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LIL → BOD
Which side of the plane to sit from Lille-Lesquin Airport (Lille) to Bordeaux-Mérignac Airport (Bordeaux)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers a superior perspective of the French interior, including the historic Loire Valley and a spectacular view of the city of Bordeaux and its surrounding world-famous vineyards during the final approach.
Lille Urban Area
A clear view of the dense urban sprawl and historic belfries of Lille and its neighboring towns immediately after takeoff.
Loire Valley Châteaux
As the flight crosses central France, look down for the glint of the Loire River and the historic estates surrounding Tours.
Saint-Émilion Vineyards
During the descent, the rolling hills covered in world-renowned grapevines become visible to the east of Bordeaux.
The Garonne River
The plane often follows the curve of the Garonne, offering a bird's-eye view of the muddy 'Port of the Moon' crescent.
Matmut Atlantique Stadium
On final approach, the modern white architecture of the city's main stadium stands out against the northern suburbs.
Sit on the left for morning flights to avoid the harsh western sun. During the descent into BOD, this side usually provides the best view of the historic city center (a UNESCO site) if landing on Runway 23. Keep your camera ready as you cross the Garonne river for the best cityscape shots.
Picardy Plains
Expansive views of the flat, golden agricultural heartland of northern France during the initial cruise phase.
Atlantic Horizon
On clear days, the distant blue line of the Atlantic Ocean and the Bay of Biscay can be spotted to the far west.
Marais Poitevin
The 'Green Venice' wetlands appear as a complex mosaic of canals and dense greenery near the Vendée border.
Gironde Estuary
A massive view of Europe's largest estuary where the waters of the Garonne and Dordogne merge into the sea.
Lacanau Lakes
The large freshwater lakes sitting just behind the coastal dunes are visible shortly before the aircraft turns for landing.
Choose the right side for sunset flights to witness the glow over the Atlantic coast. This side is excellent for seeing the sheer scale of the Gironde Estuary. If the flight path takes a wide western loop over the ocean, you might even catch a glimpse of the Bassin d'Arcachon and the Dune du Pilat in the distance.
Distance: 698 km (434 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 10 min
Departure: LIL (50.563332, 3.086886)
Arrival: BOD (44.8283004761, -0.7155560255050001)
Route Type: Domestic
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