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CCF → STN
Which side of the plane to sit from Carcassonne Airport (Carcassonne) to London Stansted Airport (London)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side is superior primarily for the immediate, breathtaking view of the medieval Cité de Carcassonne upon departure, as well as clear views of the Normandy landing beaches before crossing the English Channel.
Cité de Carcassonne
The iconic medieval walled city is often visible immediately after takeoff, offering a stunning aerial perspective of its double walls and turrets.
The Pyrenees
On clear days, looking back and slightly south, the snow-capped peaks of the Pyrenees border with Spain create a dramatic horizon.
Loire Valley
Crossing central France, you will see the winding Loire River and the lush vineyards and historic estates of the Touraine region.
Normandy Coast
As the plane approaches the coast, you can spot the historic D-Day landing beaches, particularly Omaha and Gold beaches, near Caen.
Isle of Wight
Before the final descent, the distinctive diamond shape of the Isle of Wight is often visible to the west across the Solent.
Sit on the left for the best chance to see the Carcassonne fortress; depending on wind direction, the plane often circles right over it. For morning flights, this side avoids the direct glare of the sun, making it better for photography of the French countryside.
Massif Central
View the rugged, volcanic landscape of the Auvergne region, including the distinctive silhouette of the Puy de Dôme.
Château de Chambord
Keep a keen eye out for the massive Renaissance architecture of Chambord and other grand estates near the river's edge.
Le Havre and the Seine
See where the Seine River meets the English Channel, featuring the massive port infrastructure of Le Havre and the Pont de Normandie bridge.
Channel Shipping Lanes
Watch the busy maritime traffic in one of the world's most congested waterways, with ferries and cargo ships appearing like toys below.
London Skyline
On the standard approach to Stansted from the south, the right side often catches glimpses of the Canary Wharf skyscrapers and the Shard.
The right side is excellent for afternoon flights as the sun begins to set in the west, casting a golden light over the French terrain. During the arrival phase at Stansted, keep your camera ready for the patchwork of Essex fields and rural villages that define the approach.
Distance: 976 km (606 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 38 min
Departure: CCF (43.21599960327149, 2.3063199520111084)
Arrival: STN (51.8849983215, 0.234999999404)
Route Type: International
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