CDG Info
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October 24, 2014
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October 27, 2014Paris Charles de Gaulle Spotting Guide
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- last modified on December 30, 2021
Paris CDG airport is the main gateway to France with 69,4 Mio. passengers in 2018 and has mainly international flights, but also domestic and regional flights. Air France, Easy JET and Fedex have a Hub in cdg. There are flights operated to all continents except for Australia. Except Qantas, all the airlines operating A380s fly CDG on a daily basis. There are also many 787 (Ethiopian, Kenya Airways, JAL, Air India, Aero Mexico ) and the Air France engineering center may also bring some exotic aircraft from time to time. There are also a lot of cargo destinations but unfortunatly, most of them (except Fedex) run operations during night time.
To be honest, Paris is not the most spotter friendly place in Europe. A photo permit is required, there is no real allocated parking spaces and it takes between 10 to 20 minutes to move from a spotting location to the other one.
The four runways are always opened but some spotting locations are far away from the inner runways and because of that, a minimum of 300 mm lens is required.
The best thing to do if you really want to get a picture of a particular aircraft is to use a radio scanner. Moving around with a ladder will help you a lot, unless you know how to take pictures through the fences. Try to be organized and bring food and water with you or you will waist approximatly 40 / 50 minutes. Most of times, you can park at the spotting location, however, if you leave you car unattended, do not leave any visible items Inside. In some cases, parking is not allowed but the authorities will close their eyes but keep it mind that you park at your own risk.
On the other hand, traffic is great, especially in the morning when American and Asian flights are coming in all together. It also offers a great diversity of spotting location that wil allow you to do pure aircraft spotting and airplane photography. As most of the biggest aiports in the world, it brings many special liveries. The airport is surrounded by lots of hotel that can be found here.
Keep in mind that you will never be able to get 100% of the traffic. At the best, you will see half of the traffic at the same time.
The only real time schedule can be found on the Paris Airport App (ADP). However, some information are released from time to time on this forum. (Go to last page for latest update if any.)
In case you need it, there is a medical center located at terminal 2F (arrival level) and a drug store at terminal 2E (departure level).
Written by Matthieu Douhaire (local spotter) and Julian Mittnacht. Last update December 2021.
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| Airport Information | |
| Runways | |
| 09L/27R | 2 700 m (8 858 ft) asphalt |
| 09R/27L | 4 200 m (13 780 ft) asphalt |
| 08L/26R | 2 700 m (8 858 ft) asphalt |
| 08R/26L | 4 215 m (12.467 ft) asphalt |
| Terminals | |
| Terminal 1 | Star Alliance, Qatar Airways, Vueling, Lot, Lufthansa, United, Malysian, Eva Air, Singapore Ailirnes,Norwegian, Turkish Airlines, Air China, Asiana Airlines etc… |
| Terminal 2 | Skyteam and Oneworld. Air France code share. KLM, Delta, China Airlines, Chinas Southern, Air India, BA, Easyjet, American Airlines, Cathay Pacific and so on. |
| Terminal 3 | Charters and Low Cost Carriers like Vueling |
| Spotting Information | |
| Ladder | On some important spots necessary (where it is mentioned). As a reminder, ladders are not accepted at CDG Airports, however, you will not get a fine for that. South of the airport is a castorama where you can buy a ladder for 20 EUR (marked on the map). |
| Car/Public Transport | Recommended as the distances are enourmous. It can mean up to 10km from one end of the airport to the other. Also a GPS is helpful as driving around the airport is everything else than easy! |
| Restrooms | Terminal1,2,3 and Aeroville Shopping center, Gas Stations and Fast Food Restaurants |
| Drinks/Food | Lots of restaurants and take away in Terminal1. Also between Terminal 2B and 2D and between 2A and 2C. A Total Gas Station, provides great Hot sandwiches and restrooms, is located on the motorway but there is also a back entrance next to spot#5. Aeroville Shopping center opens untill midnight. Paking is free for 5 hours. Car entrance is located here:48°59’21.31″N / 2°31’16.14″. Supermarkets: Auchan and Marks&Spencer opened untill 9pm. Mc Donalds, Costa, PAM, Starbucks, Namaste, Factory&Co, and Paul all open until midnight. |
| Hotels | Lots of hotels nearby the airport. Village of Roissy is a good choice as there are plenty of hotels and restaurants in all price ranges. |
