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ORY โ VCE
Which side of the plane to sit from Paris-Orly Airport (Paris) to Venice Marco Polo Airport (Venice)?
Left Side of the Plane
While both sides offer spectacular views of the Alps, the left side is the clear winner for the iconic approach into Venice, providing a bird's-eye view of the historic city and the lagoon.
Jura Mountains
View the striking parallel limestone ridges and deep valleys along the border between France and Switzerland.
Bernese Oberland
Spot the distant, snow-capped 'Big Three' peaks: the Eiger, Mรถnch, and Jungfrau towering over Switzerland.
Lake Garda
The northern tip of Italy's largest lake is visible as it carves deeply into the Alpine foothills.
Venice Historic Center
On the final approach to VCE, the left side typically looks directly down onto the S-shaped Grand Canal and St. Mark's Square.
Venetian Lagoon
Witness the vibrant colors of the outer islands, including the glass-making island of Murano and colorful Burano.
To capture the best photos of Venice, choose a seat toward the front or rear of the wing to avoid engine heat blur. Most approaches into Marco Polo Airport loop from the north, placing the city center directly on the left. In the late afternoon, the sun will be behind the plane, perfectly illuminating the city's red-tiled roofs.
Fontainebleau Forest
Shortly after departure from Orly, look for this massive, historic woodland area known for its unique rock formations.
Mont Blanc Massif
As the highest point in the Alps, the snowy dome of Mont Blanc and its glaciers are a dominant feature on this side.
Lake Maggiore
Observe the long, narrow blue waters of this lake and its famous Borromean Islands as you enter Italian airspace.
Milan Skyline
From cruising altitude, you can often see the sprawling urban landscape of Milan and the skyscrapers of the Porta Nuova district.
Po Valley
The flight crosses the vast, fertile plains of Northern Italy, characterized by a distinct geometric patchwork of agriculture.
The right side offers the best vantage point for the highest Alpine peaks. During the winter months, the snow-covered Mont Blanc is a breathtaking sight. Keep your camera ready about 40 minutes into the flight. If you fly in the morning, the light hits the southern face of the Alps beautifully from this side.
Distance: 834 km (518 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 23 min
Departure: ORY (48.7233333, 2.3794444)
Arrival: VCE (45.505299, 12.3519)
Route Type: International
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