30
Finding a good location for plane spotting is difficult at many airports, particularly when no official viewing area is provided.
Paris Charles de Gaulle is one of Europe’s most attractive airports for spotters – thanks to the volume and variety of airliners passing through – but it can be difficult to spot at.
On a recent visit, I decided to try out locations along the southern perimeter of the airport.
Here, there is is the advantage of the position of the sun for photographs, as well as the possibility of logging arrivals into Le Bourge (and even Orly) airports.
Concorde Memorial
The Concorde Memorial at Paris CDG
Twenty-five years ago Paris and the world of aviation suffered the tragedy of the first and only fatal loss of a Concorde aircraft.
Departing from the southern runways at Paris Charles de Gaulle, F-BTSC’s fuel tanks ignited when the wheels overran a strip of metal on the runway. The aircraft was not able to remain airborne and crashed nearby, killing all on board.
A memorial to that tragedy, which occurred in July 2001, now exists alongside the D84 Route Peripherique S.
The memorial consists of a quiet, tree-lined space with shrubs arranged in the iconic shape of the Concorde, and a stone plinth at its heart. It is a tranquil and poignant spot, close to where the passengers departed on their ill-fated journey.
Spotting Opportunities
Whilst naturally respect should be given to this location, it has also become a focus for spotters thanks to its position.
The memorial has a small layby for parking (priority should be given to those visiting the memorial), and a hill behind allows you to get above the fence line for good views of aircraft movements.
Photography is possible on both of the southern runways 08/26 L/R, however it is easier on 08R/26L which is used for arrivals.
Saudia 787 landing on 26L.
Aircraft departing runway 08L
Aircraft using 08L/26R tend to be particularly obscured by long grass, particularly in the summer.
Movements around Terminal 2’s eastern concourses, as well as on the two northern runways, are visible but usually too far away to read off or photograph due to the heat haze.
Camera Lenses: We found that a 300mm lens is perfectly suitable for all aircraft sizes on the southern runways. Aircraft on the northern runways are too far off to photograph, and those on the taxiways tend to be obscured by long grass.
How to Get There
The memorial on the left, with the parking area and airport beyond.
The D84 Route Peripherique Sud runs along the southern perimeter of Charles de Gaulle Airport, between the A1 and N2/N1104 motorways. It is close to the villages of Tremblay-en-France and Mitry-Mory, and only a 10 minute drive from the terminals.
This is a fast-moving road with lots of traffic, so be prepared to slow down and pull into the parking area, which can come up quickly especially when driving from the west.
✈️ Planning Your Next Spotting Trip?
Paris Charles de Gaulle—and hundreds more airports—are covered in full detail in World Airport Spotting Guides (3rd Edition), including the best locations, spotting hotels, and what aircraft to expect.
Order your copy now at www.destinworld.com and take your aviation hobby to new heights!
