Loading map...

NCE destination photo
LIL destination photo

NCELIL

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

Our Recommendation
8.8

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.

Right Side Highlights
8.8
🏔️

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.

Left Side Highlights
7.2
🌊

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.

Top Activities in Lille
Route Information

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

Thank you for booking your travels through our travel partners. The commissions from your bookings keep this site running.