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NCE → MAD
Which side of the plane to sit from Nice-Côte d'Azur Airport (Nice) to Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas Airport (Madrid)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side is superior for this route as it offers a front-row seat to the red volcanic rocks of the French Riviera, the snow-capped Pyrenees, and the dramatic transition into the Spanish Meseta.
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Estérel Massif
Striking red volcanic rock formations clashing with the blue Mediterranean near Saint-Raphaël.
Camargue Wetlands
The vast salt pans and marshes of the Rhône delta, known for wild horses and flamingos.
Pyrenees Mountains
Breathtaking views of the high peaks separating France and Spain, often covered in snow until early summer.
Montserrat
The unique, jagged multi-peaked mountain range located near Barcelona, home to the famous Benedictine abbey.
Castilian Meseta
The high altitude plateau of central Spain, featuring a patchwork of ochre and sienna colored fields.
The right side is the 'mountain side'. Choose this for sunset flights to see the Pyrenees silhouetted against the sky. Be aware that midday sun can be intense on this side when flying west-southwest; keep the window shade handy. Watch for the dramatic change in terrain from lush French wetlands to the arid, rugged landscapes of inner Spain.
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Baie des Anges
Panoramic views of the Nice coastline and the turquoise waters of the French Riviera immediately after takeoff.
Marseille & Calanques
Visuals of the historic Vieux-Port and the white limestone cliffs of the Calanques National Park.
Barcelona Cityscape
A clear view of the Eixample grid, the Sagrada Familia, and the bustling Olympic Port as you bypass the Catalan capital.
Costa Dorada
Long stretches of golden sand and coastal resorts stretching toward the Ebro Delta.
Madrid Financial District
During the descent, look for the Cuatro Torres Business Area, the tallest skyscrapers in Spain.
Sit on the left for a coastal perspective. Morning flights are ideal as the sun rises behind you, illuminating the European coastline without glare. During the final approach to Madrid, the left side often provides a better view of the city center if the aircraft approaches from the north.
Get eSIMs for France
Get eSIMs for SpainDistance: 957 km (595 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 36 min
Departure: NCE (43.658401489300005, 7.215869903560001)
Arrival: MAD (40.471926, -3.56264)
Route Type: International
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