Loading map...
BOD → LYS
Which side of the plane to sit from Bordeaux-Mérignac Airport (Bordeaux) to Lyon Saint-Exupéry Airport (Lyon)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers superior views of the dramatic high peaks of the Massif Central, the Dordogne valley, and the spectacular distant silhouette of the French Alps and Mont Blanc on approach.
Search flights from BOD to LYS
Saint-Émilion Vineyards
The world-famous patchwork of vineyards stretching east from Bordeaux toward the Dordogne border.
Dordogne River Valley
Winding river loops and limestone cliffs often dotted with medieval chateaus.
Massif du Sancy
The highest volcanic peaks in Central France, featuring rugged glacial valleys and alpine-like terrain.
Mont Blanc & The Alps
On clear days, the massive white peak of Mont Blanc and the high Alps dominate the eastern horizon during descent.
LYS TGV Station
The striking Santiago Calatrava-designed airport station, resembling a bird in flight, visible just before touchdown.
The right side is the 'mountain side.' For the best contrast on the Alps, choose a late afternoon flight when the sun illuminates the peaks from the west. Keep your camera ready as you pass the Sancy massif, as the aircraft typically flies quite close to these peaks. Check for clear weather forecasts as the Alps are only visible with low haze.
Book Hotels in Lyon
Bordeaux & Garonne
Aerial view of the 'Port of the Moon' and the sweeping curves of the Garonne river shortly after takeoff.
Limousin Plateaus
Dense green forests and rolling granite hills characteristic of the Perigord-Limousin region.
Chaîne des Puys
A UNESCO-listed alignment of 80 dormant volcanoes, visible north of the flight path.
Puy de Dôme
The most iconic volcanic lava dome in the range, standing prominently above Clermont-Ferrand.
Lyon City Center
A view of the northern districts and the Saône river as the plane descends toward Saint-Exupéry.
Sit on the left for morning flights to avoid direct sun glare. Look for the distinct circular craters of the Chaîne des Puys approximately 25-30 minutes into the flight. If the plane lands from the north, you'll get a better view of the city of Lyon.
Get eSIMs for France
Get eSIMs for FranceDistance: 464 km (288 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 46 min
Departure: BOD (44.8283004761, -0.7155560255050001)
Arrival: LYS (45.725556, 5.081111)
Route Type: Domestic
Thank you for booking your travels through our travel partners. The commissions from your bookings keep this site running.