Right-side seats offer superior scenery on departure with Thames estuary and English Channel views. While left-side landing views of Paris are excellent, the takeoff experience from Gatwick is more visually distinctive and the right side captures more of the flight path's natural geography.
Flown LGW to ORY? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
London to Paris is 202 miles (325 km), a flight of about 1 hour 15 minutes.
English Channel crossing (approximately 20 miles wide at this latitude), French coastline near Normandy with chalk cliffs, transition from coastal plains to Île-de-France agricultural region with scattered forests and river valleys
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from LGW
RIGHTRight-side seats offer views of the Thames estuary and Kent coastline as you climb out southwest from Gatwick. You'll see the river's distinctive meanders and the chalk cliffs near Dover in the distance.
Landing at ORY
LEFTLeft-side seats provide excellent views of the Seine river and Paris landmarks during descent into Orly. You'll see the Seine's characteristic loops through the Île-de-France region and the urban sprawl of Paris itself.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Gatwick (LGW) to Orly (ORY)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from London to Paris. Right-side seats offer superior scenery on departure with Thames estuary and English Channel views. While left-side landing views of Paris are excellent, the takeoff experience from Gatwick is more visually distinctive and the right side captures more of the flight path's natural geography.
What can I see during takeoff from Gatwick in London?
During takeoff from Gatwick (LGW), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats offer views of the Thames estuary and Kent coastline as you climb out southwest from Gatwick. You'll see the river's distinctive meanders and the chalk cliffs near Dover in the distance. Notable sights include: Thames estuary, Kent coastline, English Channel, North Downs ridge.
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 excellent views of the Seine river and Paris landmarks during descent into Orly. You'll see the Seine's characteristic loops through the Île-de-France region and the urban sprawl of Paris itself. Notable sights include: Seine river, Paris urban area, Fontainebleau Forest (distant), Île-de-France agricultural plains.
How long is the flight from London to Paris?
The flight from Gatwick (LGW) to Orly (ORY) takes about 1 hour 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 202 miles (325 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 miles wide at this latitude), French coastline near Normandy with chalk cliffs, transition from coastal plains to Île-de-France agricultural region with scattered forests and river valleys