Right side scores higher due to superior landing approach scenery. While left offers a strong St. Louis departure with the Mississippi River and Gateway Arch, the transatlantic cruise phase (5+ hours of open Atlantic) limits left-side appeal. Right side's advantage comes from the Seine valley descent into Paris, which provides continuous geographic interest and urban-landscape variety during the critical final 90 minutes of flight. The Île-de-France transition zone and Paris approach outweigh the takeoff advantage of the left side.
Flown STL to CDG? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
St. Louis to Paris is 4,387 miles (7,060 km), a flight of about 7 hours 15 minutes.
Newfoundland and Labrador coastline (eastern Canada), North Atlantic open ocean (5+ hours), Irish coast and Celtic Sea, Wales and English Channel, Seine valley and Île-de-France basin approaching Paris
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from STL
LEFTLeft side captures the Mississippi River valley and St. Louis urban core during initial climb. The river's distinctive meanders and the Gateway Arch area provide immediate urban-geographic interest before the aircraft turns northeast toward the Atlantic crossing.
Landing at CDG
RIGHTRight side offers superior approach scenery into CDG. The descent path typically crosses the Seine valley, Île-de-France agricultural landscape, and provides views of Paris's outer arrondissements and the airport's northern runways. The Seine's distinctive loops and the transition from rural to urban terrain create visual variety during the final descent.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Lambert St Louis International (STL) to Charles De Gaulle (CDG)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from St. Louis to Paris. Right side scores higher due to superior landing approach scenery. While left offers a strong St. Louis departure with the Mississippi River and Gateway Arch, the transatlantic cruise phase (5+ hours of open Atlantic) limits left-side appeal. Right side's advantage comes from the Seine valley descent into Paris, which provides continuous geographic interest and urban-landscape variety during the critical final 90 minutes of flight. The Île-de-France transition zone and Paris approach outweigh the takeoff advantage of the left side.
What can I see during takeoff from Lambert St Louis International in St. Louis?
During takeoff from Lambert St Louis International (STL), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left side captures the Mississippi River valley and St. Louis urban core during initial climb. The river's distinctive meanders and the Gateway Arch area provide immediate urban-geographic interest before the aircraft turns northeast toward the Atlantic crossing. Notable sights include: Mississippi River and its floodplain, Gateway Arch and downtown St. Louis skyline, Illinois bluffs to the east.
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. Right side offers superior approach scenery into CDG. The descent path typically crosses the Seine valley, Île-de-France agricultural landscape, and provides views of Paris's outer arrondissements and the airport's northern runways. The Seine's distinctive loops and the transition from rural to urban terrain create visual variety during the final descent. Notable sights include: Seine River and its meanders, Île-de-France agricultural patchwork, Paris metropolitan sprawl, Charles de Gaulle Airport complex.
How long is the flight from St. Louis to Paris?
The flight from Lambert St Louis International (STL) to Charles De Gaulle (CDG) takes about 7 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 4,387 miles (7,060 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the St. Louis to Paris flight path pass over?
Newfoundland and Labrador coastline (eastern Canada), North Atlantic open ocean (5+ hours), Irish coast and Celtic Sea, Wales and English Channel, Seine valley and Île-de-France basin approaching Paris