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Abbeville Airfield  Agen Airport  Amiens Glisy Airfield  Angouleme Airport  Annecy Airport  Bergerac Airport  Bordeaux Airport  Calais Airfield  Candillargues Airfield  Cannes-Mandelieu Airport  Chatellerault Airfield  Chavenay Airfield  Chelles le Pin Airfield  Clermont Ferrand Airport  Coulommiers Airfield  Creil Airfield  Cuers-Pierrefeu Airport  Etampes-Mondesir Airfield  Fontenay Tresigny Airfield  La Ferte Alais Airfield  La Ferte Gaucher Airfield  Le Plessis-Belleville Airfield  Lens Airfield  Les Moeres Airfield  Lille-Marcq en Barouel Airfield  Limoges Airport  Lognes Airfield  Lyon-Bron Airport  Lyon-St Exupery Airport  Marseille Airport  Massy-Ecole Technique Air France  Meaux Esbly Airfield  Merville Airfield  Monaco Heliport  Montpellier Airport  Nice Airport  Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport  Paris-Issy les Moulineaux Heliport  Paris-Le Bourget Airport  Paris-Orly Airport  Perpignan Airport  Persan-Beaumont Airfield  Pontoise-Cormeilles en Vexin Airfield  Reims-Prunay Airfield  Rodez Airport  St. Cyr-l'Ecole Airfield  St. Etienne Airport  St. Inglevert Airfield  St. Omer Airfield  Savigny les Beaune Museum  Toulouse Area Preserved  Toulouse-Blagnac Airport  Toulouse-Francazal Airport  Toulouse-Lasbordes Airfield  Toussus-le-Noble Airport  Vatry Airport  Vitry-en-Atrois Airfield

Aircraft Spotting at France's Airports and Airfields

Please note, only Charles de Gaulle airport requires a permit to photograph aircraft, details are below, though you are advised to keep it with you at any of these airports just in case.

ABBEVILLE AIRFIELD (LFOI/XAB)
Spotting Info
Gate guard 287 Mystere is preserved here. Friendly, ask for access.
Added 14 June 2009



AGEN AIRPORT (LFBA/AGF) - TWR 121.3, APP (Toulouse) 125.175
Spotting Info
Once you get to the terminal area make sure that you drive past the hangars that you can reach by car, as you may see a number of light aircraft as well as a couple of biz. There is also a parachuting club here.
Added 4 May 2009



AMIENS GLISY AIRFIELD (LFAY/QAM)
Spotting Info
Very friendly, ask at clubhouse for access and then ask at each of the many hangars.
Added 14 June 2009



ANGOULEME AIRPORT (LFBU/ANG) - TWR 123.15
Spotting Info
You can read off everything parked on the ramps from the road that runs parallel with the runway and around the terminal area.
Added 8 May 2009

ANNECY AIRPORT (LFLP/NCY) - TWR 118.2, APP 123.7
Spotting Info
Aircraft parked on the main apron can be read from either side of the small terminal. Most aircraft are hangared in four long hangars whose doors seem to stay shut other than when moving aircraft in or out. There's also a Securite civile helipad and a flying club hangar further along. Don't know whether airside access is easily possible, but might not be particularly fruitful anyway due the closed doors.
Correct 15 July 2009

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BERGERAC AIRPORT (LFBE/EGC) - TWR 119.8, APP 119.275
Spotting Info
Good views of apron and runway from terminal cafe. The flying club is friendly, ask for access though I don't know if it will be granted. If not the old hangars have a few gaps in.
Added 23 May 2009



BORDEAUX AIRPORT (LFBD/BOD) - TWR 118.3, APP 121.2
Spotting Info
The military base is at the south of the airport. Outside the entrance to the base is gate guard 56/CC Mystere IVP. With this on your right, if you continue past it and look through the trees on your right, you will see 306/8-MW Mystere in a take off pose on a pole. It's just before the roundabout. North of the airport is the maintenance facility off the D213. Come off the A630 and head west on D213. Straight over the first 3 roundabouts and turn left at the next one. Follow this to the end for views of ramps. Back to roundabout and turn left onto D213 west again. Left at the next roundabout onto Rue Marcel Issartier and follow this end until you come to the waste ground at the end near to buildings belonging to the company dealing with zero G flights, Novespace - views of ramps and the stored A300s, Mercures and Caravelle. This is a good place to stay and log movements without hassle - 05/23 is right in front, 11/29 is a bit distant but still ok to read them off. The preserved aircraft and viewing areas are plotted in the Spotting in France download for Google Maps and Google Earth. At the terminal there aren't really any views but the road running past the TNT area gives views of the freight ramp.
Added 24 May 2009

