The left seat wins overall. The Rabat Atlantic coastline departure is genuinely spectacular, and through the cruise the left side tracks closer to the Spanish meseta, the Pyrenees crossing (where the range appears as a distant snow-capped wall on the horizon), and the Bay of Biscay coastline. The Paris arrival view is good on the right but the full-flight geography favors left.
Flown RBA to CDG? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Rabat to Paris is 1,138 miles (1,831 km), a flight of about 2 hours 55 minutes.
The flight crosses the Strait of Gibraltar region (visible as a narrow water gap between Morocco and Spain at cruise altitude), then tracks over the Spanish meseta plateau, crosses the Pyrenees mountain range near their western end, enters France over the Landes pine forest region of Aquitaine, then crosses the Loire valley before descending into the Paris basin. The Pyrenees appear as a distinct snow-capped ridge roughly 90 minutes into the flight.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from RBA
LEFTRBA's primary departure runway 35 (heading north) means the left/west side gets the Atlantic Ocean coastline and the city of Rabat-Salé spread along the Bou Regreg river mouth. The medina, Hassan Tower area, and the broad Atlantic are clearly visible on climb-out.
Landing at CDG
RIGHTCDG typically uses runways 27L/27R or 26R for westerly approaches, meaning the right/north side looks toward central Paris during the descent. On a northeast approach (runway 09 direction), the right side still captures the Seine valley and Paris basin. The right seat gives the best chance of seeing the Seine bends and the Paris urban core as you descend through 5,000-8,000 feet.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Sale (RBA) to Charles De Gaulle (CDG)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Rabat to Paris. The left seat wins overall. The Rabat Atlantic coastline departure is genuinely spectacular, and through the cruise the left side tracks closer to the Spanish meseta, the Pyrenees crossing (where the range appears as a distant snow-capped wall on the horizon), and the Bay of Biscay coastline. The Paris arrival view is good on the right but the full-flight geography favors left.
What can I see during takeoff from Sale in Rabat?
During takeoff from Sale (RBA), sit on the Left side for the best views. RBA's primary departure runway 35 (heading north) means the left/west side gets the Atlantic Ocean coastline and the city of Rabat-Salé spread along the Bou Regreg river mouth. The medina, Hassan Tower area, and the broad Atlantic are clearly visible on climb-out. Notable sights include: Atlantic Ocean coastline, Bou Regreg river mouth, Rabat medina and Hassan Tower district, Salé city across the river.
What can I see when landing at Charles De Gaulle in Paris?
When landing at Charles De Gaulle (CDG), sit on the Right side for the best views. CDG typically uses runways 27L/27R or 26R for westerly approaches, meaning the right/north side looks toward central Paris during the descent. On a northeast approach (runway 09 direction), the right side still captures the Seine valley and Paris basin. The right seat gives the best chance of seeing the Seine bends and the Paris urban core as you descend through 5,000-8,000 feet. Notable sights include: Seine river bends south of CDG, Paris urban agglomeration, Stade de France (Saint-Denis), Marne river confluence.
How long is the flight from Rabat to Paris?
The flight from Sale (RBA) to Charles De Gaulle (CDG) takes about 2 hours 55 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,138 miles (1,831 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Rabat to Paris flight path pass over?
The flight crosses the Strait of Gibraltar region (visible as a narrow water gap between Morocco and Spain at cruise altitude), then tracks over the Spanish meseta plateau, crosses the Pyrenees mountain range near their western end, enters France over the Landes pine forest region of Aquitaine, then crosses the Loire valley before descending into the Paris basin. The Pyrenees appear as a distinct snow-capped ridge roughly 90 minutes into the flight.