Loading map...
LRH → CRL
Which side of the plane to sit from La Rochelle-Île de Ré Airport (La Rochelle) to Brussels South Charleroi Airport (Charleroi)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers a superior vantage point for the initial coastal departure over the Atlantic islands and provides a better angle to see the Paris skyline in the distance during the cruise phase.
Île de Ré
Breathtaking views of the bridge connecting the island to the mainland and the salt marshes immediately after takeoff.
Loire Valley Castles
Glimpses of the famous Renaissance chateaus scattered along the riverbanks near the city of Tours.
Paris Panorama
On clear days, the Eiffel Tower and the skyscrapers of La Défense are visible to the northwest as the flight bypasses the capital.
Picardy Farmlands
Intricate geometric patterns of northern French agriculture that transition into the industrial landscapes of the border.
Sit on the left for the best coastal views during the climb. For the best visibility of Paris, choose a mid-day flight to avoid direct sun glare; the plane typically passes 40km east of the city center. Keep your camera ready about 25 minutes into the flight for the Loire crossings.
Marais Poitevin
The 'Green Venice' wetlands area, characterized by a dense network of canals and lush vegetation.
Orléans
A clear view of the historic city and the Sainte-Croix Cathedral located at the northernmost point of the Loire River.
Fontainebleau Forest
A massive 25,000-hectare expanse of dense woodland, once the hunting grounds for French kings.
Wallonian Landscape
The transition into Belgium features the rolling hills and denser urban settlements characteristic of the Charleroi region.
The right side is ideal for morning flights as the sun will be behind you, highlighting the green textures of the Fontainebleau Forest and the Ardennes foothills. Watch for the distinct bend in the Loire river near Orléans to track your progress toward the Belgian border.
Distance: 633 km (393 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 3 min
Departure: LRH (46.17919921875, -1.1952799558639526)
Arrival: CRL (50.459202000000005, 4.4538199999999994)
Route Type: International
Thank you for booking your travels through our travel partners. The commissions from your bookings keep this site running.