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ORY destination photo
LCY destination photo

ORYLCY

Which side of the plane to sit from Paris-Orly Airport (Paris) to London City Airport (London)?

Our Recommendation
8.5

Left Side of the Plane

The Left Side is the clear winner for this short hop, primarily due to the spectacular steep approach into London City Airport which provides an unparalleled view of the Canary Wharf skyscrapers and the City of London.

Left Side Highlights
8.5
🗼

Paris Skyline

Catch views of the Eiffel Tower and the Seine river as the plane climbs north from Orly.

🏰

Palace of Versailles

On western departure routes, the sprawling gardens and historic palace are visible shortly after takeoff.

🌊

Normandy Coast

See the rugged cliffs and beaches near Dieppe before crossing the English Channel.

🏗️

Canary Wharf

An incredible close-up view of London's financial district skyscrapers during the final descent.

🌉

The City of London

Spot the Shard and the Gherkin in the distance as you align with the runway.

Choose a window seat forward of the wing to avoid engine heat haze. The approach into LCY is famously steep; the left side offers the best vantage point for the London skyline when landing on Runway 27. Morning flights provide excellent tail-sun lighting for photos of the French coast.

Right Side Highlights
7.5
🚜

Picardy Countryside

The picturesque rolling fields and rural villages of Northern France.

🚢

Port of Calais

A birds-eye view of the busy ferry port and the narrowest point of the Dover Strait.

⚪

White Cliffs of Dover

The iconic chalk cliffs are clearly visible as you cross the coastline into English airspace.

🌬️

Thames Wind Farms

Massive offshore wind farms in the Thames Estuary creating geometric patterns on the water.

🏟️

The O2 Arena

The massive white dome of the O2 is often visible just seconds before touchdown.

The right side is superior for coastal landmarks. To see the White Cliffs of Dover clearly, ensure you are flying on a day with high visibility. This side is also excellent for seeing the Thames Barrier and the industrial architecture of East London during the final seconds of the flight.

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Route Information

Distance: 351 km (218 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 35 min

Departure: ORY (48.7233333, 2.3794444)

Arrival: LCY (51.505299, 0.055277999999999994)

Route Type: International

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