Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Montreal to Lyon. Right-side seats capture the dramatic Laurentian Mountains at takeoff and provide better views of the Atlantic crossing's northern route. While left wins at landing, the 7+ hour flight path favors the right side for the more visually interesting departure and the extended midpoint views over Greenland and the North Atlantic.

During takeoff from Montreal International Dorval (YUL), sit on the Right side for the best views. Montreal typically departs eastbound (Runways 06L/06R). Right-side seats face north across the St. Lawrence River valley and the Laurentian Mountains, offering immediate dramatic relief and forested terrain. Left side shows the flat suburban sprawl west toward Ontario. Notable sights include: St. Lawrence River (immediate north), Laurentian Mountains (north, rising to ~3,000 ft elevation), Île Perrot (west in river), Montreal urban grid (south and southeast).

When landing at Saint Exupery (LYS), sit on the Left side for the best views. Lyon typically lands westbound (Runways 32L/32R). Left-side seats descend over the Rhône River valley and can see the confluence of the Rhône and Saône rivers, the city's distinctive peninsula, and the Alps on the distant eastern horizon. Right side shows only the industrial western suburbs. Notable sights include: Rhône River (major waterway, visible as silvery ribbon), Saône River (converging from north), Lyon city center on peninsula between rivers, Alps (distant eastern horizon, snow-capped peaks).

The flight from Montreal International Dorval (YUL) to Saint Exupery (LYS) takes Approximately 7 hours 15 minutes.

The flight path crosses the North Atlantic on a great-circle route. Right-side seats will see Greenland's ice sheet and coastal mountains during the mid-flight portion (around 3-4 hours out), appearing as a vast white expanse with dark rock outcrops visible along the eastern coast. The flight passes well north of Iceland. Over the Atlantic, right-side seats may catch views of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge's elevated terrain if flying at optimal altitude and lighting. As the aircraft approaches Europe, the Scandinavian Peninsula and North Sea become visible, with the Norwegian coast's fjords and mountains appearing on the right. The final approach into Lyon brings views of the French Alps and the Rhône valley system.