The right side wins overall. Beyond the Paris departure views, the flight path southeast over France gives the right side views of the Alps on the horizon as you cross eastern France, and later the right side tracks the Greek islands and Aegean coastline. The left side has the better Tel Aviv landing view, but the right side accumulates more distinctive scenery across the full flight.
Flight Path
Eastern France agricultural plains, the Alps visible to the south as you cross Burgundy and Rhône corridor, northern Italy or Adriatic Sea depending on routing, Greek mainland and Aegean Sea with island chains visible below, then Cyprus to the northwest before descent into Israel over the eastern Mediterranean coastal plain
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from CDG
RIGHTCDG typically departs eastward on runways 09L/09R or 08R, meaning the right side faces south toward Paris city center. You get a clear view of the Seine river bends, the Eiffel Tower area, and the dense urban fabric of central Paris during the initial climb-out before turning southeast.
Landing at TLV
LEFTBen Gurion primarily uses runways 26 or 30 for arrivals from the west/northwest, meaning aircraft approach from the Mediterranean coast heading inland. The left side faces south, giving views of Tel Aviv's coastline, the city's beachfront, and the urban density of the greater Tel Aviv metro as you descend over the coastal plain.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Charles De Gaulle (CDG) to Ben Gurion (TLV)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Paris to Tel Aviv. The right side wins overall. Beyond the Paris departure views, the flight path southeast over France gives the right side views of the Alps on the horizon as you cross eastern France, and later the right side tracks the Greek islands and Aegean coastline. The left side has the better Tel Aviv landing view, but the right side accumulates more distinctive scenery across the full flight.
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 eastward on runways 09L/09R or 08R, meaning the right side faces south toward Paris city center. You get a clear view of the Seine river bends, the Eiffel Tower area, and the dense urban fabric of central Paris during the initial climb-out before turning southeast. Notable sights include: Seine river meanders south of CDG, Paris city center skyline, La Défense business district towers, Marne river valley.
What can I see when landing at Ben Gurion in Tel Aviv?
When landing at Ben Gurion (TLV), sit on the Left side for the best views. Ben Gurion primarily uses runways 26 or 30 for arrivals from the west/northwest, meaning aircraft approach from the Mediterranean coast heading inland. The left side faces south, giving views of Tel Aviv's coastline, the city's beachfront, and the urban density of the greater Tel Aviv metro as you descend over the coastal plain. Notable sights include: Tel Aviv Mediterranean coastline and beachfront, Yarkon river mouth, Tel Aviv urban grid, Judean Hills foothills to the east.
How long is the flight from Paris to Tel Aviv?
The flight from Charles De Gaulle (CDG) to Ben Gurion (TLV) takes Approximately 4 hours 15 minutes to 4 hours 45 minutes.
What does the Paris to Tel Aviv flight path pass over?
Eastern France agricultural plains, the Alps visible to the south as you cross Burgundy and Rhône corridor, northern Italy or Adriatic Sea depending on routing, Greek mainland and Aegean Sea with island chains visible below, then Cyprus to the northwest before descent into Israel over the eastern Mediterranean coastal plain