About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Gatwick (LGW) to Merignac (BOD)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from London to Bordeaux. While the right side has the better takeoff view over Brighton and the Channel coast, the left side wins overall for the more dramatic landing approach over the Garonne and Bordeaux city center. During the cruise over France the left side also tracks closer to the Loire valley and the Dordogne river systems as the route progresses south.
What can I see during takeoff from Gatwick in London?
During takeoff from Gatwick (LGW), sit on the Right side for the best views. Gatwick's runway 26L/08R means westbound departures typically head west or southwest. On a right-hand turn out heading south toward France, the right side gets views over the Surrey Hills and the English Channel coast near Worthing and Brighton. The left side faces inland toward London suburbs with less visual interest. Notable sights include: Brighton seafront and Palace Pier, the South Downs escarpment, English Channel coastline, Worthing and Shoreham-by-Sea coastal strip.
What can I see when landing at Merignac in Bordeaux?
When landing at Merignac (BOD), sit on the Left side for the best views. Bordeaux Merignac typically uses runway 23 for southwesterly landings, meaning the approach track comes from the northeast over the Gironde estuary and the city of Bordeaux itself. The left side on this approach looks southeast over the city center, the Garonne river bend, and the wine-growing plateau of Entre-Deux-Mers. The right side faces northwest over the flat Medoc pine forests with less visual interest. Notable sights include: Gironde estuary, Garonne river and its distinctive crescent bend through Bordeaux city center, Medoc vineyard plateau, Landes pine forest.
How long is the flight from London to Bordeaux?
The flight from Gatwick (LGW) to Merignac (BOD) takes Approximately 1 hour 40 minutes.
What does the London to Bordeaux flight path pass over?
The flight crosses the English Channel near Dieppe, then tracks south-southwest over Normandy and the Loire Valley. The Loire river itself may be visible as a broad pale ribbon near Tours. Further south the Dordogne and Lot river valleys cut through limestone plateaux visible as winding dark lines through agricultural land before the Garonne basin opens up approaching Bordeaux.