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IST → CDG
Which side of the plane to sit from Istanbul Airport (Istanbul) to Charles de Gaulle International Airport (Paris)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side is superior for this route as it offers the most dramatic views of the high Alpine peaks, including potential sightings of Mont Blanc and the Swiss Alps, along with the beautiful descent over the French countryside.
Dinaric Alps
The rugged limestone mountains stretching across the Balkan Peninsula provide a dramatic texture shortly after takeoff.
Adriatic Horizon
On clear days, you can spot the deep blue waters of the Adriatic Sea and the scattered islands of the Croatian coast in the distance.
Swiss and French Alps
The absolute highlight, offering views of massive glaciers and jagged peaks like the Eiger and Matterhorn depending on the specific flight path.
Mont Blanc
If the pilot takes a southerly route, the highest peak in the Alps appears majestically just before crossing into French airspace.
Burgundy Vineyards
Orderly rows of world-famous vineyards create a geometric patchwork across the French landscape during the initial descent.
Choose a window seat behind the wing to avoid engine glare. On afternoon flights, the sun will be on the left side, so keep your window shade down until you reach the Alps to avoid heat. The most spectacular views occur roughly 45 to 60 minutes before landing at CDG. Look for the glint of Lake Geneva just before the high peaks appear.
Black Sea Coast
Immediate views of the northern Turkish coastline and the vastness of the Black Sea right after departure from IST.
The Danube River
You will frequently cross and follow the winding path of Europe's second-longest river as it flows through Serbia and Hungary.
Bavarian Alps
Views of the northern Alpine fringes and the high-altitude lakes of southern Germany.
Lake Constance
A massive, shimmering lake known as 'Bodensee,' marking the tripoint where Germany, Austria, and Switzerland meet.
Black Forest
A dense, dark green canopy of rolling hills in southwestern Germany visible before entering French territory.
Parisian Outskirts
Intricate views of the northern suburbs and the sprawling layout of the Charles de Gaulle airport complex during landing.
The right side is ideal for morning flights as the sun will be on the opposite side, providing perfect lighting for photography. Keep an eye out for the bridges over the Danube about midway through the flight. During the final approach into CDG, the right side often gets a better view of the airport's unique circular terminal architecture.
Distance: 2,214 km (1,376 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 2 hrs 57 min
Departure: IST (41.275278, 28.751944)
Arrival: CDG (49.012798, 2.55)
Route Type: International
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