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HEL → NCE
Which side of the plane to sit from Helsinki Vantaa Airport (Helsinki) to Nice-Côte d'Azur Airport (Nice)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers a superior view of the majestic Western Alps, including the iconic Mont Blanc massif and the turquoise lakes of Switzerland, before a dramatic approach into Nice.
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Swedish Islands
Bird's-eye views of the Baltic islands of Gotland and Öland, known for their unique limestone geology.
Lake Geneva
The crescent-shaped Lac Léman and the surrounding Swiss vineyards are clearly visible during the descent towards the mountains.
Mont Blanc
The highest peak in Western Europe often appears prominently on the right, showcasing its massive glaciers and snow-capped summit.
Bernese Oberland
Spectacular views of the 'Big Three' Swiss peaks: the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau.
Esterel Massif
Just before landing, look for the striking red volcanic rocks of the Esterel forest meeting the Mediterranean Sea.
For the best mountain photography, choose a seat behind the wing on the right. The Alps are usually reached about 90 to 120 minutes after takeoff. In the afternoon, the sun will be on this side, so bring sunglasses for the bright snow reflections.
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Helsinki Archipelago
Breathtaking views of the thousands of tiny islands scattered across the Gulf of Finland during the initial climb.
Tallinn Skyline
A distant but clear view of the Estonian capital and its medieval Old Town towers across the water.
Eastern Alps
Vistas of the jagged peaks of the Austrian and Italian Dolomites as the flight crosses into Southern Europe.
Côte d'Azur Coastline
On the final descent, the left side provides an incredible view of the blue Mediterranean and the dense villas of the French Riviera.
The left side is best for morning flights to avoid the direct southern sun glare. It provides the iconic 'Blue Coast' view upon landing at NCE, especially if the plane approaches from the east over the sea.
Get eSIMs for Finland
Get eSIMs for FranceDistance: 2,200 km (1,367 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 2 hrs 56 min
Departure: HEL (60.317199707031, 24.963300704956)
Arrival: NCE (43.658401489300005, 7.215869903560001)
Route Type: International
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