While takeoff from Recife offers coastal scenery, the landing approach into Paris provides more visually distinctive landmarks—the Seine's meanders, the geometric precision of CDG's runways, and the Île-de-France landscape are more dramatic than the relatively flat approach from the Atlantic. Left side captures the better overall experience.
Flown REC to CDG? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Recife to Paris is 4,552 miles (7,326 km), a flight of about 10 hours.
This transatlantic route crosses the Atlantic Ocean for roughly 6-7 hours with no significant landmarks visible—only open ocean. The flight path typically passes south of the Azores and north of the Cape Verde islands (both too distant to see clearly). Upon approaching Europe, you'll cross the Iberian Peninsula (Portugal/Spain) where the Pyrenees may be visible on the horizon in clear conditions, followed by the Bay of Biscay and the French coast near Brittany before turning southeast toward Paris. The most notable midpoint feature is the transition from open Atlantic to European landmass approximately 2-3 hours before landing.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from REC
RIGHTRight-side seats offer views of Recife's coastal geography during the northeastward climb. You'll see the Atlantic shoreline, the Capibaribe River delta, and the city's beachfront districts receding beneath the aircraft.
Landing at CDG
LEFTLeft-side seats provide the best views during approach to CDG. You'll see the Seine River's meanders through the Île-de-France region, the suburban sprawl of northern Paris, and the distinctive geometry of the airport itself as you descend.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Guararapes (REC) to Charles De Gaulle (CDG)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Recife to Paris. While takeoff from Recife offers coastal scenery, the landing approach into Paris provides more visually distinctive landmarks—the Seine's meanders, the geometric precision of CDG's runways, and the Île-de-France landscape are more dramatic than the relatively flat approach from the Atlantic. Left side captures the better overall experience.
What can I see during takeoff from Guararapes in Recife?
During takeoff from Guararapes (REC), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats offer views of Recife's coastal geography during the northeastward climb. You'll see the Atlantic shoreline, the Capibaribe River delta, and the city's beachfront districts receding beneath the aircraft. Notable sights include: Capibaribe River delta, Recife city grid and beachfront, Atlantic Ocean coastline, Olinda colonial district to the north.
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. Left-side seats provide the best views during approach to CDG. You'll see the Seine River's meanders through the Île-de-France region, the suburban sprawl of northern Paris, and the distinctive geometry of the airport itself as you descend. Notable sights include: Seine River with characteristic loops near Meulan, Île-de-France agricultural patchwork, Paris metropolitan sprawl, Charles de Gaulle Airport runways and taxiways.
How long is the flight from Recife to Paris?
The flight from Guararapes (REC) to Charles De Gaulle (CDG) takes about 10 hours. The shortest flight path between them is 4,552 miles (7,326 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Recife to Paris flight path pass over?
This transatlantic route crosses the Atlantic Ocean for roughly 6-7 hours with no significant landmarks visible—only open ocean. The flight path typically passes south of the Azores and north of the Cape Verde islands (both too distant to see clearly). Upon approaching Europe, you'll cross the Iberian Peninsula (Portugal/Spain) where the Pyrenees may be visible on the horizon in clear conditions, followed by the Bay of Biscay and the French coast near Brittany before turning southeast toward Paris. The most notable midpoint feature is the transition from open Atlantic to European landmass approximately 2-3 hours before landing.