Sao Paulo to Le Tourquet is 5,890 miles (9,480 km), a flight of about 10 hours 15 minutes.
The landing approach offers superior views of the English Channel and Normandy coastline, which are geographically dramatic and visually distinctive. The takeoff from São Paulo is secondary—while the mountains are present, they're distant and hazy. Left seats capture the most memorable geography on this transatlantic route.
Flight Path
The flight crosses the Atlantic at roughly 35°N latitude. Notable features along the route include: the African coast near Mauritania (visible if departing late afternoon, appearing as a tan-brown line on the horizon); the Mid-Atlantic ridge system (not visible but the flight passes over it); the Azores archipelago (if the flight path passes near 38°N 25°W, visible as small dark islands in open ocean); the Bay of Biscay (crossed during the final 2-3 hours, appearing as open water with occasional shipping); and the Brittany peninsula (visible on approach to France as a rocky, indented coastline with numerous small islands and inlets)
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from GRU
RIGHTGRU typically departs eastbound (runways 09L/09R). Right-side seats face north toward the Atlantic coast and the Serra da Mantiqueira mountain range, which rises distinctly inland. Left seats look south over suburban sprawl with less dramatic geography.
Landing at LTQ
LEFTLTQ has a single runway (04/22); typical approach is from the southwest (runway 04). Left-side seats face south and west toward the English Channel, the Normandy coast, and the Pas-de-Calais region. Right seats look inland over farmland with less distinctive features during descent.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Guarulhos (GRU) to Le Touquet Paris Plage (LTQ)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Sao Paulo to Le Tourquet. The landing approach offers superior views of the English Channel and Normandy coastline, which are geographically dramatic and visually distinctive. The takeoff from São Paulo is secondary—while the mountains are present, they're distant and hazy. Left seats capture the most memorable geography on this transatlantic route.
What can I see during takeoff from Guarulhos in Sao Paulo?
During takeoff from Guarulhos (GRU), sit on the Right side for the best views. GRU typically departs eastbound (runways 09L/09R). Right-side seats face north toward the Atlantic coast and the Serra da Mantiqueira mountain range, which rises distinctly inland. Left seats look south over suburban sprawl with less dramatic geography. Notable sights include: Serra da Mantiqueira (distant ridge on horizon), Paraíba River valley (threading through foothills), Cantareira Mountains (closer range to the north), Atlantic coastal plain (hazy on far horizon).
What can I see when landing at Le Touquet Paris Plage in Le Tourquet?
When landing at Le Touquet Paris Plage (LTQ), sit on the Left side for the best views. LTQ has a single runway (04/22); typical approach is from the southwest (runway 04). Left-side seats face south and west toward the English Channel, the Normandy coast, and the Pas-de-Calais region. Right seats look inland over farmland with less distinctive features during descent. Notable sights include: English Channel (broad water body dominating the view), Normandy coastline (chalk cliffs and beaches), Pas-de-Calais agricultural plains (patchwork fields), Boulogne-sur-Mer (coastal town visible as urban cluster).
How long is the flight from Sao Paulo to Le Tourquet?
The flight from Guarulhos (GRU) to Le Touquet Paris Plage (LTQ) takes about 10 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 5,890 miles (9,480 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Sao Paulo to Le Tourquet flight path pass over?
The flight crosses the Atlantic at roughly 35°N latitude. Notable features along the route include: the African coast near Mauritania (visible if departing late afternoon, appearing as a tan-brown line on the horizon); the Mid-Atlantic ridge system (not visible but the flight passes over it); the Azores archipelago (if the flight path passes near 38°N 25°W, visible as small dark islands in open ocean); the Bay of Biscay (crossed during the final 2-3 hours, appearing as open water with occasional shipping); and the Brittany peninsula (visible on approach to France as a rocky, indented coastline with numerous small islands and inlets)