| Season | We suggest April-September as this is the spring/summertime as some of the most intersting spotting locations are facing the sun during winter time. It can get quite cold during the winter |
| Security | ++++ UPDATE AUGUST 2021 ++++
A PHOTO PERMIT IS MANDATORY AT CHARLES DE GAULLE, ORLY AND LE BOURGET BUT ACTUALLY – ALL THREE AIRPORTS NOW. SINCE AUG 2021 THE AUTHORITY WORKS AGAIN AND SENDS OUT PERMITS. As the known email address of the police is still valid, we recommend you to send them a message with your intention, ID/Passport copy and the dates when you will be at the airport(s). Don’t expect an answer! Keep this email with you in the case of a check (which is very very unlikely) Send email in french (recommended, use google translate) to the following address: Only Military Police, Police and Gendarmerie are allowed to check your photo permit. Keep it with you all the time. As a reminder, airlines private security are not allowed to control your photo permit or ask you to leave. They especially check the locations along the perimeter fence. There are a few points where you should be able to spot without a permit like #12 or #14 as they just too far from the airports boundaries. |
| Runway Usage | |
| General Info | There is not really a landing system at CDG and each flight can use every possible runway. ATC controllers are dealing with a large number of aircraft so it is difficult to say if a particular aircraft will land on the north or the south side. It is essential to bear in mind that you may will not be able to see the whole traffic as we never know where aircraft are landing or taking off. Some airlines prefer the runway closest to their terminal. For example AF, Flybe, HOP and U2 south (especially if 08 is active). Star Alliance like LH, SAS, Brussels but also Icleandair, Norwegian or FedEx prefers north. |
| 08L/26R | Always in use for landing from both directions. |
| 08R/26L | Always in use for take off from both directions and especially for those with a northern route and located at terminal 1. May be used for landing when traffic is quiet |
| 09R/27L | Always in use for take off from both directions and especially for those with a southern route. May be used for landing when traffic is quiet |
| 09L/27R | Always in use for landing from both directions. |
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Concorde - Taxiway
| WHERE | The spot is just next to the Concorde and over the tunnel of the CDGVAL that connects the terminal. Get behind the newly constructed “House of the environment” next to the Hilton Hotel. You can stay at the brick wall (no ladder needed, see photo of Etihad 77W below), next to the Concorde or move a little bit down to the tunnel directly to the fence where you need a ladder. Parking at or around this location is not possible and the safest option is to use one of the offical parking lots at Terminal 3 and walk to this location. |
| WHAT | All traffic taxiing in and out on taxiway N and F. |
| TIME | From sunrise to 11/12am. Best when easterly runways are in use. |
| MISC. | Restrooms in the nearby hotels and snacks/drinks available at the Roissypole – Gare Station. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | From 50 to 300 mm |
Tunnel:
Brick wall (Concorde)
Parallele II - Taxiway
| WHERE | Opposite to the Hilton Hotel spot (spot#1). Park your car on the road side. Then walk 100m untill you are facing the taxiway.There is no signs or direction to help you so follow the below GPS coordinates. By foot/public exit at the RER train station and walk through the tunnel along the road to this spot.49° 0’26.96″N 2°33’3.39″E |
| WHAT | All traffic on taxiing in and out. |
| TIME | from 3PM till Sunset. Best when easterly runways are in use |
| MISC. | Ladder is necessary. Easy to park on the side of the road but Police may ask you to leave as it is forbinden. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | 18mm to 300 mm |
Control Tower - Taxiway
| WHERE | This spot is alongside the road. You can park your car easily on the roadside once you have reached the control tower. See GPS coordinates for Parking.You can also park your car at the Pullman Hotel (but it has a cost) and then climb the hill and cross the road. By foot/public exit at the RER train station pass the Concorde and walk through the tunnel along the road to this spot.49° 0’38.46″N 2°32’44.88″E |
| WHAT | You can photograph different situations from here. Parked aircraft south of Terminal 1 and aircraft taxiing by on Alpha, November and Foxtrott. |
| TIME | Light conditions are good all day long depends on what you wanna photograph. From afternoon for the north/south taxiway November and Foxtrott. However traffic is intersting between 12 to 2 pm |