CALAIS AIRFIELD (LFAC/CQF) - TWR 128.925
Spotting Info
Assuming you are coming from the port, ignore the centre ville signs and follow the Paris/Reims ones. Go up onto Rocade Est (dual carriageway), round the long bend past the factory and ignore the next exit (unless you need fuel then the filling station in the trading estate off left is among the cheaper ones). Continue to the next junction with the A16/E40, move into the left lane but DON'T take the 1st exit road signposted Tunnel sous la Manche/Boulogne. The road then splits again, AGAIN take the LEFT lane and stay in it. Slow down because at the top of the bridge the road curves quite sharply down to the left, signposted Dunkerque/Belgique, down and round and join the A16/E40 heading north. Proceed to the next exit signposted Marck/Transmarck, up to the crossroads and STOP at the stop sign. The police often sit on the other side of the bridge and collect an 80 Euros spot fine if you don't stop (this is where you would join if you were driving south on the A16/E40). Down from the bridge to the brick roundabout (left is Pidou for cheap booze and right is Scania trucks another cheap[er] fuel station), but you want straight across, over the level crossing to the roundabout. Turn right onto D248 Avenue de Calais. You want the fifth left, it's a sort of fork, Rue Victor Hugo. Go past the school and out onto the 'green' ahead in the opposite corner you will see 'Cafe du Rallye', you want the road to the right of it, Avenue l'aeroport. Just follow this for about 1km to the airfield. You can't see much of the apron so drive along to the last hanger on the left - 'Securite Civile'. Here you get a marginally better view. Best go back out of the airfield turn left, follow past the flying club hanger and you will see a dead end fork to the left. Here you can park and look back across the apron. It's not usually very busy, best at weekends and you will probably see a couple of British PPLs on the their first sortie across the channel. 515/3-JN Mirage is preserved here and its location is plotted in the Spotting in France download for Google Maps and Google Earth.
Added 21 May 2009

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CANDILLARGUES AIRFIELD (LFNG)
Spotting Info
Various places to park up and look between the hangars as various fuselages and bits and pieces are stored here. If you're unable to log everything there's a spot on the other side of the airfield that has views into the hangars if any are open. I don't know if they allow access here so if they don't this could be a good spot. Exit the airfield and turn left. Left again at the crossroads and follow the track for views across the airfield. This track is plotted in the Spotting in France download for Google Maps and Google Earth.
Added 4 May 2009



CANNES-MANDELIEU AIRPORT (LFMD/CEQ)

All 57 French airports - their locations, hotels and viewing areas have been plotted on Google Maps and Google Earth's satellite imagery and are all available in one download for just £3.50
Planning your spotting trip has never been easier. Please read the Release Notes for an example screenshot and further details

Spotting Info
The gate guard Beech 18 on the pole is F-BUOP. Immediately after the first hanger on your left is a small lay-by on the opposite side of the road. This looks across the apron of 4 hangers and the Campanile hotel is on your right. Continue towards the terminal, just before which you have to turn right. You would have to do a U-turn to cross the front of the terminal, but DON'T do the U-turn, follow the cinder road round and after the small clubhouse on your left you can see across the apron. Continue along past a second clubhouse, you are quite close to a taxiway here, follow and it brings you out by the Beech 18. Turn right into the airfield again. Follow as before then park in front of the terminal and there is an area where you can get up to the fence. There are areas either side of the terminal where all biz movements can be seen. Try and avoid the security gate adjacent to the first hanger. Here resides a grumpy French woman who asks you not to write down info or use camera/poles. If you keep close to the terminal you won't be bothered, the security guards are happy to let you stay there. Drive to the end of the terminal, but don't follow the exit sign. Turn left into the road that runs behind the hangers. If you park and walk along behind the hangers there are a few places where you can walk beside them to the fence & read off most of what is on the apron. Follow the exit past the Beech to the roundabout, turn right (1st exit) to the traffic lights with the Kyriad Hotel off to your left. Turn right again onto the dual carriageway, follow round and you can read off (as you drive) what is on the apron of the hangers opposite where you last were. Continue and as you approach the roundabout take the slip road off right into Allee des Mouettes. Follow to the end and you are now opposite the hangers. Turn round, take first right into Allee des Comorans and follow to the last building on your right - a Marriot hotel. If the barrier is up (as it usually is) turn into their car park, go as far as you can and you are now looking across to the terminal apron. Out of the Marriot, turn right, follow to the end and turn right into Allee de Gabians. Follow to the end and you should now be able to see what aircraft the Securite Civile have impounded. All these viewing areas, the Beech 18 and the route to the south side viewing spots are all plotted in the Spotting in France download for Google Maps and Google Earth.

Photography
If they are landing on 17, from the Marriot hotel go back to the dual carriageway, turn left 3rd exit and at the traffic lights turn left, sort of filter lane. Continue past the airport entrance, straight across the roundabout (2nd exit) to next roundabout. Turn left (3rd exit) onto the dual carriageway (D6007) Aveneu de Marechal Lyautey. Follow to the roundabout and turn left (3rd exit). Follow this short dual carriageway to the roundabout and you are almost opposite the flying clubs and quite close to the runway threshold. There are shops with car parks to your left. This place is plotted in the Spotting in France download for Google Maps and Google Earth.
Updated 23 April 2009

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CHATELLERAULT AIRFIELD (LFCA/XCX)
Spotting Info
133 Fouga Magister is the gate guard. Preserved alongside the D910 north of the town at the SNECMA factory is 338 Fouga Magister. Both preserved aircraft are plotted in the Spotting in France download for Google Maps and Google Earth.
Added 29 July 2009



CHAVENAY AIRFIELD (LFPX)
Spotting Info
Friendly, ask for access.
Added 29 July 2009

CHELLES LE PIN AIRFIELD (LFPH)
Spotting Info
Friendly, ask for access. Hi-viz vests may be required.
Added 11 May 2009



