Loading map...
STN → LRH
Which side of the plane to sit from London Stansted Airport (London) to La Rochelle-Île de Ré Airport (La Rochelle)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side is the clear winner for this route, offering spectacular views of the Atlantic coastline, the islands of the Charente-Maritime, and a prime angle for the iconic Île de Ré bridge during the final approach.
Search flights from STN to LRH
Thames Estuary
If the flight path trends west, catch a view of the Thames winding toward London and the massive container ports at Tilbury.
Mont-Saint-Michel Bay
On clear days, you may spot the distant silhouette of the famous abbey island in the bay between Normandy and Brittany.
Atlantic Coastline
Enjoy a continuous view of the rugged French Atlantic coast, including the sandy beaches of the Vendée region.
Île de Ré Bridge
The highlight of the trip: a perfect view of the 2.9km curving bridge connecting the island to the mainland just before touchdown.
La Rochelle Harbour
Spot the historic Old Port towers and the modern Les Minimes marina, one of the largest in Europe, as you bank for landing.
The right side offers the best lighting for afternoon flights. For the best experience, choose a window seat forward of the wing to capture the Île de Ré and its bridge without engine heat haze. The descent usually follows the coastline, providing excellent opportunities for aerial photography of the salt marshes and oyster beds characteristic of this region.
Book Hotels in La Rochelle
London and Essex
Glimpse the sprawling suburbs of North London and the rural landscapes of Essex immediately after takeoff from Stansted.
English Channel
Look down at one of the world's busiest shipping lanes, often dotted with cargo ships and ferries crossing between the UK and France.
Normandy Coastline
Clear views of the French shoreline near Dieppe and the dramatic chalk cliffs that define the Upper Normandy region.
Marais Poitevin
As you descend, look for the 'Green Venice' – a vast network of canals and lush wetlands just north of La Rochelle.
On the left, the sun will likely be in your face during morning flights, potentially causing glare. This side is best for seeing the rural interior of France and the dense greenery of the Poitevin marshes. Sit behind the wing for the clearest view of the landscape once the plane begins its descent over the mainland.
Get eSIMs for United Kingdom
Get eSIMs for FranceDistance: 643 km (400 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 4 min
Departure: STN (51.8849983215, 0.234999999404)
Arrival: LRH (46.17919921875, -1.1952799558639526)
Route Type: International
Thank you for booking your travels through our travel partners. The commissions from your bookings keep this site running.