| MISC. | Ladder is not required, however, it may help in some cases. Spot is also useable without if your lens is narrow enough – for example the 18-55mm Kit lense fits. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | From 70 to 300 mm |
Terminal 1 - Parking stands
| WHERE | Park your car at terminal 1. Go to arrival level and get out wherever you want. At terminal 1 the arrival level is above the departures which is pretty uncommon. Walk around the terminal in order to get different aircraft. Can be reached by train (CDG VAL) from terminal 3 and train station at terminal 2). |
| WHAT | Here you can take some great photos at the bigger bulge directly opposite the taxiway over the bridge. You can also see the parking area of the French Air Force fleet. On the way all around it is rather difficult to take nice photos at all other places. To photograph the taxiway bridge get out at the rental car desk and walk left for 80-100 meters. |
| TIME | All day as it depends on the postion where you are. Night shots are possible too from here. |
| MISC. | For safety reasons, it is forbidden to stay on the outer side of the road, as there are lots of cars on that road. However, you can stay on the inner sidewalk. Police may ask you to leave if they see you on the other side of the road. Parking costs €15 for 2 hours and €12 for an hour an a half. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | From 100 to 400 mm |
VIP Corner - Parking stands
| WHERE | Not really far away from spot#6. But it will be faster to go there by car. You can park you car there at the below GPS coordinates. Walk toward the trees until you reach the fence. 49° 0’38.31″N 2°32’0.11″E |
| WHAT | VIPs aircraft (mostly Russians) if any |
| TIME | When possible. |
| MISC. | Do not stay there too long. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | From 18 to 300 mm |
Meteo - 09R Departures & Taxiway
| WHERE | On the western side of terminal 1, next to the Meteo france (weather station) there is a car parking where you can stay at. GPS 49° 0’54.28″N 2°32’6.94″E |
| WHAT | The spot is best for aircraft using the outer taxiway A to their sattelite gate of terminal 1. Furthermore you can photograph aircraft using taxiway Bravo, Mike or Delta for a 09R depature but #7 is better for that. |
| TIME | Light conditions in the summer are good from noon till sunset for the taxiway A . Lots of heat distortion during summer time |
| MISC. | Heat distortion during summer time. The fence is too high for a ladder but there is a crash gate to shot over. With a small diameter lens you can shot through the mesh of the fence. There are also some fire stairs at the Meteo building which you can use to photograph over the fence but spotters were requested to leave that place. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | From 10mm for the outer taxiway A. |
Virage Météo - taxiway for 09R Departure, 09/27 movements
| WHERE | One of the most popular spotting locations at CDG which is in a corner next ot the Meteo. Park your car at “La Météo” spotting location #6 and walk 2 minutes from there along the road direction to the runway. GPS 49.016172, 2.532839
+++ UPDATE JULY 2019: this location is back in business! You can still take pictures from there with a three step ladder as it was before the constructions. (see second pic below) +++ |
| WHAT | Best for aircraft taxiing on Bravo, Delta or Mike when 09R is in use and aircraft moving to the hangars or cargo passing by. Furthermore all 27 arrivals will exit next to you or 27L heavy departures rotate infront of you. Heat haze is an issue for all runway photos! |
| TIME | Light conditions in the summer are perfect from 10:00 till 16:00 and all day long during winter time. |
| MISC. | Heat distortion during summer. A ladder is highly recommended, but spot is also useable without if your lens is narrow enough – for example the 18-55mm Kit lense fits. Best when westerly runways are in use. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | From 18mm for aircraft taxiing. 300mm for heavies / 400mm for narrow bodies/td> |
Shots also possible through the fence if your lens is narrow enough – example lens here was the 18-55mm Kit lense:
Fire Brigade - 27L Departures & Taxiway
| WHERE | Park your car at the bus stop (it’s allowed on that particular one) and walk on the other side of the road until you reach the fence. See below GPS coordinates for exact location. 49° 0’57.12″N 2°31’45.87″E |
| WHAT | This place is good for all planes vacating the runway and taking off when 27L is in use. |
| TIME | Light conditions in the summer are perfect from 10:00 till 16:00 and all day long during winter time. Best when westerly runways are in use. |
| MISC. | There is nothing particular at this spot. Ladder needed and stay at least 3 meters away from the fence. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | 200 to 500 mm |
