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LIL destination photo
NCE destination photo

LILNCE

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

Our Recommendation
9.2

Left Side of the Plane

The left side is widely considered superior for this route because it offers the iconic 'Riviera approach' into Nice, featuring panoramic views of the city, the Promenade des Anglais, and the backdrop of the Southern Alps during the final descent.

Left Side Highlights
9.2
🥂

Champagne Vineyards

Bird's eye view of the rolling hills and famous grape-growing regions near Reims and Épernay shortly after takeoff.

🏔️

French Alps

On clear days, the distant snow-capped peaks of the Alps, including the majestic Mont Blanc, dominate the eastern horizon.

🏛️

Lyon and the Rhône

Aerial perspective of France's third-largest city and the confluence of the Rhône and Saône rivers.

🏙️

Nice Promenade

The world-famous Promenade des Anglais and the red-roofed Old Town are perfectly framed as the plane aligns with the runway.

🌊

Baie des Anges

A stunning view of the Mediterranean's turquoise waters as the aircraft makes its final turn over the sea.

For the most dramatic experience, choose a window seat on the left for the 'Saleya' approach. Most flights into NCE perform a 180-degree turn over the Mediterranean to land; the left side will face the coastline and city during this entire maneuver. Morning flights provide excellent sunlight hitting the Alps to the east.

Right Side Highlights
8.5
🗼

Paris Basin

Distant views of the sprawling Paris metropolitan area and its outer suburbs depending on the specific flight corridor.

🌋

Massif Central

The rugged, ancient volcanic landscape of central France, featuring the Puys and deep valleys.

🧗

Verdon Gorge

A possible glimpse of 'Europe's Grand Canyon' with its striking emerald-green water cutting through limestone cliffs.

🔴

Estérel Massif

The brilliant red volcanic rock formations meeting the blue sea near Saint-Raphaël and Cannes during the descent.

🛥️

Cannes & Lérins Islands

Excellent views of the luxury yachts in Cannes and the historic Sainte-Marguerite and Saint-Honorat islands.

The right side is fantastic for viewing the diverse geological interior of France and the vibrant red cliffs of the Estérel. If the plane lands from the west (Runway 04), the right side offers a direct look at the luxury villas and yachts of Cap d'Antibes and Cannes. Late afternoon flights on this side enjoy beautiful sunset colors over the Mediterranean.

Top Activities in Nice
Route Information

Distance: 829 km (515 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 23 min

Departure: LIL (50.563332, 3.086886)

Arrival: NCE (43.658401489300005, 7.215869903560001)

Route Type: Domestic

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