CLERMONT FERRAND AIRPORT (LFLC/CFE) - TWR 118.625, APP 120.325
Spotting Info
As you turn off the main road towards the airport you have views of the aprons and taxiway. You can park in the short stay car park and walk across to the fence for views of the cul-de-sac apron and the hangar owned by Air France Regional. The road Chemin de Pralong runs along the west boundary and from various places along here everything can be read off. At the military base south side is 70 Mirage gate guard. These are plotted in the Spotting in France download for Google Maps and Google Earth.
Added 29 July 2009

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COULOMMIERS AIRFIELD (LFPK)
Spotting Info
Friendly, ask for access and at each hangar. The owner of the flexwing shed is very wary as he has had Rotax engines stolen in the past. Talk to him first, access may be denied.
Added 19 June 2009



CREIL AIRFIELD (LFPC/CSF) - TWR 123.3, APP (Charles de Gaulle) 119.85
Spotting Info
The military base is on the south side, with the flying club and F-BICV Huriel Dubois stored on the north west side - its location is plotted in the Spotting in France download for Google Maps and Google Earth. You can ask at the IGN for access to their hangar, they have a fleet of 4 King Airs and they usually grant access but they are normally only there weekdays during working hours.
Added 18 June 2009

CUERS-PIERREFEU AIRPORT (LFTF) - TWR 118.275
Spotting Info
Two sides to this airport - the flying club is northside, friendly, ask for access and you should be escorted round. SP-AOO An2, F-BRIE AL-60, F-BTYQ PA23 and 12 CM-175 are stored here in the long grass. 440/13-QF Mirage is preserved outside Association Variose des Avions de Collection but I don't know about access inside. The south side is the military base where there are 3 or 4 Breguet Atlantiques stored. All stored and preserved aircraft are plotted in the Spotting in France download for Google Maps and Google Earth.
Added 5 June 2009

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ETAMPES-MONDESIR AIRFIELD (LFOX)
Spotting Info
Three separate areas to this airfield. Friendly, ask for access.
Added 15 June 2009



FONTENAY TRESIGNY AIRFIELD (LFPQ)
Spotting Info
Friendly ask for access. F-BACC Breguet 763 is stored here and is the airfield cafe - its location is plotted in the Spotting in France download for Google Maps and Google Earth.
Added 17 July 2009



LA FERTE ALAIS AIRFIELD (LFFQ)
Spotting Info
Friendly, ask for access. Gaps in hangars if it's all locked up. Museum is open Monday-Wedenesday and Friday from 0900-1200 and 1330-1700, and weekends and bank holidays from 1400-1800. Visit Amicale Jean-Baptiste Salis for more info.
Added 15 June 2009

LA FERTE GAUCHER AIRFIELD (LFFG)
Spotting Info
Friendly, ask for access.
Added 7 April 2009



LE PLESSIS-BELLEVILLE AIRFIELD (LFPP)
Spotting Info
Home of the French Cirrus Centre, friendly, ask for access and at each hangar though due to the nature of their business they may ask you not to photograph or report on certain aircraft.
Added 7 April 2009

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LENS AIRFIELD (LFQL/XLE)
Spotting Info
Friendly, ask for access.
Added 10 June 2009

LES MOERES AIRFIELD (LFAK/XDK)
Spotting Info
3 small hangers - furthest is ULMs and the middle one has a small cafeteria. Not many based, not very busy, only seems to be active at weekends.
Added 10 April 2009



LILLE-MARCQ EN BAROUEL AIRFIELD (LFQO)
Spotting Info
Friendly, ask at the flying club for access airside then ask at each hangar to enter.
Added 11 May 2009



LIMOGES AIRPORT (LFBL/LIG) - TWR 118.175, APP 119.2
Spotting Info
There are views from the terminal area approach road and a gate area near the cargo ramp to view the airliners.
Added 20 April 2009



LOGNES AIRFIELD (LFPL/XLG)
Spotting Info
Generally friendly but very cautious so make sure you ask for access. The tower may refuse access sometimes but they advise you ask at each hangar for access anyway, which is often granted.
Added 1 June 2009

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LYON-BRON AIRPORT (LFLY/LYN) - TWR 118.1, APP 119.45
Spotting Info
There's a road that runs the length of the ramps/terminal/flying club - just turn off down each side road for various views, you'll log most if not all.
Added 4 May 2009



LYON-ST. EXUPERY AIRPORT (LFLL/LYS) - TWR 120.45, APP 120.225 & 125.8

All 57 French airports - their locations, hotels and viewing areas have been plotted on Google Maps and Google Earth's satellite imagery and are all available in one download for just £3.50
Planning your spotting trip has never been easier. Please read the Release Notes for an example screenshot and further details

Spotting Info
No views from the terminal area by driving round. The locals use a place north of the terminals alongside the runway - from the terminal area, take the D517 and follow signs for Pusignan. This road is a long straight road that leads away from the airport through the long stay car parks. After the car parks go straight over the roundabout still on the D517 and go over the railway line. Some raised ground appears on the right, the viewing area. Keep going round the sweeping curve of the road and take the next right which appears after about 300 metres. This right hand turn leads to a gate. Just before it take the dirt track on the right and it will lead you back along the raised ridge to a point that gives a great view of the whole airfield. All arrivals and departures can be seen and no problems from security. The evening rush starts around 6pm and lasts under 2 hours. C-FTNA L1011 is stored south of the terminals. Airside, if you're flying from terminal 1 you have good views of movements and the stored Tristar, but with limited views of aircraft parked at terminal 2. The viewing spot and stored Tristar are plotted in the Spotting in France download for Google Maps and Google Earth.
Added 24 May 2009



