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ZRH destination photo
BOD destination photo

ZRHBOD

Which side of the plane to sit from Zürich Airport (Zurich) to Bordeaux-Mérignac Airport (Bordeaux)?

Our Recommendation
8.7

Left Side of the Plane

The left side offers a superior panorama of the Swiss Alps shortly after takeoff, followed by a crossing of the volcanic Massif Central and a scenic approach over the prestigious vineyards of the Garonne valley.

Left Side Highlights
8.7
🏔️

Swiss Alps Panoramas

Breathtaking views of the Bernese Oberland and potentially the Mont Blanc massif shortly after departure from Zurich.

💧

Lake Geneva

The southern crescent of the lake including the French Alps reflecting in the water near the Swiss border.

🌋

Massif Central

Dramatic aerial views of the Chaîne des Puys, featuring extinct volcanic domes and craters in central France.

🍇

Entre-Deux-Mers Vineyards

The geometric patterns of the famous Bordeaux wine estates between the Garonne and Dordogne rivers during descent.

🏰

Saint-Émilion

Spot the historic UNESCO-listed medieval village and its surrounding world-class vineyards on the final approach.

Book a window seat behind the wing for unobstructed views of the Alps. For morning flights, the sun will be behind you, providing excellent lighting for photography of the mountain peaks and the volcanic craters of Auvergne.

Right Side Highlights
6.8
⛰️

Jura Mountains

The distinct folded limestone ridges of the Jura range marking the border between Switzerland and France.

🏰

Loire Valley

Distant views of the meandering Loire river and the lush 'Garden of France' region to the north.

🌳

Limousin Forests

Vast expanses of deep green forests and rolling hills as the flight crosses the western interior of France.

🌊

Gironde Estuary

The massive scale of Europe's largest estuary where the rivers meet the Atlantic, visible just before landing.

🏢

Bordeaux Cityscape

A clear view of the 'Port of the Moon' and the sweeping curves of the Garonne river if landing from the east.

The right side is ideal for late afternoon flights to avoid the direct glare of the sun. It provides the best perspective of the Gironde Estuary's vast scale and the layout of Bordeaux city if the wind requires an approach from the west.

Top Activities in Bordeaux
Route Information

Distance: 771 km (479 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 17 min

Departure: ZRH (47.464699, 8.54917)

Arrival: BOD (44.8283004761, -0.7155560255050001)

Route Type: International

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