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CDG → MAD
Which side of the plane to sit from Charles de Gaulle International Airport (Paris) to Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas Airport (Madrid)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side is generally superior for this route, offering better views of the famous Loire Valley chateaux, the Atlantic-facing slopes of the Pyrenees, and a spectacular close-up of the Sierra de Guadarrama mountains during the descent into Madrid.
Chateaux of the Loire
View the winding Loire River and spot massive estates like Chambord nestled in their forest grounds.
Bay of Biscay
On clear days, see the distant blue of the Atlantic Ocean and the coastline near the city of Bordeaux.
Basque Mountains
The lush, jagged transition where the western Pyrenees meet the Atlantic influence.
Sierra de Guadarrama
Dramatic granite peaks and pine forests that flank the northern approach into Madrid Barajas.
Afternoon flights are best as the sun moves west, lighting up the Pyrenees and the Guadarrama range. During the final approach to Madrid, watch for the 'Cuatro Torres' skyscrapers standing tall on the horizon.
Parisian Skyline
If departing to the south, catch a glimpse of the Eiffel Tower and the urban density of central Paris.
Limousin Region
Rolling green pastures and traditional agricultural landscapes of central France.
Central Pyrenees
High-altitude views of the tallest peaks in the range, including views toward the Aneto massif.
Castilian Meseta
The striking, arid high plateau of Spain with its characteristic red soil and geometric crop patterns.
Sit toward the front of the plane to avoid engine heat haze. Morning flights provide excellent illumination of the Pyrenees peaks. Keep an eye out for the Ebro River as you cross into Spanish territory.
Distance: 1,065 km (662 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 25 min
Departure: CDG (49.012798, 2.55)
Arrival: MAD (40.471926, -3.56264)
Route Type: International
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