MARSEILLE AIRPORT (LFML/MRS) - TWR 118.375, APP 120.2
Spotting Info
If on foot, turn right out of the terminal and follow the perimeter round behind the Eurocopter facility. Keep walking round to the right and after around 20 minutes you'll reach raised ground that overlooks the threshold of 32R. All movements can be seen from here and some of the military on the south side. You can carry on walking round to the military area, but it's a long walk. Sometimes there are aircraft parked outside the old hangars, which are beyond the military area. If you turn left out of the terminal you will reach the biz and cargo ramps, views are good and you won't have any problems here.
Added 24 May 2009



MASSY-ECOLE TECHNIQUE AIR FRANCE
Spotting Info
The stored aircraft are all inside the hangar and therefore are only visible during the annual open day in March - two Belgian T-6s, two French Falcon 20s and four T-33s.
Added 24 May 2009

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MEAUX ESBLY AIRFIELD (LFPE)
Spotting Info
Very friendly, ask for access.
Added 6 June 2009

MERVILLE AIRFIELD (LFQT/HZB) - TWR 119.075, APP 120.275
Spotting Info
Ask at the flying school for access but if they are busy it will be denied. Stored here are F-BMCF Viscount, F-BOJA B727, F-GCVK Caravelle and 129 / 63-VD Noratlas at the Institut Aeronautique Amauey de la Grange - their locations are plotted in the Spotting in France download for Google Maps and Google Earth.
Added 19 April 2009



MONACO HELIPORT (LNMC)
Spotting Info
Flights often arrive here about every 20-30 minutes. Occasionally there is a helicopter on the back of a large yacht so have a look round the harbour too.
Added 1 July 2009



MONTPELLIER AIRPORT (LFMT/MPL) - TWR 118.2, APP 120.375, 130.85 & 133.775
Spotting Info
The Route de Mauguio takes you past the western end of the airport and provides views of the main ramps and a partial view of the ramp at the north of the airport. You can follow this road and turn right at the crossroads, which takes you straight to this northern ramp but I don't know what the views are like. Head back to the main airport road and turn left. On your right is the stored F-BTTE Mercure at ESMA. Behind the hangars are the ESMA flying club fleet, views of which may be had by taking the next right and following to end, or right into car park at crossroads before end. Left at these crossroads takes you to a GA ramp, there is parking here. If you can't log everything, head back to main airport road and turn right, this road goes straight past it but there's nowhere to stop unless you pull into the middle of the road used to wait to turn and are very quick. Right at the roundabout again keeps you along this GA ramp and you can pull over as the road bends left to read the aircraft on this ramp. Round the bend and take the next right. Park up and walk between the hangars for views of that apron. Carrying along this road you can pull into each turn for various views of the different ramps. As you get to the end of this road look left for the biz and turboprop ramp. Head back the way you came to the big main airport roundabout. Straight on or right leads to the terminal but I don't think there are any views - you should have logged any airliners from the first viewing place along the western perimeter. Left at the roundabout heading towards the exit and immediately after the petrol station on the right, turn right (this is opposite the turn to ESMA above). Follow to end (forking right) for a different view of ramp and the north ramp again. Turn round and turn left behind the hangars. On the left outside the hangar is the stored F-AZRH Nord 260 for a good photo and the opportunity to log any more on the ramp that you may have missed earlier. The Nord and viewing spots are plotted in the Spotting in France download for Google Maps and Google Earth.
Added 4 May 2009



NICE AIRPORT (LFMN/NCE) - TWR 118.7, APP 124.175 & 130.825

All 57 French airports - their locations, hotels and viewing areas have been plotted on Google Maps and Google Earth's satellite imagery and are all available in one download for just £3.50
Planning your spotting trip has never been easier. Please read the Release Notes for an example screenshot and further details

Terminal Spotting Info
Movements here are as busy with bizjets as airliners. There are some views of the apron from the terminals landside, including a cafe at terminal 2, but walking up to the crash gate at the eastern end of the runway will get you most of the parked biz. It is quite a long walk though. Head east through terminal 1 and beyond in the direction of Nice town along a cycle route between the airport and the dual carriageway (Promenade des Anglais). This takes you alongside the main easterly biz ramp, which is about half a mile long as far as the stored Caravelle F-BJTH. There is a double green netting that makes logging difficult. A small pair of steps would make reading off registrations much easier, though there are numerous small holes in the netting also - presumably made by previous spotters, please do not vandalise and make this worse. All the registrations can be read off if you take your time and look carefully. A little further on still, there is a beach where you can watch arrivals, no departures can be seen though. Return back towards terminal 1, and at a point where the car park begins the ground rises slightly and provides a good view of both landing and departing traffic irrespective of wind direction, along with shade beneath the palm trees. Elevated walkways around terminal 1 mean you can get some of the airliners and aircraft parked in the cargo area. There is a barrier and Securite patrols barring entrance to the heliport. A good route upon arrival would be to leave terminal 2 on the upper (departures) level and turn left towards the car park. This gives you a partial view of the west biz ramp and the west end of the two runways. Then return to the ground floor of terminal 2 and catch the free shuttle bus to terminal 1, catching a glimpse through the ramp gate en-route. Then head out to the east side crash gate and Caravelle. Airside the departure lounges look out over the ramp and both runways, but the parked biz may be difficult to read. These are plotted in the Spotting in France download for Google Maps and Google Earth.

