While the Algarve departure is visually striking, the landing approach into Paris offers more sustained scenic interest over a longer portion of the flight. Right seats provide excellent views of the Seine valley and suburban approach, which is more visually rewarding than the midpoint leg over central France.
Flown FAO to CDG? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Faro to Paris is 982 miles (1,581 km), a flight of about 2 hours 15 minutes.
Loire Valley (visible as a broad river valley with scattered towns and châteaux regions), Massif Central foothills to the east, French agricultural plains and patchwork fields, occasional river valleys and forested areas between the Iberian Peninsula and Paris basin
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from FAO
LEFTLeft seats offer immediate views of the Ria Formosa lagoon system and Atlantic coastline as the aircraft climbs out westward over the Algarve. The contrast between the shallow lagoons, barrier islands, and open ocean is striking from 3,000–8,000 feet.

Landing at CDG
RIGHTRight seats capture the Seine River valley and the approach to Paris from the southwest. As the aircraft descends toward CDG, right-side passengers see the Seine's distinctive meanders, the Île-de-France landscape, and eventually the airport's runways and surrounding suburban sprawl.
Will your flight be in sunlight?
Pick a date and time in the Sun Map to watch the sun move across your whole flight.
About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Faro (FAO) to Charles De Gaulle (CDG)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Faro to Paris. While the Algarve departure is visually striking, the landing approach into Paris offers more sustained scenic interest over a longer portion of the flight. Right seats provide excellent views of the Seine valley and suburban approach, which is more visually rewarding than the midpoint leg over central France.
What can I see during takeoff from Faro in Faro?
During takeoff from Faro (FAO), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left seats offer immediate views of the Ria Formosa lagoon system and Atlantic coastline as the aircraft climbs out westward over the Algarve. The contrast between the shallow lagoons, barrier islands, and open ocean is striking from 3,000–8,000 feet. Notable sights include: Ria Formosa National Park (shallow lagoons and sandbar islands), Atlantic Ocean, Algarve coastline, Lagos town and harbor.
What can I see when landing at Charles De Gaulle in Paris?
When landing at Charles De Gaulle (CDG), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right seats capture the Seine River valley and the approach to Paris from the southwest. As the aircraft descends toward CDG, right-side passengers see the Seine's distinctive meanders, the Île-de-France landscape, and eventually the airport's runways and surrounding suburban sprawl. Notable sights include: Seine River and its meanders, Île-de-France agricultural plains, Parisian suburbs and urban sprawl, Charles de Gaulle Airport runways and taxiways.
How long is the flight from Faro to Paris?
The flight from Faro (FAO) to Charles De Gaulle (CDG) takes about 2 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 982 miles (1,581 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Faro to Paris flight path pass over?
Loire Valley (visible as a broad river valley with scattered towns and châteaux regions), Massif Central foothills to the east, French agricultural plains and patchwork fields, occasional river valleys and forested areas between the Iberian Peninsula and Paris basin