The left (south-facing) side wins for its cruise-phase views over the Balkan uplands, the Adriatic-adjacent Alpine foothills, and a landing approach that skirts the scenic Marne valley near Paris, compared to the flatter, less distinctive northern route over Romania and the North European Plain.
Flown IST to CDG? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Istanbul to Paris is 1,374 miles (2,212 km), a flight of about 3 hours 35 minutes.
Balkan mountain ranges over Bulgaria and Serbia, the Dinaric Alps near the Adriatic, and the fringes of the Alps before descending into the Paris basin
Great circle distance and headings ›_in_Istanbul.jpg?width=600)
.jpg?width=600)
Phase by phase
Takeoff from IST
LEFTAs the aircraft climbs out from IST and turns onto its northwesterly routing, the southern (left) side offers glimpses of the Sea of Marmara and the hilly Thracian countryside, while the right side shows mostly flat farmland toward the Black Sea coast with little definition.
Landing at CDG
LEFTOn approach to CDG from the east, the descent path passes south of the airport, giving left-side passengers a view over the Marne valley and, on clear days, the outer edges of Paris including glimpses of the Seine before the final turn to land.
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 İstanbul Airport (IST) to Charles De Gaulle (CDG)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Istanbul to Paris. The left (south-facing) side wins for its cruise-phase views over the Balkan uplands, the Adriatic-adjacent Alpine foothills, and a landing approach that skirts the scenic Marne valley near Paris, compared to the flatter, less distinctive northern route over Romania and the North European Plain.
What can I see during takeoff from İstanbul Airport in Istanbul?
During takeoff from İstanbul Airport (IST), sit on the Left side for the best views. As the aircraft climbs out from IST and turns onto its northwesterly routing, the southern (left) side offers glimpses of the Sea of Marmara and the hilly Thracian countryside, while the right side shows mostly flat farmland toward the Black Sea coast with little definition. Notable sights include: Sea of Marmara, Thracian farmland, Istanbul's outer suburbs.
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. On approach to CDG from the east, the descent path passes south of the airport, giving left-side passengers a view over the Marne valley and, on clear days, the outer edges of Paris including glimpses of the Seine before the final turn to land. Notable sights include: Marne River valley, outer Paris suburbs, Seine bends, patchwork farmland of Île-de-France.
How long is the flight from Istanbul to Paris?
The flight from İstanbul Airport (IST) to Charles De Gaulle (CDG) takes about 3 hours 35 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,374 miles (2,212 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Istanbul to Paris flight path pass over?
Balkan mountain ranges over Bulgaria and Serbia, the Dinaric Alps near the Adriatic, and the fringes of the Alps before descending into the Paris basin