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CDG → TPE
Which side of the plane to sit from Charles de Gaulle International Airport (Paris) to Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport (Taipei)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers superior lighting conditions for photography on this eastbound journey, avoiding the harsh southern sun. It provides excellent views of the vast Central Asian steppes, the northern Gobi Desert, and the massive metropolitan lights of coastal China during the descent.
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European Heartland
Clear views of the sprawling urban corridors of Eastern Europe and the Baltic regions shortly after reaching cruising altitude.
Northern Caspian
The northern coastline of the world's largest inland body of water, showing unique salt flats and oil infrastructure.
Gobi Desert
Dramatic views of the Mongolian-Chinese borderlands, featuring vast sand dunes and desolate, colorful rocky basins.
Yangtze River Delta
As the flight nears its destination, the massive illuminated urban cluster of the Shanghai and Suzhou regions is visible.
Choose a window seat forward of the wing to avoid engine heat haze. Since this is an overnight flight leaving CDG in the afternoon/evening, the sunrise will occur over Central Asia. The left side (North-facing) will have softer light, perfect for capturing the colors of the Gobi Desert around 8-9 hours into the flight. Check for clear skies over China to see the dense network of city lights before the descent into TPE.
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The Alps
Depending on the specific airway, the snow-capped peaks of the Swiss and Austrian Alps may be visible to the south.
Caucasus Mountains
A stunning view of Mount Elbrus and the rugged ridge line separating the Black Sea from the Caspian Sea.
Tibetan Plateau
The southern horizon often reveals the distant, massive peaks of the Himalayas and the high-altitude 'Roof of the World'.
Taiwan Strait
The final approach over the water provides a panoramic view of the northwest coast of Taiwan and the port of Keelung.
While the right side can offer views of the Himalayas in the distance, you will be facing the sun for most of the daylight portion of the flight, which can cause significant glare and make photography difficult. If you choose this side, keep your window shade down during the peak afternoon sun to keep the cabin cool, but open it as you cross the Taiwan Strait for the final approach into Taoyuan.
Book Hotels in TaipeiDistance: 9,786 km (6,081 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 11 hrs 31 min
Departure: CDG (49.012798, 2.55)
Arrival: TPE (25.0777, 121.233002)
Route Type: International
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