ORY-Spot1
Split Airport – Spotting Guide
February 17, 2016
Aberdeen Intl. Airport Spotting Guide
February 28, 2016Split Airport – Spotting Guide
February 17, 2016Aberdeen Intl. Airport Spotting Guide
February 28, 2016Paris Orly Intl. Airport – Spotting Guide
- last modified on January 14, 2026
Paris Orly airport is the smaller airport of the two airports serving Paris by scheduled services (Le Bourget only for Business jets). It is, with 33 Mio. passengers in 2019, the second busiest airport of France. It’s a hub for Air France, Aigle Azur, HOP, La Compagnie, Corsair, French Bee and Transavia France. It’s a focus city for Easyjet, Air Caribes, Royal Air Maroc, Air Algerie and Vueling.
The only disadvantage is when you want to change positions from Rw 06 to Rw 07 you need about 15 minutes, depends on the traffic. At all spots parking is for free possible except for the Airport Terrace.
The traffic is constantly and there is always a mix of different Airlines. Royal Air Maroc and Air Algerie operating into ORY with heavies on some of their flights are operated by their longhaul fleets that are rarely seen on the rest of the main hubs in Europe. It’s easy to get nearly all of the traffic without changing spots.
Written by Patrick Weis, Bas Velders, Severin Hackenberger, Delliere Bruno, Brandon Duc, Alexandre Lopeo and Björn Van Brussel. Last Update: December 2025 (Spot 11)
| Rating | |
| Movements |  |
| Airline Variety | |
| Photo Locations | |
| Weather |  |
| Airport Information | |
| Runways | |
| 06/24 | 3.650m (11’975 ft) |
| 07/25 | 3.320m (10’892 ft) |
| 02/20 | 2.400m (7’874 ft) |
| Terminals | There is one major facility, splitted into four halls |
| Orly 1 (ex Orly-Quest), Gates A-B | Schengen flights by easyJet, Vueling and all other major carriers |
| Orly 2 (ex Orly-Quest), Gates C | closed |
| Orly 3, Gates D | Schengen and non schengen by Air France, Transavia France, Vueling |
| Orly 4, (ex Orly-Sud) Gates E-F | Air Caraibes, Corsair, FrenchBee, Royal Air Maroc, Air Algérie |
| Spotting Information | |
| Ladder | Not really needed just helpful at a few positions. But you get all traffic without one! |
| Car/Public Transport | Car is necessary when you want to switch postions as there is not the best public transport accesability. Spots 2-5 are reachable by public transport. For a better navigation download the Île-de-France Mobilités App for your smartphone. |
| Restrooms | Inside the terminal or on the marked Mc Donald’s and the supermarkets.. |
| Drinks/Food | Inside the terminal or as marked on the map. |
| Hotels | All around the airport could be found. |
| Season | Any time of the year the traffic is more or less the same but in the winter the most of the time the weather is not that good. Bit more charter flights during summer but the heavies from Corsair, Air France or Air Caraibes operate very frequent during winter too. |
| Security | ++++ UPDATE FEBRUARY 2022 ++++
A PHOTO PERMIT IS MANDATORY AT CHARLES DE GAULLE, ORLY AND LE BOURGET – 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). It can take months to receive a permit but be aware that you don’t even get an answer! In this case 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: Every airport employee (even security staff) who has got an airport badge is allowed to check your spotting permit. The only exception if you are not willing to comply is the person fails to show you his/her airport badge, which proves he/she works at ORY. They especially check the locations along the perimeter fence. |
| Runway Usage | |
| 06/24 | Main arrival Runway direction is 06. If 25 is active as landing runway this is the depature runway. |
| 07/25 | Main departure Runway direction is 07. If 24 is active as depature runway this is the arrival runway. We noticed a few 07 arrivals altough 06 was the main runway, mainly by Transavia France. But very rare! |
| 02/20 | Not in use. |
Warehouse - 25 arrivals
| WHERE | This spot is at Rue de Jacana next to the D118. From the airport, drive south along the N7. Then go Left on the D25E (Concorde). Go left again at the roundabout onto D118. Parking spot is in the Rue Lindbergh or somewhere else at the industrial zone. Walk back to the D118, cross the road and walk to the perimeter to the position. It is along a dead end road that lead to the back of the company behind you.