Gendarmerie - 27L Departures
| WHERE | Park your car on the parking lot and walk 100m until you reach the little hill in the field. See below GPS coordinates for exact location. 49° 0’52.32″N 2°31’36.76″E |
| WHAT | Aircraft taking off when 27 L is in use |
| TIME | Light conditions in the summer are perfect from 10:00 till 16:00 and all day long during winter time. Best when westerly runways are in use. |
| MISC. | There is nothing else here, except aproximatly 50 security dogs barking wich can be annoying.No ladder needed |
| FOCAL LENGTH | from 300 mm / 400mm for narrow bodies |
Cargo Area - 26R Departures - End of afternoon (Spring/Summer only)
| WHERE | This spot is located in the CARGO 2 Area but is difficult to find. It is right on the “Visitor parking” in the cargo area and can be accessed without ticket normally. See below GPS coordinates for exact location: 49° 0’5.41″N 2°32’13.17″E |
| WHAT | This spot is good for all aircraft taking off on RWY 26R |
| TIME | From beginning of may to the end of August only from 6pm to 9pm. Only for aircraft taking off RWY 26R |
| MISC. | No ladder but you will be surrounded by trucks sometimes, so be careful! Do not park in the UPS parking. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | 300mm for heavies 400mm for narrow bodies |
Aéroville Shopping Center - 08R Arrivals - Morning and afternoon only (Spring/Summer only)
| WHERE | Follow the Aeroville Shopping Center direction or use the following GPS coordinates to find the exact location. Park between the trees. 48°59’43.11″N 2°31’38.72″E |
| WHAT | Aircraft landing on 08R only |
| TIME | From 6am to 9am and from 6pm to sunset. From beginning of may to the end of August only |
| MISC. | No ladder needed, nothing around |
| FOCAL LENGTH | 70mm to 400mm |
Dog Park - 09L Arrivals
| WHERE | To catch the northernmost runway is pretty tricky in CDG if 09 is active as the cargo and hangars of restrict any closer access. So you have to drive a little bit more westwards. From the Meteo spots just continue along the AF hangars and FedEx Cargo area. After a few minutes you see a tower and a dog park on your right. After that just turn right into a bumpy dirt road (be careful) and continue straight until the end of the road to a white barrier. Park your car infront of the barrier or before it along the road. Now pass the barrier and walk for a few meters on the dirt road till you find a nice view over a huge field to see the arrivals pretty clear. GPS 49°00’44.9″N 2°29’10.4″E
An alternative is along the D317 on the shoulder: 49°01’13.1″N 2°29’46.6″E. Can be access shortly before the spot mentioned above. But it is a long a busy road and you will get attention sooner or later. |
| WHAT | This spot is good for 09L arrivals only. |
| TIME | Light conditions in the summer are perfect from 10:00 till 16:00 and all day long during winter time. Even if the distance is pretty huge not much heat occurs as the planes are above a field. During noon there is more coming up but still okay. Heavies are no problem even on 30 degree plus but single aisle are more blurry. |
| MISC. | Nothing nearby. The road has many potholes so be careful. You might feel uncomfortable at this location as there are a lot of rubbish and some abandoned buildings. If you park at the barrier and walk for 50 meters you can still see your car and feel better. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | The planes are very very far! 500mm for a full frame A320 or 737 or 300mm for a 748. |
Field Road - 08R Arrivals
| WHERE | Located after La Poste building. Keep driving toward west direction. Park your car on the little path on the right and try to leave some space for the others. You can position yourself all along this area. Use the following GPS coordinates to find the exact location. 48°59’24.88″N 2°33’0.06″E |
| WHAT | Aircraft landing on 08R (when in use) especially in the morning as traffic is more interesting. The angle is not the best here so if you don´t like it move to #14. |
| TIME | Light conditions in the summer are perfect from 10:00 till 16:00 and all day long during winter time. |
| MISC. | Mainly Air France and easy jet during day time. No ladder needed |
| FOCAL LENGTH | 100-400 mm |
Cemetery - 08R arrivals
| WHERE | In the village of Tremblay-en-France is a cemetery at the northern corner. It can be accessed from the road which bring you to spots #15-19. You can either stay outside of the cemetery (if the gate is closed) or enter it and park on the official parking lot. There is a small mound infront of the parking where you can climb up to get a better angel. GPS 48°59’16.9″N 2°33’17.4″E |
| WHAT | Landing on 08R only. There are some powerlines that you may find disturbing but there are enough opportunities to shot between them. |
