Loading map...
STN → BOD
Which side of the plane to sit from London Stansted Airport (London) to Bordeaux-Mérignac Airport (Bordeaux)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side provides the most dramatic views, tracking the scenic French coastline from Normandy down to the Bay of Biscay and the famous wine estates of the Médoc.
English Channel
A clear view of the world's busiest shipping lanes and the white chalk cliffs of the French coast near Dieppe.
Mont Saint-Michel
On clear days, the iconic island abbey can be spotted rising from the tidal flats to the west about 40 minutes into the flight.
Atlantic Coastline
Beautiful perspectives of the sandy beaches and salt marshes of the Charente-Maritime region and the Bay of Biscay.
Médoc Vineyards
During the final descent, fly directly over the prestigious wine chateaux and the massive Gironde Estuary.
The right side is the clear winner for coastal scenery and is ideal for late afternoon flights to catch the sunset over the Atlantic. Keep your eyes peeled midway through the flight for a distant view of the Normandy coast. On approach to Bordeaux, this side provides an unbeatable view of the Médoc peninsula and its famous vineyards.
Garden of England
Lush green landscapes of Kent and the winding Thames Estuary immediately after takeoff from Stansted.
French Farmland
Classic geometric agricultural patterns across the plains of Picardy and central France as the aircraft heads south.
Loire River
A crossing of France's longest river, often visible near the city of Tours or Angers depending on the specific airway.
Bordeaux City
Excellent views of the Garonne river and the historic Port of the Moon on approach if the aircraft lands from the northeast.
Choose the left side for morning flights to avoid the harsh southern sun and enjoy a more tranquil view of the rolling French interior. This side offers the best chance to see Bordeaux's historic city center if the wind dictates a landing on Runway 23.
Distance: 788 km (490 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 19 min
Departure: STN (51.8849983215, 0.234999999404)
Arrival: BOD (44.8283004761, -0.7155560255050001)
Route Type: International
Thank you for booking your travels through our travel partners. The commissions from your bookings keep this site running.