By public transport: from Paris downtown, you have to take the train ‘RER – Line C – Eastbound train – Towards : Versailles Chantiers C8, or Dourdan La Foret C4 or Saint Martin d’Etampes C6 |
| WHAT | When they operate west-to-east, (almost) all arrivals will be on runway 25. (no ladder needed, aircraft are still over the fence). In the rare case they use this one for departures you can take pictures from here too over the fence. (e.g. if the other one is closed). |
| TIME | From sunrise until late-afternoon. |
| MISC. | No facilities at this spot. There are some trees spending shadow. Pretty calm place and easy to spot from. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | A330-300: 100mm; B737-800: 140mm |
Park La Coulée Verte - 07 arrivals/lineup and 25 arrivals
| WHERE | This spot is located inside the Park La Coulée Verte. Park your car on the free car park in front of the Park in the Rue Marceau Street. Go inside at the main gate and turn left at the Dassault Etendard IV M. and walk down the paved way until it ends afther the childrens play ground. Walk up the grass hill on your right and until the wall. There might be some wooden blocks that helps you to clear the view onto the runway but tiny ladder/chair to clear it would be safer.
To get to the park by public transport take tram line 7 from the airport and exit at Porte de l`Essonne. From there it’s a 10 minute walk. |
| WHAT | This spot is best for 07 departures and arrivals. But latter is very rare! We have seen planes that don´t use the full runway length instead enter at the second entrance. |
| TIME | From sunrise till sunset in winter. In summer late morning till afternoon. |
| MISC. | Ladder needed as there might be no logs. A kiosk and toilets at the entrance of the park. Heathaze is a problem during warm days however. Check the opening times at the park entrance. Usually it opens at 09:00. Closing varies between summer/winter. There is a security guy on a bike who will kick you off the ground if you try stay longer. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | A340-300: 70mm; A320: 120mm |
Warehouse - 06 touchdown and 24 departures
| WHERE | This spot is located in the Rue de Berger. Follow the road until you’re at the only roundabout in this street. It’s not possible to park the car at the traffic barrier anymore, now there is gate for emergency services and it’s not allowed to park there. It’s better to use the parking possibilities at Spot #4 instead. From the barrier walk up the way until the fence. Then turn right and walk along the fence until you’re at the height of the tank of the company behind you. You need a ladder with at least four steps!
From the barrier you can also take departure shots from runway 24. There is a little sandhill next to the gate so you’re high enough to see the action and you don´t need a ladder. Heathaze might be an issue on warm days. By public transport: From the City Center take RER B to ANTONY RER station. When you stop at this station, you need to take the bus No 297 (runs every 15-20 min) – Direction : Places Charles Steber / Marche (Antony RER Station is the 1st stop of this bus line). You need to drop off at this stop ‘Vielle Remise’. From this bus stop, you need aprroximate 20 min to reach the spot. |
| WHAT | You can take here pictures of all planes touching down on runway 06 or taking off from runway 24 |
| TIME | sunrise till 15:00 |
| MISC. | No facilities at this spot. There is a board at the gate telling that it is forbidden to trespass, so it’s at your own risk. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | touchdown: IL-96: 135mm, A320: 200mm take off: B747 = 130mm, B737 = 260mm |
Departure shots from the parking lot:
Rue de Berger - 06 arrivals and 24 departures
| WHERE | There are several options in along the Rue de Berger where you can stay. If you plan a longer stay you can park your car at the side of the Street Rue des Mares Juliennes. For spot 4A walk up towards and turn right onto the cyclepath until there is a wide dike on the left side of the cyclepath. Climb up until your’re in the angle you like to see the runway. No ladder needed at this spot and you can photograph over the fence easily. Spot 4B is just across the road next to an entrance to a private parking lot. Park by the roadside and get on the little meadow next to it. Spot 4C is further down the road until the next roundabout. Take the first exit and drive till the end. Its a dead end road where you can park and spot from.By public transport: From the City Center take RER B to ANTONY RER station. When you stop at this station, you need to take the bus No 297 (runs every 15-20 min) – Direction : Places Charles Steber / Marche (Antony RER Station is the 1st stop of this bus line). You need to drop off at this stop ‘Vielle Remise’. From this bus stop, you need aprroximate 15 min to reach the spot. |
