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CRL → LRH
Which side of the plane to sit from Brussels South Charleroi Airport (Charleroi) to La Rochelle-Île de Ré Airport (La Rochelle)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side of the aircraft offers the most dramatic scenery, particularly during the descent into La Rochelle. Passengers can enjoy sweeping views of the Atlantic coastline, the Bay of Biscay, and the beautiful islands of the Charente-Maritime region.
Normandy Coastline
Depending on the specific airway, the distant shimmer of the English Channel and the Normandy coast can be seen early in the journey.
Bay of Biscay
As the plane turns toward La Rochelle, the vast Atlantic Ocean opens up, showcasing the rugged coastline of western France.
Île de Ré
A stunning aerial perspective of the island's unique shape, salt pans, and the iconic Phare des Baleines lighthouse.
Pont de l'île de Ré
The long, curving bridge connecting the island to the mainland is highly visible during the final approach.
Île d'Oléron
South of the flight path, the larger Île d'Oléron and the famous Fort Boyard can often be spotted in the distance.
The right side is essential for the best approach views. Aim for an afternoon flight to see the white limestone houses of Île de Ré glowing in the sunlight. During descent, look for the 'Marais Salants' (salt marshes) which appear as geometric patterns on the islands. This side provides a clear view of the airport's proximity to the sea.
Picardy Plains
Broad agricultural landscapes of northern France visible shortly after crossing the border from Belgium.
Paris Skyline
On clear days, the distant silhouettes of the Eiffel Tower and La Défense business district may be spotted to the west.
The Loire River
Cross over the historic Loire River, the longest in France, near the city of Tours or Orléans depending on the flight path.
Choose the left side for morning flights to avoid the direct glare of the sun. Keep an eye out for the historic chateaus of the Loire Valley approximately 30-40 minutes into the flight. If the wind requires an approach from the south, you might get a distant view of the city center of La Rochelle and its historic old port towers.
Distance: 633 km (393 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 3 min
Departure: CRL (50.459202000000005, 4.4538199999999994)
Arrival: LRH (46.17919921875, -1.1952799558639526)
Route Type: International
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