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LYS → LGW
Which side of the plane to sit from Lyon Saint-Exupéry Airport (Lyon) to London Gatwick Airport (London)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers a superior view of the historic city of Lyon upon takeoff and the scenic Alabaster Coast of Normandy before crossing the English Channel, followed by great views of Brighton and the South Downs during the approach.
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Lyon City Center
Aerial views of the Presqu'île and the confluence of the Rhône and Saône rivers shortly after takeoff.
Beaujolais Vineyards
The rolling hills and structured vineyard patterns of one of France's most famous wine regions.
Alabaster Coast
Dramatic white chalk cliffs of Normandy, particularly around Dieppe, before heading out over the water.
Brighton & Hove
Clear views of the iconic British seaside city and its piers as the plane descends over the South Coast.
South Downs National Park
Lush green rolling hills and ancient woodlands typical of the Sussex countryside during final approach.
For the best experience, choose a morning flight to have the sun behind you, illuminating the French coast. Sit behind the wing to ensure your view of the Lyon cityscape isn't obstructed during the initial climb. On clear days, look north toward the horizon over central France; you might catch a glimpse of the Eiffel Tower if the flight path is slightly more westerly than usual.
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Distant French Alps
On clear days, the snow-capped peaks of the Alps are visible on the eastern horizon during the first half of the flight.
Champagne Region
Views of the historic plains and medieval city layouts of the Grand Est region of France.
Strait of Dover
The narrowest part of the English Channel, featuring dense shipping traffic and the distant White Cliffs of Dover.
Seven Sisters
The magnificent series of chalk cliffs in East Sussex, visible as the aircraft banks for its Gatwick approach.
The Weald
The 'Garden of England' landscape, featuring quaint villages and traditional oast houses in Kent and East Sussex.
The right side is ideal for catching the morning sun reflecting off the English Channel. Keep your camera ready as you approach the UK coast; the Seven Sisters cliffs are a major highlight but can be passed quickly depending on the air traffic control vectoring. If the flight is in the late afternoon, expect significant glare from the sun.
Book Hotels in LondonDistance: 717 km (446 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 12 min
Departure: LYS (45.725556, 5.081111)
Arrival: LGW (51.148102, -0.190278)
Route Type: International
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