| WHAT | Spot 4A: all arrivals on runway 06 Spot 4B: heavy departures on runway 24 Spot 4C: light departures on runway 24 |
| TIME | From sunrise till 15:00. |
| MISC. | Nothing at this spot. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | Spot 4A: A330 = 120mm; B757-200 = 170mm Spot 4B: A339 = 160mm; 738 = 160mm Spot 4C: A20N =300mm |
Spot 4 “Dike”
Spot 4B “Meadow”
Spot 4C “Roundabout”
Rue des Mares Julienne - 06 arrivals and line up
| WHERE | Spot 5 is located on Street Rue des Mares Juliennes. From the parking of spot 4, drive back to the D167 until you have a clear view over the fence. Park your car on the side of the road. There are some concrete blocks on the side of the road you can use to get a better view. You could also bring a 4 step ladder with you.
By public transport: From the City Center take RER B to ANTONY RER station. When you stop at this station, you need to take the bus No 297 (runs every 15-20 min) – Direction : Places Charles Steber / Marche (Antony RER Station is the 1st stop of this bus line). You need to drop off at this stop ‘Vielle Remise’. From this bus stop, you need aprroximate 10 min to reach the spot. |
| WHAT | This spot is good for all arrivals on Runway 06 as well as for Line-Ups onto runway 06. |
| TIME | Arrivals = From sunrise till 15:00 — Line-Ups = Afternoon till sunset. |
| MISC. | Nothing at this spot. Not a must, but it is advisable to bring a small step with you. Heat haze can be a problem for Line-Ups quickly. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | A330: 120mm; A320-200: 180mm; CRJ-1000: 210mm |
Bicycle lane - 06 arrivals
| WHERE | This spot is located north of runway 06. You can park your car along the roadside of the D167 (Boulevard de l’Europe). Be aware of the traffic and cyclists. |
| WHAT | This spot is good for all arrivals on Runway 06. But also Line-Ups onto runway 06 are possible here. |
| TIME | Late afternoon/evening in the summer. |
| MISC. | No facilities at this spot. Heat haze and parking might occur as problem. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | A330-300: 170mm; B737-800: 250mm |
06 Line-Ups looks like THIS.
Voie De Edouets - 06 arrivals and 24 departures
| WHERE | This spot is located in an industrial in la Voie De Edouets, a dead-end street north of runway 24. |
| WHAT | From this spot you can easily spot planes on take off from runway 24 as well as the arrivals rwy06.
Departures : You have a fence in front of you but almost all planes are already high enough so it doesn’t really bother. |
| TIME | Late afternoon/evening in the summer. |
| MISC. | You can park your car at the spot. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | A332 = 100mm; B737-800 = 160mm |
Field - Taxiway
| WHERE | This spot is located just by the fence next to the taxiway crossing Rue du Berger. The spot can be reached on the same way as spot #3-5 just continue driving on the road till you reach this spot and the taxiway bridge. Park your car nearby by the roadside or the parking areas/paved roads close to this spot and proceed to the fence then, where you can search your favourite position. |
| WHAT | Aircraft taxiing to runway 06 threshold. |
| TIME | From late morning till sunset. |
| MISC. | Ladder required to get over the fence. Keep a low profile especially due to the nearby catering company. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | 18-55mm
A319 (90 degree shot) = 40mm |
Parking lot - Taxiway
| WHERE | This spot is located inside a parking lot, which has no exact description of its usage. Just follow the Rue du Berger till its end and once you end up facing a gate, turn left and proceed to the parking lot. Then get rid of your car and search your favourite position along the wall…
++ April 2023 – A large 4 meters high fence was built around that parking. So now you need a huge ladder as shown below to get over the fence and even then the taxiway is very tricky with the wall – the ramp is fine though! ++ |
| WHAT | Aircraft taxiing to the apron/gates after arriving on runway 06 as well as 06 departures and maybe also aircraft taxiing to runway 24 threshold. In addition also parts of the apron in front. |
| TIME | From late midday till sunset. |
| MISC. | Huge ladder needed due to the large new fence as you see below!
