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LHR → LYS
Which side of the plane to sit from London Heathrow Airport (London) to Lyon Saint-Exupéry Airport (Lyon)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side is generally superior for this route as it offers a chance to see Windsor Castle upon departure and provides the most dramatic views of Lyon's city center and the Rhône river during the landing sequence.
Windsor Castle
The world's oldest and largest inhabited castle is often visible immediately after a westerly departure from Heathrow.
South Downs
The rolling green hills of Sussex and the dramatic white cliffs of the English Channel coast.
Seine River Meanders
The artistic loops and bends of the Seine as it flows through the lush landscapes of Northern France.
Beaujolais Hills
Beautiful rolling topography of the Beaujolais wine region just north of Lyon during the descent.
Lyon City Center
Spectacular views of the Presqu'île, the historic Vieux Lyon, and the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière on approach.
The right side is the prime spot for photography during the final 10 minutes of the flight. For the best view of Windsor Castle, hope for a westerly takeoff. During sunset flights, this side enjoys a warm, golden glow over the French countryside, though window glare can be an issue.
London Skyline
Excellent views of the Thames and the City of London skyscrapers if departing on an easterly runway.
Alabaster Coast
The white chalk cliffs of the Normandy coastline near Dieppe as you cross into mainland Europe.
Marne Valley
Aerial views of the French countryside east of Paris, including the general area of Disneyland Paris.
Burgundy Vineyards
The geometrically perfect rows of the 'Route des Grands Crus' vineyards near Dijon and Beaune.
Distant Alps
On exceptionally clear days, the snow-capped peaks of the French Alps and Mont Blanc appear on the horizon to the east.
Choose the left side for morning flights to avoid the direct glare of the sun. Keep your camera ready about 45 minutes into the flight to capture the distinct textures of the Burgundy wine regions. If the flight path takes a more easterly route, you may get a distant glimpse of the Jura mountains.
Distance: 757 km (470 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 16 min
Departure: LHR (51.4706, -0.461941)
Arrival: LYS (45.725556, 5.081111)
Route Type: International
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