About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Galeao Antonio Carlos Jobim (GIG) to Charles De Gaulle (CDG)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Rio De Janeiro to Paris. Left side wins both the departure and arrival phases. The takeoff view over Guanabara Bay and Sugarloaf is one of the most dramatic urban departures in the world, and the Paris approach on the left gives a direct sightline into the city center. Neither side offers much during the long overnight Atlantic crossing, so the bookend views are the deciding factor.
What can I see during takeoff from Galeao Antonio Carlos Jobim in Rio De Janeiro?
During takeoff from Galeao Antonio Carlos Jobim (GIG), sit on the Left side for the best views. GIG typically departs on runway 10 heading east, then turns north. A left-side seat captures the iconic Guanabara Bay, Sugarloaf Mountain, and the Rio city skyline as the aircraft banks. The contrast of the bay, mountains, and dense urban fabric is exceptional. Notable sights include: Guanabara Bay, Sugarloaf Mountain (Pão de Açúcar), Rio de Janeiro city center and Flamengo waterfront, Ilha do Governador below the aircraft.
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 lands on runways 26L/26R heading west, approaching from the east over the Marne valley and Paris eastern suburbs. A left-side seat on approach gives a clear view of central Paris — the Seine, Eiffel Tower, and the dense Haussmann grid — as the aircraft tracks over the city's eastern edge. Notable sights include: Seine River and its distinctive bends through Paris, Eiffel Tower, La Défense business district on the western horizon, Marne River valley on approach.
How long is the flight from Rio De Janeiro to Paris?
The flight from Galeao Antonio Carlos Jobim (GIG) to Charles De Gaulle (CDG) takes Approximately 11 to 12 hours.
What does the Rio De Janeiro to Paris flight path pass over?
The route tracks northeast from Rio, crossing the Brazilian coast near Recife or Natal, then crossing the equatorial Atlantic. The Cape Verde Islands may be visible far to the left in the mid-Atlantic. The route then crosses the Canary Islands region, the Iberian Peninsula (Portugal and Spain visible below), the Bay of Biscay, and the Pyrenees before entering France from the southwest. The Pyrenees are the most visually striking midpoint feature if flying in daylight, appearing as a sharp snow-capped ridge separating Spain and France.