The right side delivers the standout moment of the flight: the Alpine panorama on departure from Lyon is genuinely spectacular and hard to match. The London approach on the left is interesting but urban and relatively low-drama. Right side wins overall for the Alps alone.
Flight Path
After clearing the Alps, the route tracks northwest over the Burgundy plateau and the gentle hills of the Morvan, then crosses the Paris Basin — flat arable farmland with occasional river valleys including the Seine and Yonne. Over northern France the terrain flattens further into the chalk plains of Picardy before crossing the English Channel near Boulogne-sur-Mer, then the North Downs of Kent on descent into London.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from LYS
RIGHTLyon-Saint Exupéry's primary runway 36 departure heads north, placing the Alps squarely on the right (east) side. You get a clear view of the Belledonne massif and the broader western Alpine wall as the aircraft climbs out over the Rhône plain.
Landing at LHR
LEFTHeathrow's dominant runway 27L/27R approach comes in from the east heading west, putting central London on the left (south) side of the aircraft. The Thames, the City, and the wider urban sprawl are clearly visible on the left throughout the approach.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Saint Exupery (LYS) to Heathrow (LHR)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Lyon to London. The right side delivers the standout moment of the flight: the Alpine panorama on departure from Lyon is genuinely spectacular and hard to match. The London approach on the left is interesting but urban and relatively low-drama. Right side wins overall for the Alps alone.
What can I see during takeoff from Saint Exupery in Lyon?
During takeoff from Saint Exupery (LYS), sit on the Right side for the best views. Lyon-Saint Exupéry's primary runway 36 departure heads north, placing the Alps squarely on the right (east) side. You get a clear view of the Belledonne massif and the broader western Alpine wall as the aircraft climbs out over the Rhône plain. Notable sights include: Belledonne massif, Chartreuse massif, Rhône river valley, Lyon city centre to the southwest.
What can I see when landing at Heathrow in London?
When landing at Heathrow (LHR), sit on the Left side for the best views. Heathrow's dominant runway 27L/27R approach comes in from the east heading west, putting central London on the left (south) side of the aircraft. The Thames, the City, and the wider urban sprawl are clearly visible on the left throughout the approach. Notable sights include: River Thames through central London, Windsor Castle and Windsor Great Park, Wembley Stadium arch, the City of London skyline.
How long is the flight from Lyon to London?
The flight from Saint Exupery (LYS) to Heathrow (LHR) takes Approximately 1 hour 45 minutes.
What does the Lyon to London flight path pass over?
After clearing the Alps, the route tracks northwest over the Burgundy plateau and the gentle hills of the Morvan, then crosses the Paris Basin — flat arable farmland with occasional river valleys including the Seine and Yonne. Over northern France the terrain flattens further into the chalk plains of Picardy before crossing the English Channel near Boulogne-sur-Mer, then the North Downs of Kent on descent into London.