The right side strings together more scenery across the whole flight: a parting view of London at takeoff followed by the English Channel crossing and glimpses of the Normandy/Sussex coastline during the short cruise, whereas the left side's main highlight is the Paris skyline glimpse just before landing.
Flight Path
The flight path crosses the English Channel near the Sussex/Normandy coast, passing over chalk cliffs like the Seven Sisters on the English side before continuing over the flat farmland of Picardy toward Paris.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from LGW
RIGHTGatwick's prevailing departures use runway 26, so aircraft initially climb out heading west with the right side facing north toward London. Passengers on the right catch a brief but recognizable glimpse of the London skyline (The Shard, City towers) and the wooded Surrey Hills before the plane banks south toward the coast.
Landing at CDG
LEFTCDG's typical westerly approach (runway 26/27) brings aircraft in from the east, flying west, which puts the left side facing south toward Paris. On final descent passengers get a good look at the Paris skyline, including the Eiffel Tower and La Défense towers, with the Seine curling through the suburbs below.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Gatwick (LGW) to Charles De Gaulle (CDG)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from London to Paris. The right side strings together more scenery across the whole flight: a parting view of London at takeoff followed by the English Channel crossing and glimpses of the Normandy/Sussex coastline during the short cruise, whereas the left side's main highlight is the Paris skyline glimpse just before landing.
What can I see during takeoff from Gatwick in London?
During takeoff from Gatwick (LGW), sit on the Right side for the best views. Gatwick's prevailing departures use runway 26, so aircraft initially climb out heading west with the right side facing north toward London. Passengers on the right catch a brief but recognizable glimpse of the London skyline (The Shard, City towers) and the wooded Surrey Hills before the plane banks south toward the coast. Notable sights include: London skyline (The Shard, City of London towers), Surrey Hills, Gatwick's wooded Sussex surroundings.
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. CDG's typical westerly approach (runway 26/27) brings aircraft in from the east, flying west, which puts the left side facing south toward Paris. On final descent passengers get a good look at the Paris skyline, including the Eiffel Tower and La Défense towers, with the Seine curling through the suburbs below. Notable sights include: Eiffel Tower, La Défense business district skyline, the Seine River, eastern Paris suburbs (Marne-la-Vallée).
How long is the flight from London to Paris?
The flight from Gatwick (LGW) to Charles De Gaulle (CDG) takes 1h 20m.
What does the London to Paris flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the English Channel near the Sussex/Normandy coast, passing over chalk cliffs like the Seven Sisters on the English side before continuing over the flat farmland of Picardy toward Paris.