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ORY destination photo

RDZORY

Which side of the plane to sit from Rodez-Marcillac Airport (Rodez) to Paris-Orly Airport (Paris)?

Our Recommendation
8.5

Right Side of the Plane

The right side offers a front-row seat to the dramatic volcanic landscape of the Massif Central and the iconic Chaîne des Puys.

Right Side Highlights
8.5
🌋

Chaîne des Puys

A UNESCO World Heritage site featuring a spectacular alignment of over 80 volcanic domes and craters.

🏔️

Puy de Sancy

The highest peak in the Massif Central, often snow-capped in winter and early spring.

🏛️

Bourges Cathedral

Spot the massive Gothic structure of the Cathédrale Saint-Étienne rising above the surrounding town.

🌊

The Loire River

Crossing France's longest river near Orléans, look for the sandbanks and historical bridge crossings.

🗼

Paris Skyline

During the final descent into Orly, the Eiffel Tower and Montparnasse Tower are often visible on the horizon.

Sit on the right for the best view of the Auvergne volcanoes shortly after reaching cruising altitude; morning light is particularly striking here. The descent into Orly often follows a path that allows a clear view of the Seine river loops and the distant Paris skyline. Check the weather for Clermont-Ferrand, as clouds often gather around the peaks, potentially obscuring the volcanoes.

Left Side Highlights
7.0
⛪

Rodez Cathedral

Aerial view of the massive red sandstone Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Rodez right after takeoff.

🛶

The Lot Valley

Winding river paths and steep limestone cliffs defining the landscape of the Aveyron and Lot departments.

🌲

Parc Naturel de Millevaches

Expansive views of the granite plateaus and dense forests of the Limousin region.

🦆

Sologne Lakelands

A mosaic of thousands of small ponds and hunting estates scattered through the wooded region south of Orléans.

🏰

Versailles Area

On a western approach to Orly, glimpses of the gardens and the town of Versailles can occasionally be seen.

Choose the left side for late afternoon flights to enjoy the sunset over the French countryside. This side is also preferable if the flight path tracks further west, offering better views of the many châteaux dotted throughout the Sologne and near the Loire. Keep your camera ready during the final 10 minutes for views of the western Parisian suburbs.

Top Activities in Paris
Route Information

Distance: 480 km (298 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 48 min

Departure: RDZ (44.407901763916016, 2.4826700687408447)

Arrival: ORY (48.7233333, 2.3794444)

Route Type: Domestic

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