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VLC destination photo
NTE destination photo

VLCNTE

Which side of the plane to sit from Valencia Airport (Valencia) to Nantes Atlantique Airport (Nantes)?

Our Recommendation
8.5

Left Side of the Plane

The left side offers a spectacular vantage point of the Bay of Biscay coastline, including the massive Dune du Pilat and the intricate Gironde Estuary, providing a superior mix of mountains and ocean views.

Left Side Highlights
8.5
🏖️

Costa del Azahar

Aerial views of the 'Orange Blossom Coast' as you climb out of Valencia, featuring long sandy beaches and the Mediterranean.

🏔️

Western Pyrenees

Dramatic crossing of the mountain border between Spain and France, showcasing rugged peaks like Pic du Midi d'Ossau.

🏜️

Dune du Pilat

The tallest sand dune in Europe, located at the entrance of Arcachon Bay, creates a striking contrast against the pine forests.

🍷

Gironde Estuary

The massive confluence of the Garonne and Dordogne rivers, surrounded by the world-famous Médoc wine region.

🏝️

Île de Ré & La Rochelle

Bird's-eye view of the white-limestone islands and the historic coastal fortifications of La Rochelle.

Sit on the left for morning flights to keep the sun behind you for better photography. Keep your camera ready about 35-45 minutes into the flight for the Pyrenees crossing. Look for the distinctive 'V' shape of the Arcachon Bay as you enter French airspace over the coast.

Right Side Highlights
7.2
⛰️

Sistema Ibérico

The rugged, arid mountain ranges of eastern Spain, including the Sierra de Gúdar and Javalambre.

🏔️

Central Pyrenees

Views of the highest peaks of the range, including Aneto in the distance, often snow-capped well into summer.

🍇

Bordeaux Vineyards

Vast, geometrically perfect rows of vines stretching across the Entre-Deux-Mers region.

🏰

Loire Valley Approach

As you descend into Nantes, look for the winding Loire River and scattered chateaus nestled in the greenery.

The right side is ideal for evening flights to catch the golden hour light hitting the Pyrenees. It provides a more pastoral view of the French countryside and is generally better for spotting inland landmarks like the city of Bordeaux if the flight path stays coastal.

Top Activities in Nantes
Route Information

Distance: 857 km (533 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 26 min

Departure: VLC (39.4893, -0.481625)

Arrival: NTE (47.15319824220001, -1.61073005199)

Route Type: International

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