In the past, some spotters have been sent away by the police so KEEP A LOW PROFILE and only be around here for the movements you want! |
| FOCAL LENGTH | 18-250mm |
Viewing deck Orly 4 - Taxiway
| WHERE | Orly 4 has it’s own viewing deck, outside on the top of the terminal. Use entrance 47d and go straight ahead to the stairs, escelator to reach level 1. From there just follow the signs up to the “Terrasse panoramique” which is landside, before the security checks. (Terminal Map) |
| WHAT | This spot is great for viewing aircraft, but not so great for photos. First problem is the dirty glass you will be shooting though. Second problem is the viewing direction. The sun is against you almost the whole day.
Pictures can be taken from taxiing traffic on the taxiway. The runway is to far (heat-waves). It is difficult to take any pictures of traffic taxiing to/from Terminal Ouest (East), due to the glass. |
| TIME | Best times: late in the afternoon/evening and on days with lots of clouds. |
| MISC. | Eveything you need is in the terminal. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | A330-200 (closest taxiway): 50mm; B737-800 (second taxiway): 120mm |
Cimetière de Wissous - 24 Departures
| WHERE | Next to the the “Cimetière de Wissous” UPDATE DEC 2025: there are ongoing constructions and the hill was removed for a new house to be build. It is still possible to take light 24 departure traffic from the road but heavies are no longer possible. Use spot 7 instead. |
| WHAT | You can see runway 24 departures |
| TIME | Late afternoon/evening in the summer. |
| MISC. | No issues with police, there is some fastfood near the spotting place, but not sure of its accesibility by foo |
| FOCAL LENGTH | 773=70mm; A319=110mm |
D5 Sidewalk - 25 arrivals
| WHERE | This spot is located on a sidewalk at the end of runway 25. It is on the Départementale D5 at Villneuve le Roi. At this spot, you can move all along the fence/sidewalk to choose your angle of view. There are two ways to get there. By car, simply park either at the LIDL supermarket and walk to the spot. But, you can walk or cycle from “Orly Ville” station desserved by the RER C line. It takes 10 minutes by bike or 30 minutes by foot. You shall plan your journey in advance by checking the “Ile de France Mobilités” website or app. |
| WHAT | All runway 25 arrivals. The angle is limited and 90 degree shots are not possible. |
| TIME | All day in the morning. In the summer from morning until afternoon and in the evening from the northern side. |
| MISC. | For food and drink, there’s a LIDL supermarket 10 minutes’ walk away and a bakery 13 minutes’ walk away, or less than 5 minutes by car. There’s also a shopping center 15 minutes’ drive away at Athis-Mons with a Carrefour, KFC and McDonald’s. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | 70-300mm |
Mound - 25 arrivals
| WHERE | Drive into Charles Nungesser street from Ave Didier Daurat le at Villeneuve-Roi city. Park the car in this street and walk a few meters back to the traffic light, Then you have to position yourself on a little mound who gives you an unobstructed view above the fence. |
| WHAT | All runway 25 arrivals. |
| TIME | In the summer from 6pm to late evening. |
| MISC. | For food and drink, there’s a LIDL supermarke around the corner. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | A320 = 320mm |
Hi. I will be visiting Orly on a spotting trip in October ( no photos),. Do you know if the spectator terrace will be open?
Thank you
Hi Alan, usually it is open but October is too far away to make a forecast.
Thanks Patrick.
