While the right side offers good London departure views, the left side captures the Seine's dramatic loops and Paris's urban geography during descent—the more visually distinctive portion of this short route. The approach into Orly provides superior scenic value.
Flight Path
English Channel crossing (visible as a blue-grey expanse with occasional shipping traffic), white chalk cliffs near Dover on the English side, French coastline near Dieppe or Le Touquet, Normandy's agricultural landscape with field patterns, Seine valley approaching Paris
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from LHR
RIGHTRight-side seats offer views of the Thames estuary and London's urban sprawl as you climb out westbound. You'll see the river's meandering path and the city's grid spreading beneath you before heading south toward the Channel.
Landing at ORY
LEFTLeft-side seats provide excellent views during descent into Orly. You'll see the Seine's loops and meanders as you approach Paris, plus the city's distinctive radial street pattern and major landmarks like the Eiffel Tower area and Montmartre heights.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Heathrow (LHR) to Orly (ORY)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from London to Paris. While the right side offers good London departure views, the left side captures the Seine's dramatic loops and Paris's urban geography during descent—the more visually distinctive portion of this short route. The approach into Orly provides superior scenic value.
What can I see during takeoff from Heathrow in London?
During takeoff from Heathrow (LHR), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats offer views of the Thames estuary and London's urban sprawl as you climb out westbound. You'll see the river's meandering path and the city's grid spreading beneath you before heading south toward the Channel. Notable sights include: River Thames (winding through London), Greater London urban area, Windsor Castle area (visible as a distant landmark), 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 during descent into Orly. You'll see the Seine's loops and meanders as you approach Paris, plus the city's distinctive radial street pattern and major landmarks like the Eiffel Tower area and Montmartre heights. Notable sights include: River Seine (multiple loops and bends), Paris urban core with radial street pattern, Montmartre heights (northern Paris), Orly airport runways and surrounding Île-de-France landscape.
How long is the flight from London to Paris?
The flight from Heathrow (LHR) to Orly (ORY) takes Approximately 1 hour 15 minutes.
What does the London to Paris flight path pass over?
English Channel crossing (visible as a blue-grey expanse with occasional shipping traffic), white chalk cliffs near Dover on the English side, French coastline near Dieppe or Le Touquet, Normandy's agricultural landscape with field patterns, Seine valley approaching Paris