Off Airport Spotting Info
If using 04s a good place to log arrivals is from the CAP 3000 Shopping Centre to the west of the airport across the water. Or follow the road south to the beach and yacht club for similar views. You can also follow the road and footpath towards the airport which heads north following the river. If they're using 22s, you can sit on the old town end of the beach or promenade, though you will need to be quick and have some good binoculars. Reasonable views of the heliport on the south side but the helis fly out to sea making it difficult to read them. The north side of the airport offers better views of landing traffic. If you have some very powerful bins or a big scope, you could try reading stuff off from the top of Nice Castle away to the east - if they're landing on 22, its ideal. These are plotted in the Spotting in France download for Google Maps and Google Earth.

Hotel Info - these are all plotted in the Spotting in France download for Google Maps and Google Earth
The Ibis Hotel has excellent views of the runway and room 521 has been recommended.

The Hotel-Gril Campanile is just east of the Ibis and the terminal buildings so looks a better location. Ideal for 22 movements but if they're on 04s some of the smaller stuff can turn off early. 5 minute walk from the terminals though there is a free shuttle. Top floor, odd numbered rooms from 503-511 will get you these airport views.

The Hotel Galaxie is 5 minutes walk from the CAP3000 shopping mall and you can get down on to the beach and sit on the rocks. From here you can get everything taxiing out and all landings with a good pair of bins.

The Mercure CAP3000 is across the road (north) from the CAP3000 shopping centre. With the right room you can read approaches on 04s. A free shuttle bus from the airport terminals and is 5 minutes walk from the yacht club and beach. From here all arrivals and departures can be read off. If they're on 22s however, the north side of the airport offers better views of landing traffic. About 10 Euros by taxi (1 Euro by bus) to get over to Route Anglais on the north side, where most of the larger biz jets park.

The Novotel CAP3000 is also across the road (west) from CAP3000, and as such has the same accessibility to the shopping complex and is closer to the beach.

If you're staying at Place Messena, a 99 bus (express) runs from the Gare Routieres at the eastern end of the Place Messena, to the airport and costs 4 euros.

To book any of these hotels and to compare prices visit

Transfer to Monaco Heliport
A 1 euro 30 bus ride into Monaco will let you have a wander around the harbour, there's a helicopter on the back of a large yacht sometimes. You can also walk around to the Air Monaco heliport, it's at the end of the Avenue de Ligures.
Updated 21 July 2009

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PARIS-CHARLES de GAULLE AIRPORT (LFPG/CDG) - TWR 119.25 & 120.9, APP 121.15, 125.825, 126.425, 118.15 & 119.85

All 57 French airports - their locations, hotels and viewing areas have been plotted on Google Maps and Google Earth's satellite imagery and are all available in one download for just £3.50
Planning your spotting trip has never been easier. Please read the Release Notes for an example screenshot and further details

Photography/Spotting Permit
At Charles de Gaulle airport, you are required to hold this permit if you wish to photograph aircraft anywhere in or around the airport. During your visit there is every chance you will questioned by airport police or security and asked to show this permit. If you do not have one you will be asked to leave. Whilst this permit is to allow you to photograph the aircraft, even if you are only logging registrations, some officials do not distinguish between the two so it's best to get a permit just to be safe. To get a permit to spot, attach a scanned image of your passport photo page to the email, with a covering note requesting permission to courrier@seine-saint-denis.pref.gouv.fr. When you've scanned the passport into your PC you need to make sure the file size is ideally less than 500kb. If it's too large the email won't get through and you'll receive no bounced reply advising you of this. Mark it for the attention of Le Commandant Xavier Huby (his direct email address is xavier.huby@seine-saint-denis.pref.gouv.fr if the first address bounces the email back to you), put in the email who you are, that you wish permission to photograph for personal purposes at CDG, and when you intend to travel to CDG. Don't forget to include your address. Use Babelfish or freeetranslation to translate into French and send your request in both French and English, this has been known to speed up the process. Click here for an example. If you are unable to scan your passport to send an email, you can post a photocopy and 2 passport size photos with the covering letter to M. Xavier HUBY Commandant de Police, 06 rue des Bruyères BP 20106, 95711 Roissy en France. Tel 0033 1 74377716 or Fax 0033 1 48627588. It will arrive by post and usually takes 3 weeks (but has been known to take as long as 6 weeks if they are very busy so please allow plenty of time) to arrive and keep it safe, there is no expiry date and can be used every time you visit. Authorities will check it and leave you to spot in peace. There is no charge for this permit.




