The right side captures the spectacular Marseille coastline and Calanques on departure, then during cruise over the Rhône Valley and into the Alps offers views of the western Alpine ridges including the Vercors and Chartreuse massifs. The left side has a slight edge only at Zurich landing, but the takeoff scenery on the right is far more dramatic and distinctive.
Flight Path
The flight tracks northeast over the Rhône Valley, crossing the Drôme and Ardèche departments. The Vercors plateau and Chartreuse massif are visible to the right. Further north, the flight crosses the Jura mountains — a series of parallel forested limestone ridges — before descending into the Swiss Mittelland toward Zurich. Lake Geneva (Lac Léman) may be visible to the left in the distance depending on exact routing.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from MRS
RIGHTMarseille's primary departure runway 31L/31R sends aircraft northwest, putting the Mediterranean coast, the Calanques limestone cliffs, and the city's Old Port on the right side. The left side faces inland scrubland with little of interest.
Landing at ZRH
LEFTZurich typically uses runway 14 or 28 for arrivals depending on wind. On the common runway 14 approach from the northwest, the left side gives a clear view of Lake Zurich stretching southeast into the Alps, with the city center visible below. The right side faces suburban Zurich and the Glatttal 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 Zurich (ZRH)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Marseille to Zurich. The right side captures the spectacular Marseille coastline and Calanques on departure, then during cruise over the Rhône Valley and into the Alps offers views of the western Alpine ridges including the Vercors and Chartreuse massifs. The left side has a slight edge only at Zurich landing, but the takeoff scenery on the right is far more dramatic and distinctive.
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 runway 31L/31R sends aircraft northwest, putting the Mediterranean coast, the Calanques limestone cliffs, and the city's Old Port on the right side. The left side faces inland scrubland with little of interest. Notable sights include: Calanques coastline, Marseille Old Port (Vieux-Port), Château d'If island, Étang de Berre lagoon.
What can I see when landing at Zurich in Zurich?
When landing at Zurich (ZRH), sit on the Left side for the best views. Zurich typically uses runway 14 or 28 for arrivals depending on wind. On the common runway 14 approach from the northwest, the left side gives a clear view of Lake Zurich stretching southeast into the Alps, with the city center visible below. The right side faces suburban Zurich and the Glatttal with less visual interest. Notable sights include: Lake Zurich (Zürichsee), Zurich city center, Lake Greifen (Greifensee), Glarus Alps on the horizon.
How long is the flight from Marseille to Zurich?
The flight from Provence (MRS) to Zurich (ZRH) takes Approximately 1 hour 20 minutes.
What does the Marseille to Zurich flight path pass over?
The flight tracks northeast over the Rhône Valley, crossing the Drôme and Ardèche departments. The Vercors plateau and Chartreuse massif are visible to the right. Further north, the flight crosses the Jura mountains — a series of parallel forested limestone ridges — before descending into the Swiss Mittelland toward Zurich. Lake Geneva (Lac Léman) may be visible to the left in the distance depending on exact routing.