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 wins overall because the Paris approach delivers a genuinely spectacular payoff — the Seine, central Paris, and the Eiffel Tower are hard to beat. The takeoff from Gatwick is pleasant on the left but the Surrey Hills and South Downs are relatively modest features. On a short 55-minute flight, the landing view is the highlight, and right side delivers it clearly.
What can I see during takeoff from Gatwick in London?
During takeoff from Gatwick (LGW), sit on the Left side for the best views. Gatwick's primary departure runway 26L sends aircraft westward before turning southeast toward France. Left-side passengers get a clear view south over the Surrey Hills and the South Downs as the aircraft banks right onto its easterly heading. You'll also catch the sprawl of Crawley directly below and glimpses of the Weald stretching toward the coast. Notable sights include: Surrey Hills AONB, the South Downs ridge, Crawley town below, and the Weald valley farmland.
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. CDG typically lands on runways 27L/27R from the east, meaning the aircraft approaches from the northeast over the Paris basin. Right-side passengers get a clear view south toward central Paris — the Seine river loops, the Eiffel Tower, and the dense Haussmann grid of the city are all visible on the right as you descend over the northern suburbs. Left side looks out over flat agricultural Picardy with little of interest. Notable sights include: Seine river loops through Paris, Eiffel Tower visible to the south, the dense urban grid of central Paris, and the Stade de France in Saint-Denis directly below the approach path.
How long is the flight from London to Paris?
The flight from Gatwick (LGW) to Charles De Gaulle (CDG) takes Approximately 55-65 minutes.
What does the London to Paris flight path pass over?
The flight crosses the English Channel (La Manche) roughly over the Strait of Dover or slightly west of it, giving brief views of the white cliffs of the Kent or Sussex coast on departure and the Cap Gris-Nez headland on the French side. Over northern France the route crosses the flat chalk plains of Picardy — largely featureless agricultural land with occasional river valleys including the Somme. The Forêt de Compiègne may be visible as a large dark woodland block before descent into CDG.