The Mound - "Roissy Pole"
Unless you arrive at T3, the best way to get here is use the CDGVAL, an automated underground train that runs from next to the TGV station to Roissypole station next to the Ibis. Easyjet arrive at T2B, to get to the mound, after baggage turn left towards Terminal 2D, and follow the signs to CDGval, which is next to the RER/TGV station between Terminals 2D and 2F. Take the CDGval to Terminal 3 station. On arrival look for Exit 1, signposted - Continental Square this leads to a covered walkway that ends at the traffic lights and the car park next to the mound. If you land at T3, turn right out of T3, walk through the tunnel to the bus/train station and then head down to the left of the Hilton Hotel (and away from the Ibis). Having walked down the side of the Hilton you will then be facing a large car park, with the Sofitel beyond. Cross the road and go left around the outside of it following the fence, which brings you to what's left of the Mound. If you land elsewhere and need to ask someone for help, DO NOT ask for the Metro Station, Metro, Station or RER, chances are you'll get sent the wrong way. Just ask for the bus to Ibis Hotel. In between you and the Sofitel are two taxiways. To the right of the Sofitel is terminal 1 and some remote stands. Beyond these are the two northern runways. To the left of the Sofitel beyond the trees are the cargo stands - keep an eye here too as things tend to appear without warning, sometimes you hear them first. On your left is terminal 2 and beyond that are the two southern runways. Behind the hotels you just walked from is another taxiway that you can't see and is regularly used so make sure you log everything you see! You need to keep constantly looking everywhere. Depending on the wind direction, you will either miss a few or miss a lot, but you will log hundreds. Take a radio and listen to Le Bourget Tower 118.925 as you can see the arrivals if they're using 27. Coming back is a longer route on the bus (especially if you're leaving from 2B), so make sure you leave plenty of time. You'll go from the Ibis, to 2A and 2C, 2E, 2F, TGV and then 2B and 2D. Would certainly recommend staying all day. There are no seats or facilities here, but there are temporary toilets outside the train station. The mound is plotted in the Spotting in France download for Google Maps and Google Earth.

Spotting Info
Fences around the perimeter of CDG have been damaged by photographers. More and more holes are appearing to allow photos to be taken and this is unacceptable behaviour. If you see anyone doing this, notify the authorities immediately. Three terminals: 1, 2 and 3. Terminal 2 is split up into 6 satellites - 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D, 2E, 2F. Instead of the mound (above), you can stay on the grass bank, which has been reported to have better views. Exit T3, turn right and then right again after the walkway tunnel. Walk along about 200 yards up the bank and find a spot on the bank at the side of the road. Here you are perfectly positioned right next to the T3 apron and can see arrivals/departures on all 3 parallel runways. It is also possible to spot from above the TGV station at Terminal 2. Just north of the mound is F-BVFF Concorde preserved in a take off pose. If you have a car, there are lay-bys on the south perimeter that offer good views. A6-BSM L1011 is stored at the northern end of the western cargo apron following returning to CDG in 2005 after an engine fire. These viewing areas are plotted in the Spotting in France download for Google Maps and Google Earth.



Hotels - these are all plotted in the Spotting in France download for Google Maps and Google Earth
The Pullman is close to the central taxiway between terminals 2 and 1/3 so a fair amount of traffic passes by, although you'll struggle to read them off at night as floodlighting for the taxiing aircraft is non-existent plus relatively bright background lighting. Room 308 for example is square onto the taxiway and has good views although if photography is your passion you'll need a much higher room due to flag posts and lampposts slightly intruding. From here you can see and read most on terminal 3 and the north side of T2. Landing traffic for both pairs of runways are visible although not readable unless taxiing by. The hotel has 3 arms, aligned roughly west, northeast, and southeast. West arm - rooms on north side are odd numbered 21-35, and even on the south side 20-30. NE arm - even 60-72 on northwest side, odd 61-73 southeast side, room 869 for example gives closer views of the main link taxi way than the Hilton and onto both Terminal 2 and the low cost terminal. SE arm - even 2-18 on northeast side, odd 1-15 on southwest side. Lower numbers are nearer the centre of the hotel.

The Comfort Hotel in le Mesnil-Amelot, a small village just outside the airport eastern boundary only a couple of minutes walk away. A north facing room (303 for example) faces the 2 northerly runways from where everything can be easily read off. If you have an SBS you can monitor movements on the southerly runways as well, and if there's something of interest you can walk down the corridor to a south-facing window. A cheap alternative to the Ibis and Hilton. There is a free courtesy bus if you don't have transport, which is supposed to operate every 20 minutes, but is unreliable. The rooms are a bit small and the buffet is nothing to get excited about.

At the Ibis (don't confuse this one with the Ibis in the Paris Nord 2 complex west of the airport with no views), you can check in from 12 noon. The hotel is back towards the T3 entrance and then across the road by the bus station/Roissypole (train station). The mound is only a 3-4 minute walk away. Request a room as high up as possible in the north facing part of the hotel. If you get a room facing the wrong way you should be able to change it for an even number (i.e. 652), which is the sort of number you need for a superb view of the 2 northerly runways - an even numbered room on floors 4, 5 or 6 should do the trick, the staff are very helpful and will accommodate you where possible. Room 662 overlooks T3 and everything can be logged on this apron and anything using the northern runways and taxiways. Even numbered rooms between 668 and 674 (or possibly 676) might be even better still. The windows in the rooms can be pulled wide open and a good scope will help you to pick off aircraft you can't see when you are on the ground around T1 including the French Air Force A340s and A310s, plus Air France, Delta and JAL types that sit on an apron away from T2 to your far right. They do cheap 'no refund' rates. Ibis' email address is h1404@accor.com.




