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LYS → PUF
Which side of the plane to sit from Lyon Saint-Exupéry Airport (Lyon) to Pau Pyrénées Airport (Pau)?
Left Side of the Plane
While the right side offers views of extinct volcanoes, the left side is superior as it provides a distant view of the Alps at takeoff and a spectacular, sustained panorama of the Pyrenees mountain range during the entire descent into Pau.
The French Alps
On clear days, look east shortly after takeoff to spot the distant, snow-capped peaks of the Alps, including Mont Blanc.
Rhône Valley
Views of the winding Rhône river and the industrial and natural landscapes south of Lyon.
Cévennes National Park
The rugged, forested terrain of the southern Massif Central passes directly beneath this side of the aircraft.
Pyrenees Panorama
The highlight of the flight: a majestic lateral view of the Pyrenees chain stretching toward the Atlantic as you approach Pau.
Pic du Midi de Bigorre
Keep an eye out for the distinctive observatory atop this famous peak as the plane prepares for landing.
Sit on the left (seats A/B) for the best mountain views. Morning flights are ideal as the sun will be behind you, illuminating the Alps and the Pyrenees perfectly without glare. During winter, the snow-covered Pyrenees are particularly striking against the blue sky.
Lyon Cityscape
Depending on takeoff direction, get a glimpse of the confluence of the Rhône and Saône rivers and the Fourvière hill.
Chaîne des Puys
A unique view of the iconic line of dormant volcanoes in the Auvergne region, including the famous Puy de Dôme.
Massif du Cantal
Fly over the largest volcanic remnant in Europe, characterized by deep green valleys and radial ridges.
Southwest Vineyards
As you descend, watch the landscape change into the organized patchwork of the Gaillac and Garonne valley vineyards.
Béarn Countryside
The final approach offers views of the rolling hills and rural architecture typical of the Pau region.
The right side (seats E/F) is better for geology enthusiasts interested in the volcanic structures of central France. If flying in the late afternoon, you might experience significant sun glare on this side, making photography difficult. Try to sit away from the wing for an unobstructed view of the volcanic craters.
Distance: 508 km (316 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 51 min
Departure: LYS (45.725556, 5.081111)
Arrival: PUF (43.38000106811523, -0.4186109900474548)
Route Type: Domestic
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