While takeoff offers London views on the right, the landing approach into Orly provides more sustained and dramatic scenery on the left, including the Seine's distinctive curves and Paris's urban landscape. The left side captures the approach corridor with better geographic interest.
Flown LCY to ORY? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
London to Paris is 217 miles (350 km), a flight of about 1 hour 15 minutes.
The flight crosses the English Channel (Strait of Dover) at roughly the 30-minute mark, where white chalk cliffs of Dover are visible on the UK side and the French coast appears as a low, dark line. The Kent and Sussex coastlines show distinctive pebble beaches and coastal towns. Over the Channel itself, the water appears as a pale blue-grey expanse with occasional shipping traffic visible as small white dots. After crossing into France, the Normandy plateau becomes visible—rolling green agricultural land with scattered villages and a patchwork of fields. The Seine River becomes visible around 45 minutes into the flight, appearing as a silvery line snaking through the Île-de-France region with its characteristic meanders becoming more pronounced as the aircraft descends toward Paris.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from LCY
RIGHTRight-side seats offer views of central London during climb-out, including the Thames winding through the city and recognizable landmarks. The aircraft departs eastbound from City Airport, so right seats face south toward London's urban core.
Landing at ORY
LEFTLeft-side seats provide views of the Seine River and Paris's western approaches during descent into Orly. The aircraft approaches from the northwest, so left seats face the city center and the Seine's distinctive loops.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from City (LCY) to Orly (ORY)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from London to Paris. While takeoff offers London views on the right, the landing approach into Orly provides more sustained and dramatic scenery on the left, including the Seine's distinctive curves and Paris's urban landscape. The left side captures the approach corridor with better geographic interest.
What can I see during takeoff from City in London?
During takeoff from City (LCY), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats offer views of central London during climb-out, including the Thames winding through the city and recognizable landmarks. The aircraft departs eastbound from City Airport, so right seats face south toward London's urban core. Notable sights include: River Thames (distinctive meanders through central London), Tower Bridge and the City financial district, Greenwich Peninsula with the Millennium Dome, Canary Wharf towers.
What can I see when landing at Orly in Paris?
When landing at Orly (ORY), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats provide views of the Seine River and Paris's western approaches during descent into Orly. The aircraft approaches from the northwest, so left seats face the city center and the Seine's distinctive loops. Notable sights include: River Seine (multiple visible meanders), Eiffel Tower (visible as a small iron lattice structure in clear conditions), Notre-Dame Cathedral area on Île de la Cité, Bois de Boulogne (large green park on Paris's west side).
How long is the flight from London to Paris?
The flight from City (LCY) to Orly (ORY) takes about 1 hour 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 217 miles (350 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the London to Paris flight path pass over?
The flight crosses the English Channel (Strait of Dover) at roughly the 30-minute mark, where white chalk cliffs of Dover are visible on the UK side and the French coast appears as a low, dark line. The Kent and Sussex coastlines show distinctive pebble beaches and coastal towns. Over the Channel itself, the water appears as a pale blue-grey expanse with occasional shipping traffic visible as small white dots. After crossing into France, the Normandy plateau becomes visible—rolling green agricultural land with scattered villages and a patchwork of fields. The Seine River becomes visible around 45 minutes into the flight, appearing as a silvery line snaking through the Île-de-France region with its characteristic meanders becoming more pronounced as the aircraft descends toward Paris.