Hey everyone,
I wanted to share a great spot I’ve been using recently along Runway 06 (North Complex), which is perfect for catching departures when 06 is active. You get an amazing, unobstructed view of the rotations.
Here are the details if you want to add it to the guide or check it out:
Access: There are two ways to get there. You can either walk along the FedEx facility, or go past the security checkpoint. If you are polite and friendly with the staff there, they are usually cool about it and will let you pass.
Spot Details:
Safety & Rules: Because this is right next to airport security zones, it is absolutely critical to keep a low profile. Please respect airport security, be responsible, and don’t ruin the spot for everyone else.
I can provide exact GPS coordinates, photos of the spot itself, and some sample shots of the aircraft I’ve taken from this location so you can see the angles and framing. Let me know if you want me to send them over!
Cheers and happy spotting! Google Maps
Hi! Sound interning. Can you send us the photos and the exact coordinates to support@spotterguide.net please.
Thanks, Julian
ive already send at support
Hello there !
Point 11 is no more available because the hill has been demolished for a future building to be placed there.
Hi Ammar, what a pitty, but thanks so much for the update!
recently visited orly4 location (10). There are two locations in Orly 4. One as advertised on the top of the building. There is also one, right hand side closer to Orly3 and nor as high up. There were loose chairs to view from and some under cover if the weather turns bad. I thought this place was better of the two. I took photos when security (army) were around and was left alone.
Hi !
Pay attention.
At spot 2, there could be not more logs or cobblestones to get your head over the fence. People throw logs over the fence.
You can either get a bench from the house in the park or take a ladder. But I recommend you to bring your ladder. I can’t guarantee that there logs to spot.
Hello.
About permit to take pictures I did send the dates and a picture of my passport. It only took three days then I got a reply that I have permission and just show the email in case of a police check. Fast and friendly, and I did write and got reply in english!
Ulf
I did have to change the days alittle bit forward. Next day I got a reply I have access. No problem and fast reply
Hello,
Please note that spot number 2 is completely dead. The Paris airport has built a 7-metre-high fence, so any shot is spoilt by the fencing.
Great, just great.
Do I need the permit for the Observation Deck? Just seems a bit ridiculous to require a permit when on a landside public viewing deck?
Not necessary, but there are a lot of airport employees there and they can be spotter infriendly…
Keep calm and polite, if they’re aggressive (happens sometimes), call the police, you’re allowed to spot on the Observation deck.
That is very true you are allowed to spot, however the first thing the police will ask is to see your permit, especially if you have a camera.
Hi, there is a new airside location for spotting in Orly. It is located at the top floor (arrivals) of the Orly 1 pier (I think it is the old C Gates) inside a relaxation zone. Photograph is through windows though. It provides a good view on the taxiway, you may need to adjust your position depending on aircraft parked in front of you. In westernly operation all aircraft take this taxiway on their way to take-off. In easternly operation it is a bit more tricky but you get most of them too after landing. Light is good in the morning until noonish.
Hi Tobi, is it possible to provide us some photos to support@spotterguide.net please. I guess the position is landslide and is accessible for everyone.
Thanks, Julian
Hi Julian, the area tobi is talking about is landside so a must for all if the weather is bad.
From the upper observation deck I walked down the stairs and into the terminal were the shops are located, then up the stairs at the left of the last shop, sign posted relaxation area. They do have opening times which if I remember correctly is 8am-5pm.
Another way to get there is walk to the stairs at the far end of the observation deck and head down until you see the big windows and the aircraft, you are now at cockpit level, head right when you are at this level towards the shops and head up the steps to the relaxation area. I had my permit and was never challenged, however I wouldn’t go without one as you never know.
Hope this helps everyone
Hi Shaun, can you provide some photos please? Thanks for the description!
-Julian
Hi Julian thank you for the update, am I right in understanding that all this is done via email? Also is it just my passport they use for the photo?.
Keep up the great work 👍
Hi, yes everything has to be done vie email. A photo of your passport is needed. Check the red box for more questions.
-Julian