At the Hilton, room 229 and 627 have great views and there are windows at the end of the corridors on each side of the building. 2nd floor and upwards are fine and rooms with odd numbers usually have airport views - 221, 223, 225, 227, 229 are all good, while 201/229, 301/329, 401/429, 501/529 are even better - these are corner rooms and so there is a limited view of cargo. Room 1029, which along with 1017/21/5/33/7 not only gives north facing views, but also the windows are slightly angled towards T3 and T1 beyond. In the original building, similar numbered rooms on the 9th floor would be just as good, whilst in the new block, 670 and evens up to 682 would suffice. The old block has east (odds '01 to '15), south (evens '18 to '38) & west (evens '02 to '16) facing rooms, but don't forget, runway ops change with the wind, so east/west could give differing results to what you hope for. Rooms with a 'Concorde view' can also be requested, these rooms are the western wall of the hotel, overlooking T1, the cross taxiways and Concorde. As usual, the higher the floor the better. Rooms ending x03 on each floor gives views of terminals 1 and 3, the cross taxiway and taxiway accessing terminal 2. If high enough then there are limited views of cargo, obvously the higher the better. The down side is that many aircraft landing on the southern runways turn off early and can be missed, also with the new linkway to the northern runways aircraft coming off terminal 2 can be difficult, although there are large windows in the lift lobby and a quick visit here can see those waiting for line up clearance. The best views of the T3 ramp from the hotel are from the elevator lobbies on each floor. Email the hotel reception in advance with your request - email address is on the hotel website. If you are a member of the Hilton Honours programme then you can e-mail the manager responsible for this programme. The receptionists are extremely helpful and seem to understand all about wanting a good view of the action. Tends to be cheapest at weekends and French bank holidays, though alcohol there is always very expensive. You can just make out the Le Bourget departures on 09 but you'll need an SBS to give you warning of their departures as they are very easily missed.

At the Paris Nord 2 complex west of the airport are 4 hotels - Etap, Formule 1, SuiteHotel and Ibis (different from the one at T3 above). For food there's a grill restaurant within the complex. You have to pay for parking (8-10 euros per night), but there's also a courtesy bus which runs to Roissypole and Terminal 2 every 10 to 20 minutes. For Terminal 3, get off at Roissypole and walk through the pedestrian tunnel, for Terminal 1 get off at Roissypole and take the CDGVal.
The Etap is perfectly adequate, and the shuttle bus usually runs on time - a timetable is available at reception, but on first arriving be warned that it only runs every 45 minutes during the afternoon, usually picking up around door 8 or 9 at T2 A/C/D/B. The shuttle is much less reliable on weekend evenings.

The Formule 1 is very basic with shared bathroom facilities but is a very cheap bed for the night, with a cheap breakfast. Free shuttle bus to T2.

The SuiteHotel has rooms overlooking the airport - ending x01 x03 x05 x07 x09 and x11, the higher the better as usual. From here, with the prevailing westerly wind, you can see all movements - both arriving and departing on 08s/09s. You have to be quick to get the departures off the northern runways as the Hyatt obscures the view a bit, but anything off the southern runways goes right over the hotel. You can also see the approach to Le Bourget.

For more info visit http://www.kerozen.org/


Transfer to LBG
The 350 bus to LBG takes 30 minutes. It starts from Quai E at the bus station at Roissypol outside the Ibis hotel and is 3.50 EUR return. Ask to get off at Le Musee de l'Air, (NOT Le Bourget as that stop is the town centre). When the bus turns left at a T-junction and you can see big 'Air France' signs across the road you are nearly there - not the next stop but the one after deposits you by the museum, where you start the long walk down the various nooks and crannies, which will take you about an hour. As you walk back go across the main road, and you can get the return bus just before it takes the turn you came out of, rather than walk all the way back to the museum (just check inside the bus shelter that it's got a little blue plate with '350'on it). The timetable for bus 350 can be found here RATP. PLEASE NOTE: Due to the roadworks on this road, you have to catch the bus back to CDG from the Musee de l'Air. I will advise again once these roadworks have finished.

Transfer to Orly
The best way is to get the Air France bus. The ticket booth for, and the bus itself, can both be found outside Exit 34 on the Arrivals Level, although tickets can also be purchased on the bus itself. It runs approximately every 30 minutes on the hour and half hour, less frequently at weekend, it goes direct, costs 19 Euros each way and takes 45 minutes. From CDG, the coach starts at T1, on the hour and half past (in theory) then calls at Roissypole, before doing numerous circuits of T2. The last pick up is behind T2E/F walkway, approx 35 minutes after leaving T1. Of course, the danger is that the coach will be full by the time it reaches here. The return starts at Sud on the hour and half past, leaving Ouest about 10 minutes later. The 2-day pass is 28.30 euros (both are for zones 1-5 which covers you for the 350 bus to Le Bourget and the RER train from CDG to Anthony), and you can use the pass on the Orlyval which links Anthony to the two Orly terminals - a great saving. On the RER train back from ORY to CDG, you can leave the train at Gard du Nord and take the 350 bus to Le Bourget, have a walk around and then continue on the 350 back up to CDG. http://www.paristoolkit.com/airport/paris_cdg_orly_bus.htm - these buses depart from opposite exit 34 on the arrivals level at terminal 1 and from outside the various halls at terminal 2. There is a company in England that sells Paris Visite passes - you can order on line or visit them at their base in Basingstoke. The prices are a few pounds more than buying in Paris but it usually only takes a couple of days to arrive and may be more convenient http://www.allo-france.com/. Alternatively, the train costs EUR17.20 each way. You can buy tickets at the counter or the easy to use self-service machines with English instructions. It's cheaper than the Air France bus especially if you have the visite Paris ticket, which also gives you the buses including the bus from CDG to LBG. The RER line B train can be caught at T2 CDG or the station near to T3. You need to make sure that you catch a train on line B heading for St Remy-les-Chevreuse that stops at Anthony. Journey time to Anthony is over an hour as it makes many stops along the way. It's slow and very busy with many pickpockets about, so strongly consider the buses. At Anthony leave the train and head to the left towards the end of the platform to catch the driverless Orlyval Link to Orly Airport, journey time between 5 and 10 minutes. Make sure you keep your ticket for the train, as you will need it to get onto the Orlyval link. The link first goes to Orly Ouest terminal and then reverses out to Orly Sud terminal. For more info visit Conciergerie.com though don't buy the tickets from here as there may be a delivery charge.
Updated 19 August 2009