| TIME | Light conditions in the summer are perfect from 10:00 till 16:00 and all day long during winter time. |
| MISC. | Nothing nearby. Be respectful as you are next to a cemetery! |
| FOCAL LENGTH | A320 = 220mm; 77W = 120mm |
TGV Bridge - Departures 26R
| WHERE | UPDATE 2019: this spot is no longer available due to a second fence that has been installed. Move to #16 instead. |
| WHAT | |
| TIME | |
| MISC. | |
| FOCAL LENGTH | |
TGV Bridge - Arrivals 08R
| WHERE | Continue from spot 13 eastwards along the perimeter fence. After you have passed the TGV bridge turn left or right to park your car on the side of the road. There is a small grassy strip where you can stay. A ladder is mandatory becazse there are two fences now. For the one next to you you need the ladder to get over it. The second one is lowered and isn`t a problem. You can see that pretty good at the end of the video. |
| WHAT | Best for arrivals on RWY 08R and some on 26L. |
| TIME | Light conditions in the summer are perfect from 10:00 till 16:00 and all day long during winter time. Heat distortions during summer time! |
| MISC. | Ladder needed! Don´t block the bike path. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | 70mm – 400 mm |
Concorde Memorial - Arrivals 08R / Arrival 26L
| WHERE | Continue on the Route Périphérique and drive till you reach the Concorde Memorial to park the car. Don´t park in front of the portal as it is an emergency entrance for the fire services! Cross the road and start spotting. No ladder needed as the runway is on an elevated position and clears the fence. |
| WHAT | Aircrafts landing on 26L and a few take off if aircraft are light enough to rotate in front of you from 08L(R). |
| TIME | Light conditions in the summer are perfect from 10:00 till 16:00 and all day long during winter time. |
| MISC. | There is a pond next to the position which can smell pretty bad during hot sommer days. . Maybe parts of aircraft cut off if the grass was not mowed. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | From 70mm to 400 mm |
Poplars - Departures 08L
| WHERE | Just continue from the previous locations eastwards, pass the next junction until you see a la-by to your right. |
| WHAT | Aircraft taking off RWY 08L (facing East) |
| TIME | Light conditions in the summer are perfect from 10:00 till 16:00 and all day long during winter time. Great for mid day departures on RWY 08L |
| MISC. | No ladder needed |
| FOCAL LENGTH | 200mm for a B773 and 400mm for an A320. |
Retention Pond - Departures 08L / Arrival 26L
| WHERE | From #18 continue eastwards for approximate 200-300 meters until the next lay-by. |
| WHAT | Best for landings on RWY 26L. 08L departures only for the slow climbing ones like A340 or A380. Better to use #18 for departures. |
| TIME | Light conditions in the summer are perfect from 10:00 till 16:00 and all day long during winter time. |
| MISC. | No ladder needed |
| FOCAL LENGTH | 200 mm to 400 mm |
Terminal 2G - Departures 08L
| WHERE | This spot is located far away from everything. Park your car at the parking (€15 for two hours) or at the TOTAL gas station which was just built here and then walk into the field. The exact GPS coordinates of the spot are showed below. 49° 0’25.68″N 2°36’41.20″E |
| WHAT | Aircraft taking off 08L (facing East) and landing on RWY 26L. |
| TIME | From 6pm from may to end of august only (traffic is quiet) |
| MISC. | No ladder needed. Heat haze may be problem on hot days. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | At least 300mm, 400mm is more than welcome A339 = 350mm |
2G Control tower - Taxiway (Westerly)
| WHERE | This spot is located in the middle of nowhere. The exact GPS coordinates of the spot are showned below. It will offer you a different point of view. Can be accessed from a gate, north of terminal G and west of Parking PW. The road leads along the perimeter and tower. The portal at the entrance on the road may be closed during weekends and there is no other way at the moment to get in there. You do not have to walk. 49° 0’32.24″N 2°35’47.10 E |
| WHAT | Aircaft taxiing in front of you.Best when aircraft are taking off/ landing facing West |
| TIME | Light conditions are perfect from sunrise till 09:00 and at sunset if you are not only intersted by plane spotting. |
| MISC. | ladder needed |
| FOCAL LENGTH | From 70 mm to 400 mm |
Terminal 2F Hill - Taxiway (Easterly)
| WHERE | This one is a bit complicated to find as it is hidden. Follow the Parking PX signs until you reach the Rue de New York. In order to avoid to pay for it, park your car on the grass in the street as marked on the map and walk eastwards till the fence (north). An other possibility is to cross the Rue de New York from the parking and pass the PX Parking. Then walk on the path between the two buildings and you will find anoher view (south). You can easily switch between the two marked positions. |
