Paris Orly Intl. Airport - Spotting Guide

Paris Orly Intl. Airport – Spotting Guide

February 23, 2016 - last modified on August 13, 2024

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, Brandon Duc and Björn Van Brussel. Last Update: June 2024 (Spot 2 updated)

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: spotters [at] interieur.gouv.fr 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 You need to stop at Athis Mons RER station. From this railways station to the spotting spot, it is 15-20 min walk. You can use google map to guide you until the spotting spot ‘Rue de Jacana’. All the walk is in a residential area (No shop). There is a bakery store just outside the Athis Mons RER station.

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. A second possibility is to walk straight ahead at the Mirage and you’ll end up in a little “amfitheatre” where you can stand on 2 little hills (see overview pic below) for the perfect runway shots during 07 departure. Its possible that the bushes are not cut and blocks your sight. Update 2024: due to a new, very high fence, it is no longer possible to shoot from here. 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. ~~Then its better to stay at the “amfitheatre” as you are closer.~~ If 25 is active you can´t catch much traffic as most planes use the high speed exit to the right..

TIME	From sunrise till sunset in winter. In summer late morning till afternoon.

MISC.	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:

Dike - 06 arrivals

WHERE	For Spot 4 park your car at the side of the Street Rue des Mares Juliennes. Please don’t block the road. 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. No ladder needed at this spot and you can photograph over the fence easily. 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	This spot is good for all arrivals on Runway 06 during the morning hours.

TIME	From sunrise till 15:00.

MISC.	Nothing at this spot.

FOCAL LENGTH	A330: 120mm; B757-200: 170mm

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. Arrivals : The blocks that are present on the below pictures are now gone. So for arrivals rwy06 we recommand you to carry a ladder with at least 3 to 4 steps.

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” is a little hill you can climb naturally. You are above everything and you can see the runway perfectly and even the terminals. No ladder needed. You can park just at the front of it when you come but be aware of trucks parking here though.

WHAT	You can see runway 24 departures, runway 06 landings (touchdown) and you can also see the terminals.

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

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Ulf

3 months ago

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

Ulf

Reply to Ulf

3 months ago

I did have to change the days alittle bit forward. Next day I got a reply I have access. No problem and fast reply

Noa

4 months ago

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.

Tim

Reply to Noa

4 months ago

Great, just great.

Tyler

6 months ago

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?

Tobi

11 months ago

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.

Julian

Admin

Reply to Tobi

11 months ago

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

Shaun Arrand

1 year ago

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 👍

Julian

Admin

Reply to Shaun Arrand

1 year ago

Hi, yes everything has to be done vie email. A photo of your passport is needed. Check the red box for more questions.
-Julian

Bart Mozer

1 year ago

I recently applied (in French, through Google Translate) for a spotting permit with the provided email adress and I managed to get my permit without 24 hours. It seems like providing the correct information and answering swiftly on their questions helps out a ton!