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FRA → LYS
Which side of the plane to sit from Frankfurt am Main Airport (Frankfurt) to Lyon Saint-Exupéry Airport (Lyon)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers a superior panorama of the Upper Rhine Valley, the dense canopy of the Black Forest, and a spectacular distant view of the snow-capped Swiss and French Alps as you approach the Jura range.
Black Forest
Exquisite views of the dark, dense evergreen canopy and rolling peaks of the Schwarzwald region shortly after departure.
Strasbourg & Rhine
The winding Rhine River serving as a natural border, with the spire of the Strasbourg Cathedral visible on clear days.
Jura Mountains
Dramatic limestone ridges and deep valleys of the Jura range as the aircraft transitions into French airspace.
The Alpine Horizon
On clear days, the distant peaks of the Swiss Alps and the massive white dome of Mont Blanc are visible on the southern horizon.
Lake Geneva (Distance)
If the flight path is slightly eastern, the western tip of Lake Geneva may be visible in the far distance.
Choose a seat in front of or behind the wing to maximize ground visibility. Morning flights provide crisp lighting on the Black Forest, though you may face some sun glare. Afternoon flights offer the best illumination for the Alps in the distance. Watch for the 'three-border' region where Germany, France, and Switzerland meet.
Palatinate Forest
Expansive views of the Pfälzerwald, Germany's largest contiguous forest area, right after takeoff.
Vosges Mountains
The rounded summits or 'ballons' of the Vosges mountain range providing a rugged landscape contrast.
Mulhouse and Belfort Gap
The strategic geographic opening between the Vosges and the Jura mountains, dotted with industrial history.
Burgundy Foothills
The transition into the rolling hills and agricultural patterns of eastern France as the plane descends.
Lyon City Center
On certain approach patterns (landing North to South), views of the Presqu'ile and the Basilique Notre-Dame de Fourvière.
The right side is ideal for afternoon flights to avoid the direct sun. If the wind is coming from the north, your approach into LYS may circle the city of Lyon, providing excellent views of the Rhône and Saône rivers. Look for the distinct reddish rooftops typical of the Lyon region during the final descent.
Distance: 545 km (339 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 55 min
Departure: FRA (50.033333, 8.570556)
Arrival: LYS (45.725556, 5.081111)
Route Type: International
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