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AGP destination photo
LYS destination photo

AGPLYS

Which side of the plane to sit from Málaga Airport (Malaga) to Lyon Saint-Exupéry Airport (Lyon)?

Our Recommendation
8.7

Left Side of the Plane

The left side provides a front-row seat to the most dramatic terrain, including the snow-capped Sierra Nevada shortly after takeoff and a spectacular crossing of the eastern Pyrenees.

Left Side Highlights
8.7
🏔️

Sierra Nevada

Shortly after departure, look for the highest peaks of mainland Spain, including Mulhacén, often snow-covered even in late spring.

🏖️

Costa Blanca & Valencia

Panoramic views of the Spanish coastline as the plane tracks north-northeast towards the French border.

⛰️

Pyrenees Mountains

A stunning crossing of the rugged mountain border between Spain and France, featuring deep valleys and jagged ridges.

🌋

Massif Central

The ancient volcanic plateau of south-central France, offering a unique landscape of rolling green hills and gorges.

🍷

Rhone Valley Vineyards

As the descent into Lyon begins, the geometric patterns of world-famous vineyards along the Rhone River become visible.

Book a window seat on the left (A) for the best mountain views. Afternoon flights are ideal for this side to avoid the harsh glare of the morning sun over the Mediterranean. Keep your camera ready about 45-60 minutes into the flight for the Pyrenees crossing.

Right Side Highlights
8.2
🌊

Mediterranean Horizon

Expansive views of the deep blue Balearic Sea, often shimmering under the sun during midday flights.

🏝️

Balearic Islands

On clear days, the distant silhouettes of Ibiza and Mallorca can be spotted emerging from the horizon to the east.

🦩

The Camargue

The vast wetlands of the Rhone delta, recognizable by its unique salt pans and lagoons near the city of Arles.

🏙️

Marseille Coastline

A distant but clear view of the French Mediterranean's largest port city and the limestone Calanques.

🏔️

The French Alps

During the final approach into Lyon, the majestic snow-capped peaks of the Alps dominate the eastern horizon.

Choose the right side (F or K) for morning flights to enjoy the sunrise over the sea. During descent, look far to the east to see Mont Blanc on exceptionally clear days. This side is also better for spotting the unique pink hues of the Camargue salt flats.

Top Activities in Lyon
Route Information

Distance: 1,285 km (798 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 43 min

Departure: AGP (36.67490005493164, -4.499110221862793)

Arrival: LYS (45.725556, 5.081111)

Route Type: International

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