Madrid to Paris flight path: MAD to ORY

Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Madrid to Paris. The right side wins overall thanks to the Sierra de Guadarrama during departure and, more significantly, glimpses of the western Pyrenees foothills during the cruise phase as the route passes north of Zaragoza toward Bordeaux airspace, giving more sustained terrain interest than the largely flat plains seen from the left for most of the flight.

During takeoff from Barajas (MAD), sit on the Right side for the best views. Departing MAD in the typical north configuration, the climb-out curves toward the north-northeast, putting the Sierra de Guadarrama's jagged ridgeline on the right side of the aircraft as it recedes into the distance. The left side shows mostly the flat, tawny plains of Castile with little relief. Notable sights include: Sierra de Guadarrama, Madrid's northern suburbs (Alcobendas/San Sebastián de los Reyes), Manzanares river valley.

When landing at Orly (ORY), sit on the Left side for the best views. On the descent into Orly from the south, the aircraft typically tracks over the Seine valley before turning for final approach, and passengers on the left side get a clear look at the Paris skyline including the Eiffel Tower and the Seine's curves through the city. Notable sights include: Seine river, Eiffel Tower, La Défense skyline, Bois de Vincennes.

The flight from Barajas (MAD) to Orly (ORY) takes about 1 hour 50 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 639 miles (1,028 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.

Cruise passes over the plains of Castile and La Rioja, with the western Pyrenees foothills visible to the east before the route continues north over Bordeaux and the Loire valley toward the Paris basin.