| WHAT | Taxiing aircraft on the bridge B/Q and taxiway E/G at the terminals. First two sample photos (AF 77W) were taken from the northern postion. The other from the southern point. |
| TIME | From April to september, not before 6pm.You can also do night shots from there |
| MISC. | No ladder needed as you on an elevated position. Do not leave any visible items in it and bring all your important belongings with you. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | 70mm to 400 mm (depends on what you are photographing) |
Taxi hill - Departures 09R
| WHERE | Another spot located in the middle of nowhere. You will find the exact GPS coordinates below. Park on the grass and climb up the hill. From time to time, there is a “no entry” sign as they are constantly adding soil to the hill and taxis only will be allowed to drive in this area. Give it a try as it may be opened during the week. However, the “no entry” sign is removed during the weekends. 49° 0’54.80″N 2°34’6.75″E |
| WHAT | Aircaft taking off (facing east) and taking off on RWY 09R. It offers an interesting point of view as you are above the taxiway and high enough to avoid heat distortions |
| TIME | Light conditions are perfect from sunrise till 08:00 and 19:00 till sunset. |
| MISC. | No ladder needed |
| FOCAL LENGTH | 250 mm for heavies 400 mmm for narrow bodies |
Dégagement EST - Taxiway
| WHERE | Once again, another spot in the middle of nothing that will offer you great pictures opportunities. See below for exact GPS coordinates. Park on the roadside and try to leave space for the others. 49° 1’5.51″N 2°34’56.53″E |
| WHAT | Aircraft facing you while taxiing. Good in the morning as many heavies going to use it. |
| TIME | Light conditions are perfect from sunrise till 11am |
| MISC. | Ladder needed and only a few parking spaces available. Only when easterly runways are in use. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | From 70mm to 400mm |
Mesnil Amelot - Arrival 27L
| WHERE | This spot is located north east at the small village called Le Mesnil Amelot which is reachable from the N1104. The spot itself is along a road called D2212/Rue du Chateau d’Eau so find your prefered photo postion. Park your car on the side of the road. 49°01’18.1″N 2°35’13.1″E +++ JULY 2021: Now, road D2212 between “Le Mesnil Amelot” and “Meauregard” is closed. However, point 25 is allways available, you can park your car close the entrance of “Europcar” and walk on the former road. +++ |
| WHAT | Landings (facing east) when RWY 27 R is in use for landings. Fedex and all the airlines using Terminal 1 always use this runway.You will also see most of the charters using Terminal 3. Don´t hesitate to move around in order to get different angles. |
| TIME | Light conditions in the summer are perfect from 10:00 till 16:00 and all day long during winter time. |
| MISC. | There are plenty of restaurants and airport hotels in the village. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | From 100mm to 300 mm |
Round About - Arrival 27L, Departures 09R
| WHERE | This spot is located alongside the road. Even if parking spaces are not missing, the side of the road is not really car friendly and unfortunatly, this is where you will have to park. Use the small bank to stand above the runway. GPS coordinates below. 49° 1’43.47″N 2°33’34.80″E.+++ JULY 2021: Due to road’s work in progress, point 26 is unavailable. On the other hand you can park “Rue de la Croix” and use a small field on the left near construction hut. +++ |
| WHAT | Aircraft landings when 27R is in use and taking off when 09R is in use. |
| TIME | Spring Summer only. From sunrise during spring / summer to 8am.From 6pm during sring/summer to sunset |
| MISC. | Great for take off and landings |
| FOCAL LENGTH | From 70mm to 400 mm |
North Approach - Arrival 27L
| WHERE | This spot is located alongside RWY 27R. Park on roadsides, before the trees. 49° 1’39.44″N 2°32’57.29″E |
| WHAT | Great for landings during summer when 27R is in use (Facing West) |
| TIME | Light conditions are perfect from 6PM to sunset during summer time (From may to end of August) |
| MISC. | Ladder needed and may be muddy sometime.Mind the trucks in your back.Great for landings on RWY 27R. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | From 70mm to 400 mm |
A1 Motorway bridge I - Arrival 09L and 27R, Departures 27L
| WHERE | This spot is located alongside the 09L/27R runway. Easy to park but difficult to find, however, you fill find the exact GPS coordinates below. Ignore the two “no entry” signs”. Climb the small bank in order to be above the runway. Parking is possible at the main road in the small lay by as shown on the map (enough place for a handful of cars).
