The right side delivers the most dramatic single moment of the flight — the banking turn over London with the Thames and city skyline clearly visible. The left side has a good landing approach over the Gironde, but the London departure view is the standout experience on this short route.
Flight Path
The flight crosses the English Channel near the Cherbourg Peninsula, then tracks over Normandy and the Loire Valley. You pass over the broad agricultural plains of the Vendée and Poitou-Charentes before descending toward the Gironde. The Loire River may be visible as a wide pale ribbon crossing the landscape roughly halfway through the flight.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from LHR
RIGHTHeathrow typically departs westbound on runways 27L/27R, then aircraft turn south toward France. A right-side seat gives you the Thames Valley, central London, and the City skyline as the aircraft banks left over the capital. You get a clear view of the river snaking east toward the city.
Landing at BOD
LEFTBordeaux Merignac typically lands on runway 23, approaching from the northeast over the Gironde estuary and the Bordeaux urban area. A left-side seat gives you the Gironde estuary, the city of Bordeaux along the Garonne, and the vineyard landscapes of the Médoc peninsula.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Heathrow (LHR) to Merignac (BOD)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from London to Bordeaux. The right side delivers the most dramatic single moment of the flight — the banking turn over London with the Thames and city skyline clearly visible. The left side has a good landing approach over the Gironde, but the London departure view is the standout experience on this short route.
What can I see during takeoff from Heathrow in London?
During takeoff from Heathrow (LHR), sit on the Right side for the best views. Heathrow typically departs westbound on runways 27L/27R, then aircraft turn south toward France. A right-side seat gives you the Thames Valley, central London, and the City skyline as the aircraft banks left over the capital. You get a clear view of the river snaking east toward the city. Notable sights include: Thames River corridor, City of London skyline with The Shard and Canary Wharf towers, Windsor Castle and Great Park, Surrey Hills.
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 lands on runway 23, approaching from the northeast over the Gironde estuary and the Bordeaux urban area. A left-side seat gives you the Gironde estuary, the city of Bordeaux along the Garonne, and the vineyard landscapes of the Médoc peninsula. Notable sights include: Gironde estuary, Garonne River through Bordeaux city centre, Médoc vineyard peninsula, Landes pine forest.
How long is the flight from London to Bordeaux?
The flight from Heathrow (LHR) to Merignac (BOD) takes Approximately 1 hour 45 minutes.
What does the London to Bordeaux flight path pass over?
The flight crosses the English Channel near the Cherbourg Peninsula, then tracks over Normandy and the Loire Valley. You pass over the broad agricultural plains of the Vendée and Poitou-Charentes before descending toward the Gironde. The Loire River may be visible as a wide pale ribbon crossing the landscape roughly halfway through the flight.