About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Detroit Metro Wayne Co (DTW) to Charles De Gaulle (CDG)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Detroit to Paris. Left side wins both the departure over Detroit and the arrival into Paris. During the transatlantic cruise at 35,000 feet over open ocean and Canada there is little to differentiate sides, but the bookend city views at both ends make left the clear choice for the full journey.
What can I see during takeoff from Detroit Metro Wayne Co in Detroit?
During takeoff from Detroit Metro Wayne Co (DTW), sit on the Left side for the best views. DTW's primary departure runways (21L/21R heading southwest, or 04L/04R heading northeast) mean a left-side seat gives you the Detroit River and downtown Detroit skyline during the initial climb and turn northeast toward the Atlantic. You'll see the river clearly separating Detroit from Windsor, Ontario, and the dense urban grid of downtown. Notable sights include: Detroit River and Ambassador Bridge, Downtown Detroit skyline, Lake St. Clair to the northeast, Windsor Ontario urban grid.
What can I see when landing at Charles De Gaulle in Paris?
When landing at Charles De Gaulle (CDG), sit on the Left side for the best views. CDG typically uses runways 27L/27R or 26L/26R for westerly landings, meaning the approach comes from the east over the Marne valley. A left-side seat on this approach gives a clear view south toward central Paris — you'll see the Seine snaking through the city, the Eiffel Tower, and the dense Haussmann boulevard grid before touchdown. Notable sights include: Seine River through central Paris, Eiffel Tower, La Défense business district tower cluster, Stade de France near Saint-Denis.
How long is the flight from Detroit to Paris?
The flight from Detroit Metro Wayne Co (DTW) to Charles De Gaulle (CDG) takes Approximately 8 hours 30 minutes to 9 hours.
What does the Detroit to Paris flight path pass over?
The route tracks northeast over Ontario and Quebec, crossing the St. Lawrence River near Quebec City, then out over the Gulf of St. Lawrence and Newfoundland before the North Atlantic crossing. Mid-ocean the flight passes south of Greenland's ice cap, which may be faintly visible on the left horizon in clear conditions. The route then crosses Ireland's west coast near Shannon, followed by England's Midlands and the English Channel before descending into France.