UPDATE DEC 2021: no longer in use as it used to be. Access is blocked by a new gate/barriers that has been installed to reach the small road along the fence. But you can jump over the barrier to reach the bank. It is possible that you will be send away by the gendarmerie/police! |
| WHAT | Aircraft landings when 09L or 27R is in use and taking off when 27L is in use. Bigger aircraft may use the full lenght of the runway so don’t hesitate to walk a little bit to go on the bridge. |
| TIME | From 6AM during spring/summer to 9am. From 6pm during spring / summer to Sunset during winter time, if wheather is not on your side, you can give it a try as there will be no back light. |
| MISC. | No ladder needed |
| FOCAL LENGTH | From 100mm to 400 mm |
A1 Motorway bridge II - Arrival 09L and 27R, Departures 27L
| WHERE | This spot is located alongside the 09L/27R runway. Same as spot #28 I but this time, you will have to walk a little bit more untill you reach the bridge. The bridge is a little bit higher and offers a best point of view when aircraft are landing facing East in the morning and taking off facing ouest in the evening (especially for heavies). On top of that, it’s also a great opportunity for you to take pictures standing above a motorway, however, try to stay on the good side of the bridge if you stand on a ladder … and mind the trucks in your back (ladder is not necessary but may help if the grass has not been cutted) |
| WHAT | Long haul aircraft landing in the morning during spring/summer time when facing west. Aircraft landing on 27R and taking off 27L in the end of afternoon during spring/summer time when facin east. |
| TIME | Light conditions are perfect from 6pm to Sunset from may to end of august when aircraft are landig facing east in the morning (RWY 09L) andfacing ouest in the evening (RWY 27R) |
| MISC. | The footpath is narrow so mind the truck in your back. It is possible that you will be send away by the gendarmerie/police! |
| FOCAL LENGTH | From 70mm to 400mm |
Raquette Nord - Arrivals 09L / Departures 27L
| WHERE | This spot is located on the north side of the road and is far away from everything. As they are doing road maintenance at the moment, I do not know if it will be possible to reach this spot in 2015. Once you are in a village called Epiais-lès-Louvre, turn left at the round about and then, follow the path until you reach a cul de sac. Walk through the fence and climb the little hill.Think twice before going there as it takes ages to reach this point as the road is not easy to ride. The exact GPS coordinates can be found below. 49° 1’41.93″N 2°31’12.27″E |
| WHAT | Aircraft taking off Rwy 27L or landing 09L |
| TIME | Light conditions are perfect from 6pm to Sunset from may to end of august. You can also go there in the moring if you wish so but the spot #25 is more interesting for morning arrivals |
| MISC. | No ladder, not for sport cars. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | From 200mm to 400 mm |
Servair Hill - Taxiway
| WHERE | Its located on a hill on the opposite of the Servair building, north of terminal 2. Park your car on the shoulder of the Rue de la Fossette and climb up the hill where you have a nice view over the fence on the bridge and taxiway. |
| WHAT | All movements on taxiway B and Q and movements in and out of apron Hotel. |
| TIME | From sunrise to 11/12am. |
| MISC. | Keep an eye on your car as the tend to tow them away. Nothing nearby but at least some shadow. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | A380 = 60mm; 763 = 200mm |
Gare TGV - Taxiway E, part of apron D; Taxi park - Taxiways T, R, Landings 08R, Takeoffs 26R
| WHERE | This spot is located outside of Terminal 2 TGV-SCNF bus station “Gare TGV” on the Level 5. The spot is located between terminals 2C-2D and 2E-2F. From terminals 2A, 2C, 2D, 2E, 2F it is accessible via the moving walkways. Just follow the signs ″Hotels″ then “Hotels by Shuttle”. From terminals 1 and 3 take the free CDGVAL shuttle train to terminal 2. On the opposite side of Level 5 there is another spot – a taxi park (follow the sign “Taxi”), |
| WHAT | Taxiways E, TF1 and G3, and part of apron D are visible. From the opposite side you can see taxiways T, R, RT4, TA3, landings on 08R and takeoffs from 26R are visible. |
| TIME | From 11 am until late afternoon or sunset in winter. The opposite side is good in summer evening. In winter you can use it on cloudy weather when there is no backlight. |
| MISC. | All you need is inside the terminal. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | From 80 mm to 250 mm. 100mm for Embraer, A350, A320, 155mm for A339, 75mm for B787, 180mm for A320, 210mm for A319 |
Comfort Hotel Airport CDG - Arrivals 27
| WHERE | This spot is located in or near Comfort Hotel Airport CDG, Le Mesnil-Amelot town. It is possible to take pictures from a hotel window (it can be opened) if your room faces the approach path to runways 27. Ask a room on the highest possible floor with odd numbers from 01 to 37. If there are no such rooms, you can take pictures from the sidewalk near the hotel. The hotel has free shuttle from a bus station “Gare TGV” Level 5. Good from 11:00. |
| WHAT | Approach to runways 27. |
| TIME | From 11 am until late afternoon or sunset in winter. |
| MISC. | All you need is inside the hotel. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | From 100mm to 400mm. 210mm for B757, 165mm for MD11, 270mm for B738. |
End of T2A - Taxiways F, N and landings 08R
| WHERE | This spot is located at the end of Terminal 2A. Go till the end of Terminal 2A, pass a small VIP terminal and move till the end of safe zone. It is highly recommended to stay on a road safety island next to the VIP terminal and move to the position only for a short time to take a photo. The road side is narrow and it may be dangerous due to traffic. Moreover the police may ask you to move away for your own safety. |
| WHAT | Taxiways G3, F, N as well as landings on 08R. |
| TIME | From early morning until 13.00. |
| MISC. | All you need is inside the terminal. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | From 100mm to 400mm. 165mm for MD11, 210mm for B757, 270mm for B738. |
142 Comments
Spot 22. The other side of level 5 no longer accessible as of December 2021.
