While takeoff offers excellent Lake Ontario views on the right, the landing approach into Le Bourget on the left side provides more dramatic geography—the Seine's distinctive meanders, Paris landmarks, and the approach corridor over the Île-de-France region make the left side the stronger choice for the full transatlantic experience.
Flown YTZ to LBG? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Toronto to Paris is 3,730 miles (6,003 km), a flight of about 7 hours 15 minutes.
The flight path crosses the North Atlantic, typically tracking northeast across Newfoundland (visible during climb-out if departing eastbound), then over the Atlantic with no landmarks for 5+ hours. As you approach European airspace, the Irish coast may be visible on the left (if on a more southerly routing), followed by the English Channel, and finally the Île-de-France region with the Seine's characteristic meanders becoming visible during descent into Paris.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from YTZ
RIGHTYTZ typically departs eastbound (Runway 09/27 favors 09 for eastbound traffic). Right-side seats capture Lake Ontario's expanse immediately after climb-out, with the Toronto waterfront receding beneath you. The contrast between urban sprawl and open water is striking for the first 10 minutes of flight.
Landing at LBG
LEFTLe Bourget (Runway 04/22) typically receives transatlantic traffic on Runway 04, requiring a westbound approach. Left-side seats offer views of the Seine's meanders north of Paris, the Île-de-France landscape, and on clear days, the Montmartre basilica and Eiffel Tower silhouette as you descend into the northern approach corridor.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from City Centre (YTZ) to Le Bourget (LBG)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Toronto to Paris. While takeoff offers excellent Lake Ontario views on the right, the landing approach into Le Bourget on the left side provides more dramatic geography—the Seine's distinctive meanders, Paris landmarks, and the approach corridor over the Île-de-France region make the left side the stronger choice for the full transatlantic experience.
What can I see during takeoff from City Centre in Toronto?
During takeoff from City Centre (YTZ), sit on the Right side for the best views. YTZ typically departs eastbound (Runway 09/27 favors 09 for eastbound traffic). Right-side seats capture Lake Ontario's expanse immediately after climb-out, with the Toronto waterfront receding beneath you. The contrast between urban sprawl and open water is striking for the first 10 minutes of flight. Notable sights include: Lake Ontario (dominant water body to the right), Toronto Islands (small landmass just offshore), Greater Toronto Area urban grid (left side, receding), Scarborough Bluffs (eastern shoreline feature, visible as you climb).
What can I see when landing at Le Bourget in Paris?
When landing at Le Bourget (LBG), sit on the Left side for the best views. Le Bourget (Runway 04/22) typically receives transatlantic traffic on Runway 04, requiring a westbound approach. Left-side seats offer views of the Seine's meanders north of Paris, the Île-de-France landscape, and on clear days, the Montmartre basilica and Eiffel Tower silhouette as you descend into the northern approach corridor. Notable sights include: Seine River (meandering through the Île-de-France, visible as silvery curves), Paris city center (distant urban mass with recognizable tower silhouettes), Montmartre basilica (white dome visible on clear days), Le Bourget airfield itself (visible in final approach with its distinctive runway layout).
How long is the flight from Toronto to Paris?
The flight from City Centre (YTZ) to Le Bourget (LBG) takes about 7 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 3,730 miles (6,003 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Toronto to Paris flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the North Atlantic, typically tracking northeast across Newfoundland (visible during climb-out if departing eastbound), then over the Atlantic with no landmarks for 5+ hours. As you approach European airspace, the Irish coast may be visible on the left (if on a more southerly routing), followed by the English Channel, and finally the Île-de-France region with the Seine's characteristic meanders becoming visible during descent into Paris.