Loading map...

ORY destination photo
ESU destination photo

ORYESU

Which side of the plane to sit from Paris-Orly Airport (Paris) to Mogador Airport (Essadouira)?

Our Recommendation
8.5

Left Side of the Plane

The Left Side offers a superior variety of landscapes, including the dramatic Pyrenees, the golden plains of central Spain, and the contrasting Moroccan interior with the distant Atlas Mountains.

Left Side Highlights
8.5
🗼

Parisian Outskirts

Aerial views of the southern Parisian sprawl and the Seine river valley shortly after takeoff from Orly.

🏔️

Central Pyrenees

A breathtaking crossing of the snow-capped border between France and Spain with jagged peaks stretching east.

🏰

Spanish Meseta

The vast, high-altitude plateau of central Spain, featuring medieval towns and unique agricultural patterns.

🏙️

Casablanca Coastline

Clear views of Morocco's largest city and the towering minaret of the Hassan II Mosque along the shore.

⛰️

Atlas Range Horizon

As the plane descends, the snow-dusted peaks of the High Atlas mountains appear on the eastern horizon.

For the best visibility, opt for a morning departure to have the sun behind the aircraft, illuminating the Pyrenees and the Moroccan coast. Keep your camera ready about 50-60 minutes into the flight for the mountain crossing. During the final descent, the landscape transitions into the arid, beautiful terrain of the Marrakech-Safi region.

Right Side Highlights
7.8
🌊

Bay of Biscay

The deep blue waters of the Atlantic meeting the rugged coastline of Southwestern France and the Basque Country.

🏖️

Portuguese Coastline

Distant views of the Algarve and the southwestern-most tip of Europe as you track south past the Iberian Peninsula.

🛳️

Gulf of Cadiz

The maritime gateway where the Atlantic Ocean meets the entrance to the Mediterranean Sea.

🎣

Safi Cliffs

Dramatic coastal limestone cliffs and crashing waves as the flight follows the Moroccan shoreline southward.

🏝️

Mogador Island

The historic island and its fortifications visible just off the coast of Essaouira during the final approach.

The right side is unbeatable for sunset flights, offering a front-row seat to the sun dipping into the Atlantic. This side is also excellent for observing the rugged Moroccan coastline during the approach to Mogador Airport. If the wind requires a northern approach, you will get an iconic view of the Essaouira Medina and its port just before landing.

Top Activities in Essadouira
Route Information

Distance: 2,177 km (1,353 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 2 hrs 54 min

Departure: ORY (48.7233333, 2.3794444)

Arrival: ESU (31.3974990845, -9.6816701889)

Route Type: International

Thank you for booking your travels through our travel partners. The commissions from your bookings keep this site running.