While left wins for Paris departure scenery, right provides superior views of the Atlas Mountains during the approach to Marrakech, which is the more dramatic and memorable portion of this route. The mountain scenery outweighs the urban Paris views.
Flown ORY to RAK? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Paris to Marrakech is 1,301 miles (2,094 km), a flight of about 3 hours 10 minutes.
The flight crosses the Bay of Biscay and the Iberian Peninsula. Notable features include the Pyrenees Mountains (visible on the right/east side of the flight path during the crossing), the Spanish Meseta plateau, and the transition into North Africa. The Mediterranean coast of Spain may be visible depending on exact routing. As the aircraft approaches Morocco, the Anti-Atlas Mountains appear first, followed by the dramatic rise of the High Atlas range south of Marrakech.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from ORY
LEFTLeft side offers views of the Seine's meanders through central Paris and the city's major landmarks during the initial climb. Right side faces industrial suburbs and lacks scenic interest during departure.
Landing at RAK
RIGHTRight side provides views of the Atlas Mountains' foothills and the dramatic transition from the Haouz Plain into mountainous terrain as you approach Marrakech. Left side faces the plain with less visual interest during descent.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Orly (ORY) to Menara (RAK)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Paris to Marrakech. While left wins for Paris departure scenery, right provides superior views of the Atlas Mountains during the approach to Marrakech, which is the more dramatic and memorable portion of this route. The mountain scenery outweighs the urban Paris views.
What can I see during takeoff from Orly in Paris?
During takeoff from Orly (ORY), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left side offers views of the Seine's meanders through central Paris and the city's major landmarks during the initial climb. Right side faces industrial suburbs and lacks scenic interest during departure. Notable sights include: Seine River winding through Paris, Eiffel Tower area, Notre-Dame Cathedral district, Île-de-France suburban sprawl.
What can I see when landing at Menara in Marrakech?
When landing at Menara (RAK), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right side provides views of the Atlas Mountains' foothills and the dramatic transition from the Haouz Plain into mountainous terrain as you approach Marrakech. Left side faces the plain with less visual interest during descent. Notable sights include: High Atlas Mountains (snow-capped peaks visible in winter/spring), Haouz Plain agricultural fields, Marrakech medina and city grid, Anti-Atlas foothills.
How long is the flight from Paris to Marrakech?
The flight from Orly (ORY) to Menara (RAK) takes about 3 hours 10 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,301 miles (2,094 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Paris to Marrakech flight path pass over?
The flight crosses the Bay of Biscay and the Iberian Peninsula. Notable features include the Pyrenees Mountains (visible on the right/east side of the flight path during the crossing), the Spanish Meseta plateau, and the transition into North Africa. The Mediterranean coast of Spain may be visible depending on exact routing. As the aircraft approaches Morocco, the Anti-Atlas Mountains appear first, followed by the dramatic rise of the High Atlas range south of Marrakech.