The right side wins overall due to the spectacular Marseille coastal departure views over the Calanques and Vieux-Port, which are more visually dramatic than the Frankfurt approach. During the cruise phase, the right side also tracks closer to the Rhône Valley and the southern Vosges as the route heads northeast through France.
Flight Path
The route tracks northeast over the Rhône Valley north of Lyon, then crosses the Burgundy plateau and the Vosges foothills before entering German airspace over the Rhine plain near Strasbourg. The Rhine River itself may be briefly visible on the right side as the aircraft crosses into Germany, and the Black Forest ridge appears as a dark elevated plateau to the east.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from MRS
RIGHTMarseille's primary departure to the north uses runway 13R/31L. Departing northbound, the right side gives you a clear view back over the Vieux-Port and the city center, plus the limestone Calanques coastline stretching southeast. The left side faces inland scrubland.
Landing at FRA
LEFTFrankfurt typically lands from the west on runways 25L/25R, meaning the approach is from the east heading westward. The left side on final approach gives a clear view of the Frankfurt skyline and the Main River bend as you descend. The right side faces the flat Taunus foothills with less visual interest.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Provence (MRS) to Frankfurt Main (FRA)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Marseille to Frankfurt. The right side wins overall due to the spectacular Marseille coastal departure views over the Calanques and Vieux-Port, which are more visually dramatic than the Frankfurt approach. During the cruise phase, the right side also tracks closer to the Rhône Valley and the southern Vosges as the route heads northeast through France.
What can I see during takeoff from Provence in Marseille?
During takeoff from Provence (MRS), sit on the Right side for the best views. Marseille's primary departure to the north uses runway 13R/31L. Departing northbound, the right side gives you a clear view back over the Vieux-Port and the city center, plus the limestone Calanques coastline stretching southeast. The left side faces inland scrubland. Notable sights include: Vieux-Port of Marseille, Calanques limestone cliffs and inlets, Étang de Berre lagoon to the northwest, Chaîne de l'Étoile hills.
What can I see when landing at Frankfurt Main in Frankfurt?
When landing at Frankfurt Main (FRA), sit on the Left side for the best views. Frankfurt typically lands from the west on runways 25L/25R, meaning the approach is from the east heading westward. The left side on final approach gives a clear view of the Frankfurt skyline and the Main River bend as you descend. The right side faces the flat Taunus foothills with less visual interest. Notable sights include: Frankfurt city skyline (Bankenviertel), Main River and its characteristic bend, Taunus hills to the north, Rhine-Main plain.
How long is the flight from Marseille to Frankfurt?
The flight from Provence (MRS) to Frankfurt Main (FRA) takes Approximately 1 hour 30 minutes.
What does the Marseille to Frankfurt flight path pass over?
The route tracks northeast over the Rhône Valley north of Lyon, then crosses the Burgundy plateau and the Vosges foothills before entering German airspace over the Rhine plain near Strasbourg. The Rhine River itself may be briefly visible on the right side as the aircraft crosses into Germany, and the Black Forest ridge appears as a dark elevated plateau to the east.