While the takeoff offers Paris views, the landing approach to Madeira is far more visually dramatic and distinctive. The volcanic island's steep cliffs, terraced hillsides, and the contrast between ocean and dramatic terrain make the left side the superior choice for the overall journey.
Flown LBG to FNC? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Paris to Funchal is 1,498 miles (2,412 km), a flight of about 3 hours 15 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Bay of Biscay (visible as open Atlantic Ocean with occasional shipping lanes), passes over the Iberian Peninsula's northern coast near Galicia and Portugal's northern regions (Douro River valley visible inland), then continues southwest over open Atlantic toward Madeira. The Iberian coastline shows the transition from green northern landscapes to drier central plateau terrain. No major mountain ranges are prominently visible from cruise altitude on this route, but the curvature of the Portuguese coastline becomes apparent in the final approach phase.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from LBG
RIGHTRight-side seats offer views of the Seine River winding through Paris and the Île-de-France region as the aircraft climbs southwestward. You'll see the city's urban sprawl give way to agricultural plains and forests characteristic of northern France.
Landing at FNC
LEFTLeft-side seats provide excellent views of Madeira's dramatic volcanic topography as you approach Funchal. The island's steep cliffs, terraced hillsides, and the Atlantic coastline become increasingly visible during descent, with the city nestled in a natural amphitheater of mountains.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Le Bourget (LBG) to Cristiano Ronaldo International Airport (FNC)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Paris to Funchal. While the takeoff offers Paris views, the landing approach to Madeira is far more visually dramatic and distinctive. The volcanic island's steep cliffs, terraced hillsides, and the contrast between ocean and dramatic terrain make the left side the superior choice for the overall journey.
What can I see during takeoff from Le Bourget in Paris?
During takeoff from Le Bourget (LBG), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats offer views of the Seine River winding through Paris and the Île-de-France region as the aircraft climbs southwestward. You'll see the city's urban sprawl give way to agricultural plains and forests characteristic of northern France. Notable sights include: Seine River (visible as a silvery ribbon through central Paris), Île-de-France agricultural plains, Fontainebleau Forest (dark forested area southeast of Paris), Notre-Dame and central Paris districts.
What can I see when landing at Cristiano Ronaldo International Airport in Funchal?
When landing at Cristiano Ronaldo International Airport (FNC), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats provide excellent views of Madeira's dramatic volcanic topography as you approach Funchal. The island's steep cliffs, terraced hillsides, and the Atlantic coastline become increasingly visible during descent, with the city nestled in a natural amphitheater of mountains. Notable sights include: Madeira's volcanic peaks and ridges (Pico do Arieiro visible inland), Atlantic Ocean coastline with steep cliffs, Funchal city sprawl in the southern coastal valley, terraced agricultural hillsides.
How long is the flight from Paris to Funchal?
The flight from Le Bourget (LBG) to Cristiano Ronaldo International Airport (FNC) takes about 3 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,498 miles (2,412 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Paris to Funchal flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Bay of Biscay (visible as open Atlantic Ocean with occasional shipping lanes), passes over the Iberian Peninsula's northern coast near Galicia and Portugal's northern regions (Douro River valley visible inland), then continues southwest over open Atlantic toward Madeira. The Iberian coastline shows the transition from green northern landscapes to drier central plateau terrain. No major mountain ranges are prominently visible from cruise altitude on this route, but the curvature of the Portuguese coastline becomes apparent in the final approach phase.