The right side offers the more dynamic visual arc of the flight—Paris landmarks during climb-out, glimpses of the Jura Mountains during cruise, and a scenic Alpine and lake-side approach into Zurich—while the left side stays largely over flat, featureless farmland throughout.
Flown CDG to ZRH? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Paris to Zurich is 296 miles (476 km), a flight of about 1 hour 20 minutes.
Jura Mountains foothills, eastern French farmland near the Vosges, Swiss Plateau, and the upper Rhine valley near Basel
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from CDG
RIGHTDeparting CDG on the usual westerly-facing runways, the aircraft banks south and east toward Switzerland, giving right-side passengers a good look at central Paris and the Seine before the turn to cruise altitude. The left side mostly shows the flat farmland north of the airport with little to distinguish it.
Landing at ZRH
RIGHTOn the approach into Zurich from the west, the descent path curves along the north shore of the Swiss plateau, putting the Alps and Lake Zurich on the right side of the aircraft. Passengers get a clear view of the lake, the city, and distant snow-capped peaks just before touchdown, while the left side faces mostly the Jura foothills and open plateau.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Charles De Gaulle (CDG) to Zurich (ZRH)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Paris to Zurich. The right side offers the more dynamic visual arc of the flight—Paris landmarks during climb-out, glimpses of the Jura Mountains during cruise, and a scenic Alpine and lake-side approach into Zurich—while the left side stays largely over flat, featureless farmland throughout.
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. Departing CDG on the usual westerly-facing runways, the aircraft banks south and east toward Switzerland, giving right-side passengers a good look at central Paris and the Seine before the turn to cruise altitude. The left side mostly shows the flat farmland north of the airport with little to distinguish it. Notable sights include: Eiffel Tower and La Défense skyline, Seine River loops, Marne valley farmland, Paris eastern suburbs.
What can I see when landing at Zurich in Zurich?
When landing at Zurich (ZRH), sit on the Right side for the best views. On the approach into Zurich from the west, the descent path curves along the north shore of the Swiss plateau, putting the Alps and Lake Zurich on the right side of the aircraft. Passengers get a clear view of the lake, the city, and distant snow-capped peaks just before touchdown, while the left side faces mostly the Jura foothills and open plateau. Notable sights include: Lake Zurich, Zurich city center and Uetliberg hill, distant Alpine peaks, Limmat River.
How long is the flight from Paris to Zurich?
The flight from Charles De Gaulle (CDG) to Zurich (ZRH) takes about 1 hour 20 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 296 miles (476 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Paris to Zurich flight path pass over?
Jura Mountains foothills, eastern French farmland near the Vosges, Swiss Plateau, and the upper Rhine valley near Basel