Ben, do you mean spot 32 north or south side? And why is it no longer available?
–Julian
It’s where the taxi ranks are and the lift no longer serves the fifth floor.
I believe it’s Southside.
Are you really sure? I mean there are stairs from the station to this level. Somehow you have to access this point. At least at the northern spot is a bus stop so it would be strange if you can no longer reach it.
-Julian
Just an update, spot 28 and 29 are no longer in use as it used to be. Accès is closed, now you have to stand behind fences. Don’t know if it’s permanent or temporary, let’s hope it is.
Thanks for the hint, I have left a note in the guide.
-Julian
No probs at all; do you want me to take a picture of location to illustrate? I just thought about it right now?
That would be nice! You can send them to support@spotterguide.net.
Thanks, Julian
Hello.
I asked for my authorization by email with the documents it’s been 20 days ago, I’m going to Paris next week and no authorization… Unfortunately, the process to get this license is not as easy as I thought, anyway I’ll only have 4 emails I sent requesting the license, thanks for the information and I hope nothing bad happens
Thanks
Matheus Pereira
Hi!
Is it possible to catch 27L Arrivals from spot #23/’Taxi Hill’ (example photos only show 09R Departures) too or would you better move to #25 for this?
Thanks a lot!!
Tim
Hi,
it should be possible but I wouldn’t do that because of the distance. At 25 your are close.
And keep in mind 27L is not really used for arrivals as they use 27R instead.
-Julian
Hello there!
I’m currently planning a trip to Paris and of course I’m also planning spotting one or two days at Charles de Gaulle!
So here’s my question:
What spot(s) would you recommend me the most in order to reach it quiet fast (I wouldn’t prefer walking longer distances or moving around the hole day; I don’t have a car, nor a bicycle, nor that much time/a hole week in Paris; a working train/bus-connection to the city there would be perfect and essential!) and get as much trafic as possible?
Focal length wouldn’t be a problem (400mm’s on APS-C) but I would prefer staying closer to the terminal buildings if possible.
So is there a spot/some spots out which fit my desires well? I wasn’t able to classify all of them yet.
And a big thanks to the Website in order of remembering the users of getting a picture-permit! I’ll take care of that later…Is there any kind of deadline or are 3-4 weeks earlier fine?
Thanks a lot in advance and Greetings!
Thaddäus Klein
Hi, to spot around airport a car is needed as no public transport stops there. Regarding the spotting permit I would recommend you 2 months as you are in France and administration is quite slow.
Hi, I’ve received my permit today, after 4 months.
A question:
There seems to be a lot of construction work around CDG. Lately a lot of roads around D84A3 are closed, according to Google maps. Anybody knows if spot 13-19 are still available by car? Or are the D84A3 closed ?
And if anybody knows if spot 30 are still available?
Thanks in advance
Hello,
At the time, there are heavy road works on the North and the East of CDG but D84A3 is fully open. You can have an access to spotting points 13 to 19 without any problem. Unfortunately, the lay-bys for spotting points 18 and 19 are often blocked by garbage. It’s not really blocking you if you want to park there but of course, it’s not welcoming at all when you want to spend a few hours there.
The road works might be more problematic regarding spot 30 but I think it’s still reachable at the time.
Thanks for all
Rémi
Hi Rémi
Thank you so much for your reply.
A follow up question regarding arrivals on runway 08R/26L, would you say that spot 17 is good for both?
Once again thank you so much for your help
Sincerely
Carsten
Hello Carsten,
You’re welcome !
For spot 17, it’s OK for both side even if, on 08R, lighter aircraft (A318/319/320/321) sometimes vacate via the first exit so that you cannot shoot them from this spot. You might also have heat haze depending on the weather conditions and the period of the year you visit this spot. Apart from that, it’s nice !
Sincerely,
Rémi
a question :
TGV BRIDGE – can be used for departures 26R – how much mm’s is needed for that spot ? for heavies (330/777/787) ?
On Spot 32 08L-26R and 08R-26L. I noticed it is 155 mm (at least) recommended for takeoff. What is the focus length recommended for landing aircrafts (160 mm or 180 mm ?) ?