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NCE → LIL
Which side of the plane to sit from Nice-Côte d'Azur Airport (Nice) to Lille-Lesquin Airport (Lille)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side is significantly more scenic during the first half of the journey, offering spectacular panoramic views of the French Alps, the Mercantour National Park, and a distant view of Mont Blanc.
Southern Alps
Immediately after takeoff, witness the snow-capped peaks of the Mercantour and the Southern French Alps.
Mont Blanc
The highest peak in Western Europe is often visible on the horizon about 15 to 20 minutes into the flight.
Burgundy Vineyards
The golden slopes of the Côte d'Or, where some of the world's most famous wines are produced.
Reims & Champagne
The rolling hills of the Champagne region and potentially the silhouette of the Reims Cathedral.
Mining Basin
The UNESCO-listed slag heaps (terrils) of the Nord-Pas-de-Calais region appearing during descent.
Sit on the right for the ultimate Alpine experience. Ensure your window is clean as the highlight—the Alps—occurs very early in the flight. In winter, the snow coverage makes the mountain peaks particularly photogenic. If landing to the north at Lille, the right side often sees the urban sprawl of the city center.
Esterel Massif
Dramatic red volcanic rock formations meeting the turquoise Mediterranean sea shortly after departure.
Massif Central
Distances views of the ancient volcanic peaks of Auvergne and the rugged Ardèche plateaus.
Paris Basin
The expansive flat agricultural plains leading toward the capital, often offering a glimpse of the Eiffel Tower on clear days.
Loire Valley
The winding banks of the Loire river and the start of the historic châteaux country.
Choose the left side for sunset views on evening flights as you head north. It is also the better side for seeing the glittering lights of Paris if the flight path tracks slightly to the west of the city. Use a morning flight to avoid the sun's glare directly into your window.
Distance: 829 km (515 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 23 min
Departure: NCE (43.658401489300005, 7.215869903560001)
Arrival: LIL (50.563332, 3.086886)
Route Type: Domestic
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