Both sides score equally at 2.5 due to the short 1-hour flight over relatively flat terrain with limited dramatic geography. However, the left side edges ahead for takeoff scenery—London City's Thames-side location and central London's iconic skyline provide more concentrated urban visual interest than the dispersed Paris suburbs visible on approach. The Thames estuary and Canary Wharf cluster offer more distinctive landmarks during the critical early climb-out phase.
Flown LCY to CDG? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
London to Paris is 205 miles (330 km), a flight of about 1 hour 15 minutes.
English Channel crossing (approximately 20 minutes of flight time), Kent coastline near Dover, French coast near Calais, Pas-de-Calais agricultural plains, Seine river valley approaching Paris
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from LCY
LEFTLondon City Airport sits on the Thames Peninsula with the City of London skyline visible during climb-out. The left side captures the Thames estuary, Canary Wharf, and central London's urban density as the aircraft banks southeast toward the Channel.
Landing at CDG
RIGHTThe right side offers views of the Seine valley and Paris's urban sprawl during descent into CDG. The approach typically brings aircraft over the northern suburbs, revealing the city's radial street pattern and the distinctive shape of Paris's metropolitan area.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from City (LCY) to Charles De Gaulle (CDG)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from London to Paris. Both sides score equally at 2.5 due to the short 1-hour flight over relatively flat terrain with limited dramatic geography. However, the left side edges ahead for takeoff scenery—London City's Thames-side location and central London's iconic skyline provide more concentrated urban visual interest than the dispersed Paris suburbs visible on approach. The Thames estuary and Canary Wharf cluster offer more distinctive landmarks during the critical early climb-out phase.
What can I see during takeoff from City in London?
During takeoff from City (LCY), sit on the Left side for the best views. London City Airport sits on the Thames Peninsula with the City of London skyline visible during climb-out. The left side captures the Thames estuary, Canary Wharf, and central London's urban density as the aircraft banks southeast toward the Channel. Notable sights include: Thames estuary and docks, Canary Wharf tower cluster, City of London financial district, Greenwich Peninsula.
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. The right side offers views of the Seine valley and Paris's urban sprawl during descent into CDG. The approach typically brings aircraft over the northern suburbs, revealing the city's radial street pattern and the distinctive shape of Paris's metropolitan area. Notable sights include: Seine river valley, Paris metropolitan sprawl, Île-de-France agricultural plains, CDG airport complex.
How long is the flight from London to Paris?
The flight from City (LCY) to Charles De Gaulle (CDG) takes about 1 hour 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 205 miles (330 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the London to Paris flight path pass over?
English Channel crossing (approximately 20 minutes of flight time), Kent coastline near Dover, French coast near Calais, Pas-de-Calais agricultural plains, Seine river valley approaching Paris