Global route / Europe
London to Paris Flight Path Map
Preview the LHR-CDG route in 3D, then choose the window side with the stronger view.
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Distance
~350 km
great-circle estimate
Flight Time
1h 10m
typical schedule
Direction
Southeast (145°)
route bearing
Best View
Final descent
LEFT window
Route Read
Sit on the LEFT side for white cliffs of dover — iconic chalk cliffs marking the english coast at the channel narrows.
The flight departs London tracking southeast over Kent, crosses the Dover Strait at its narrowest, and descends across the flat agricultural plains of northern France toward the Seine valley.
Decision
LEFT side
HIGH confidence based on route bearing, terrain position, and likely viewing side.
Why It Works
Left side (northeast-facing) tracks over the Kent coast and white cliffs of Dover — the most iconic English Channel crossing view
English Channel narrows beautifully below as the flight crosses from Dover to Calais, visible left
Right side faces inland southwest England and open sea — far less defined coastal drama
Route Intelligence
What this flight path is known for
The flight departs London tracking southeast over Kent, crosses the Dover Strait at its narrowest, and descends across the flat agricultural plains of northern France toward the Seine valley.
Side Comparison
LEFT side
Pick this- White Cliffs of Dover
- Kent coastline
- Dover Strait crossing
- Calais and northern French coast
RIGHT side
- Surrey and Sussex countryside
- Open English Channel (wider section)
- Normandy farmland interior
View Timeline
What to watch for
LHR-CDG
Takeoff from London
Thames Estuary
LEFTBroad tidal estuary east of London, visible on eastward departure climbout
Mid-flight
White Cliffs of Dover
LEFTIconic white chalk cliffs at the narrowest point of the English Channel
Dover Strait
LEFTNarrowest crossing of the English Channel, 33 km wide, heavily trafficked by ships
Calais coast
LEFTFrench side of the Channel crossing, flat Pas-de-Calais coast
Approach to Paris
Seine Valley
LEFTRiver Seine meanders through northern France on approach to CDG
Full route notes
The flight departs London tracking southeast over Kent, crosses the Dover Strait at its narrowest, and descends across the flat agricultural plains of northern France toward the Seine valley.
A classic short-hop crossing the narrowest point of the English Channel with iconic coastal scenery.
Actual paths can shift by 10-30 km due to airline routing, wind, weather, or air traffic control.
Timing, weather, and airline variation
Morning
Morning light from the east illuminates the white cliffs brilliantly from the left side.
Evening
Sunset catches the Channel waters on the right; left side retains good coastal definition in evening light.
Weather
Even in cloud, the Channel crossing is often clear at altitude; watch for the shipping lane density below.
Airline routes
Different carriers may file slightly different paths, especially on long-haul routes, but the left side is the statistically stronger pick for the standard route.
Flight path FAQs
What is the best side for London to Paris?
The LEFT side is recommended with high confidence.
What is the flight path?
The LHR-CDG route follows a southeast (145°) great-circle path at around 28,000 ft.
What can I see?
Key landmarks include Thames Estuary, White Cliffs of Dover, Dover Strait.
Does sunlight matter?
Yes. Sun angle is part of the recommendation, along with the route bearing and scenic features.
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