LYS

Best window seat at Saint Exupery

Which side of the plane?

Pick the window seat with the view. 13,500 routes answered — landmarks, coastlines and cities, wing by wing.

Taking offLEFT

Monts du Lyonnais, Rhône River valley, Fourvière Basilica area (northwest

LandingLEFT

Monts du Lyonnais, Rhône River valley floor, Lyon urban sprawl to the north

🛫 Taking Off from Lyon (LYS)

Best sideLeft
WhyRunway 35L departs northbound, and the left side offers views of the Monts du Lyonnais hills rising to the west and the Rhône valley opening northward. The right side faces the flatter, less distinctive terrain east toward the Alps foothills, which remain distant and hazy during initial climb.
Look forMonts du Lyonnais (western hills), Rhône River valley (north), Fourvière Basilica area (northwest, visible as urban sprawl), distant Alps on far horizon (northeast)

🛬 Landing at Lyon (LYS)

Best sideLeft
WhyLanding on runway 35L (northbound), the left side offers views of the Rhône Valley's eastern terrain and the approach path over the Monts du Lyonnais foothills. The right side faces the flatter western plain with fewer distinctive features during descent.
Look forMonts du Lyonnais (eastern ridge), Rhône River valley floor, Lyon urban sprawl to the north, Ain River confluence area

Lyon-Saint Exupéry is Lyon's main international airport, featuring a distinctive TGV train station designed by Santiago Calatrava that connects the airport directly to France's high-speed rail network. It has two main terminal buildings serving both domestic and international traffic.

⛰️ Elevation824 ft
🛫 Runways2 (17R/35L, 17L/35R)
✈️ HubeasyJet
📍 NearbyGNB 27 miCMF 39 miNCY 50 miGVA 60 miLPY 78 mi

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About This Airport

Which side of the plane has the best views at Saint Exupery (LYS)?

At Saint Exupery in Lyon: for takeoff, sit on the Left side; for landing, sit on the Left side. Notable views include: Monts du Lyonnais (western hills), Rhône River valley (north), Fourvière Basilica area (northwest, visible as urban sprawl), distant Alps on far horizon (northeast).

What can I see during takeoff from Saint Exupery in Lyon?

When taking off from Saint Exupery (LYS), sit on the Left side for the best views. Runway 35L departs northbound, and the left side offers views of the Monts du Lyonnais hills rising to the west and the Rhône valley opening northward. The right side faces the flatter, less distinctive terrain east toward the Alps foothills, which remain distant and hazy during initial climb. Notable sights include: Monts du Lyonnais (western hills), Rhône River valley (north), Fourvière Basilica area (northwest, visible as urban sprawl), distant Alps on far horizon (northeast).

What can I see when landing at Saint Exupery in Lyon?

When landing at Saint Exupery (LYS), sit on the Left side for the best views. Landing on runway 35L (northbound), the left side offers views of the Rhône Valley's eastern terrain and the approach path over the Monts du Lyonnais foothills. The right side faces the flatter western plain with fewer distinctive features during descent. Notable sights include: Monts du Lyonnais (eastern ridge), Rhône River valley floor, Lyon urban sprawl to the north, Ain River confluence area.

What factors affect the best window seat at Saint Exupery?

The best window seat at Saint Exupery (LYS) depends on several factors: the typical runway used for your departure or arrival, the geographic features around Lyon (mountains, coastlines, city skylines), weather conditions, and time of day. Morning and evening flights often offer the best lighting for scenic views.