The right side wins overall because the Lisbon departure delivers a strong, clearly visible urban and river landmark sequence, while the cruise phase over inland Iberia and France is largely flat and unremarkable on both sides, making the takeoff scenery the deciding factor.
Flight Path
Inland plains of central Spain (Salamanca/Valladolid plateau), rolling farmland of southwestern France near Poitiers, no major mountain ranges directly on this route
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from LIS
RIGHTDeparting Lisbon on runway 02, the aircraft climbs north over the Tagus estuary before banking right toward France, putting Lisbon's hillside skyline, the 25 de Abril Bridge, and the wide river mouth on the right side of the cabin. The left side only shows open Atlantic water briefly before the turn.
Landing at CDG
LEFTOn a typical westerly approach into CDG, arriving from the south or east, the aircraft turns over the countryside northeast of Paris before lining up on runway 27, giving left-side passengers glimpses of the Marne valley farmland and, on clear days, distant views toward the Paris skyline before touchdown.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Lisboa (LIS) to Charles De Gaulle (CDG)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Lisbon to Paris. The right side wins overall because the Lisbon departure delivers a strong, clearly visible urban and river landmark sequence, while the cruise phase over inland Iberia and France is largely flat and unremarkable on both sides, making the takeoff scenery the deciding factor.
What can I see during takeoff from Lisboa in Lisbon?
During takeoff from Lisboa (LIS), sit on the Right side for the best views. Departing Lisbon on runway 02, the aircraft climbs north over the Tagus estuary before banking right toward France, putting Lisbon's hillside skyline, the 25 de Abril Bridge, and the wide river mouth on the right side of the cabin. The left side only shows open Atlantic water briefly before the turn. Notable sights include: Tagus River estuary, Lisbon city center and Alfama hills, 25 de Abril Bridge, Cristo Rei statue.
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. On a typical westerly approach into CDG, arriving from the south or east, the aircraft turns over the countryside northeast of Paris before lining up on runway 27, giving left-side passengers glimpses of the Marne valley farmland and, on clear days, distant views toward the Paris skyline before touchdown. Notable sights include: Marne River valley, patchwork French farmland, distant Paris skyline haze, Charles de Gaulle terminal complex.
How long is the flight from Lisbon to Paris?
The flight from Lisboa (LIS) to Charles De Gaulle (CDG) takes 2h 25m.
What does the Lisbon to Paris flight path pass over?
Inland plains of central Spain (Salamanca/Valladolid plateau), rolling farmland of southwestern France near Poitiers, no major mountain ranges directly on this route