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IST destination photo
NCE destination photo

ISTNCE

Which side of the plane to sit from Istanbul Airport (Istanbul) to Nice-Côte d'Azur Airport (Nice)?

Our Recommendation
8.8

Right Side of the Plane

The right side offers a spectacular vantage point for the Balkan mountains and the unparalleled approach into Nice, featuring Monaco and the iconic French Riviera coastline.

Right Side Highlights
8.8
🌊

Black Sea Coastline

Immediately after takeoff from IST, witness the rugged northern Turkish coast meeting the Black Sea.

🇭🇷

Dalmatian Islands

Glimpses of the stunning Croatian archipelago and the turquoise waters of the Adriatic Sea.

🏔️

Southern Alps

Sweeping panoramic views of the snow-capped Southern Alps as the aircraft nears the French border.

🇲🇨

Monaco & Menton

Unrivaled views of the Principality of Monaco and the city of Menton during the descent into Nice.

🏘️

Eze & Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat

Dramatic views of the cliffside village of Eze and the luxury villas of Cap Ferrat just before touchdown.

The right side is essential for the 'Riviera Arrival.' Choose a window seat forward of the wing to avoid engine heat blur. Afternoon flights are ideal as the sun will be behind or above the plane, perfectly illuminating the colorful buildings of the French coast.

Left Side Highlights
7.5
✈️

Marmara Sea

Aerial views of the southern Istanbul coastline and the Sea of Marmara shortly after departure.

🏔️

Balkan Interior

Rugged views of the Rhodope and Rila Mountains across Bulgaria and North Macedonia.

🇮🇹

Italian Apennines

A cross-section view of the spine of Italy, featuring the rolling hills and peaks of the Apennine range.

🌊

Tyrrhenian Sea

Expansive views of the deep blue Mediterranean as the flight moves toward the French coast.

🏝️

Corsica & Elba

On clear days, the islands of Elba and the northern tip of Corsica are visible to the south.

Sit on the left for better views of the Italian countryside and the Tuscan archipelago. During the final approach into Nice, this side offers views of the Mediterranean horizon, though it misses the immediate coastline detail of the Riviera.

Top Activities in Nice
Route Information

Distance: 1,781 km (1,107 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 2 hrs 22 min

Departure: IST (41.275278, 28.751944)

Arrival: NCE (43.658401489300005, 7.215869903560001)

Route Type: International

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