While the left side dominates the scenic takeoff from Marseille, the right side provides the more memorable landing experience over the Potomac River and Washington landmarks. For a transatlantic flight, the landing view typically outweighs the departure in passenger preference.
Flight Path
The flight path crosses the Atlantic at high altitude (35,000+ feet), passing over the Bay of Biscay, the British Isles (typically to the north), and the North Atlantic. At cruise altitude, individual landmarks become difficult to distinguish, but passengers may glimpse the Azores if the southern route is taken, and the Newfoundland coast or Nova Scotia on approach to North America. The most notable midpoint feature is the Atlantic Ocean itself—a vast, featureless expanse that dominates the 6+ hour oceanic crossing.
Great circle distance and headings ›.jpg?width=600)
.jpeg?width=600)
Phase by phase
Takeoff from MRS
LEFTLeft side offers immediate views of the Mediterranean coastline and the Massif de l'Estérel as you climb out from Marseille. The aircraft departs eastward initially, so the left wing captures the dramatic rocky coast and sea that define this region.
Landing at DCA
RIGHTOn descent into DCA, the aircraft approaches from the northeast over the Potomac River valley. Right-side seats capture the Potomac River itself, the Shenandoah Valley ridgelines to the west, and the final approach over Arlington and central Washington landmarks.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
Will your flight be in sunlight?
See exactly which side of the plane gets sun and shade at your departure time.
About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Provence (MRS) to Ronald Reagan Washington National (DCA)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Marseille to Washington. While the left side dominates the scenic takeoff from Marseille, the right side provides the more memorable landing experience over the Potomac River and Washington landmarks. For a transatlantic flight, the landing view typically outweighs the departure in passenger preference.
What can I see during takeoff from Provence in Marseille?
During takeoff from Provence (MRS), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left side offers immediate views of the Mediterranean coastline and the Massif de l'Estérel as you climb out from Marseille. The aircraft departs eastward initially, so the left wing captures the dramatic rocky coast and sea that define this region. Notable sights include: Mediterranean Sea, Massif de l'Estérel (red porphyry mountains), Îles d'Hyères, Gulf of Lion coastline.
What can I see when landing at Ronald Reagan Washington National in Washington?
When landing at Ronald Reagan Washington National (DCA), sit on the Right side for the best views. On descent into DCA, the aircraft approaches from the northeast over the Potomac River valley. Right-side seats capture the Potomac River itself, the Shenandoah Valley ridgelines to the west, and the final approach over Arlington and central Washington landmarks. Notable sights include: Potomac River, Blue Ridge Mountains (distant), Shenandoah Valley, Washington Monument and National Mall district.
How long is the flight from Marseille to Washington?
The flight from Provence (MRS) to Ronald Reagan Washington National (DCA) takes Approximately 9.5 to 10.5 hours.
What does the Marseille to Washington flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Atlantic at high altitude (35,000+ feet), passing over the Bay of Biscay, the British Isles (typically to the north), and the North Atlantic. At cruise altitude, individual landmarks become difficult to distinguish, but passengers may glimpse the Azores if the southern route is taken, and the Newfoundland coast or Nova Scotia on approach to North America. The most notable midpoint feature is the Atlantic Ocean itself—a vast, featureless expanse that dominates the 6+ hour oceanic crossing.