PARIS-ISSY LES MOULINEAUX HELIPORT (LFPI/JDP)
Spotting Info
Southwest of Paris off E05.

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PARIS-LE BOURGET AIRPORT (LFPB/LBG) - TWR 118.925, APP (CDG APP) 121.15, 125.825, 126.425, 118.15 & 119.85

All 57 French airports - their locations, hotels and viewing areas have been plotted on Google Maps and Google Earth's satellite imagery and are all available in one download for just £3.50
Planning your spotting trip has never been easier. Please read the Release Notes for an example screenshot and further details

Spotting Info
The top ramp is easily read off and access can still be had alongside the Roundhouse up to the Signature gate though the car park next to the hotel has been fenced off and gated. The gate at the top end of the airfield off the N7 roundabout near NetJets is now open so with a car you can enter and leave the airport from that end now (as well as the museum end). The museum car park is now a pay car park, and the ADP car park next to it has been gated. On a week-day, there's not much parking available; the only other area is the big empty space next to the Signature hangar. The metal fence at the end of the Signature hangar has one or two small gaps to help read stuff off. The building site next to Signature (opposite the Flight Safety training school) is making slow progress so there are still good views through the gates. There is a new building site next to Darta, so parking is hopeless on a weekday (but no problem at weekends). There are still a few parking spaces at the top of the lane, just before the NetJets gate. Further along the walk, one hangar/office at the top of the slope has been demolished and consequently views can be had over the fence onto the ramp and into the middle. Even further down there is access at one point to the front of the old big hangars, which gives good views across the ramp there and again into the middle. The Hotel Bleu is located just past the Falcon service centre. When you get off the bus at the museum, walk back on yourself towards the big half round hangers (there's a road you can use between these hangars and the old ones that runs the length of the airport), and use all the openings going up this road to read anything off. Follow the road right up to and around Dassault as there are other views of aprons after the hotel up there. The Musee de l'Air et de l'Espace is open Tuesday-Sunday 1000-1800 in the summer and 1000-1700 in the winter. Free entry, if you want to look inside Concorde and the B747 it costs 5 EUR. A look at the outdoor exhibits also gives you a different angle on a few of the parked biz, as well as views of movements. Every September the museum has a weekend 'Open Day' that allows access to the Dugny site and restoration facilities normally closed off to the public. These spots are plotted in the Spotting in France download for Google Maps and Google Earth.

Transfer to/from CDG
The 350 bus to LBG takes 30 minutes. It starts from Quai E at the bus station at Roissypole outside the Ibis hotel and is 3.50 EUR return. Ask to get off at Le Musee de l'Air, (NOT Le Bourget as that stop is the town centre). When the bus turns left at a T-junction and you can see big 'Air France' signs across the road you are nearly there - not the next stop but the one after deposits you by the museum, where you start the long walk down the various nooks and crannies, which will take 60-90 minutes. To get bus back to CDG, walk down the road for about 400 metres from where you get off on the other side of the road. There are a few bars and after a set of flats is the bus stop. Just check inside the bus shelter that it's got a little blue plate with '350'on it). The timetable for bus 350 can be found here RATP. PLEASE NOTE: Due to the roadworks on this road, you have to catch the bus back to CDG from the Musee de l'Air. I will advise again once these roadworks have finished. For more see CDG above.

Paris Airshow
During the airshow, there is a free shuttle bus that runs from 07.00-10.00 from CDG to LBG during show week and the service returns from LBG from 16.30-19.00. There is also a free shuttle bus from Le Bourget RER station to LBG throughout the day. The 350 bus often gets re-routed during the show, and you may have to change buses along the route on to bus number 148.
Updated 19 August 2009

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PARIS-ORLY AIRPORT (LFPO/ORY) - TWR 118.7, APP 118.85 & 123.875

All 57 French airports - their locations, hotels and viewing areas have been plotted on Google Maps and Google Earth's satellite imagery and are all available in one download for just £3.50
Planning your spotting trip has never been easier. Please read the Release Notes for an example screenshot and further details

Spotting Info
A lot of the Air France fleet are based here and won't be seen at CDG so it's well worth the trip. Best to go during the week and for either the morning (approx 7-9am) or early evening commuter rush (approx 5-7pm). The based Air France B777s tend to arrive early morning and don't stay longer than necessary. Friday afternoon seems best. With two runways, one being used for arrivals and one for departures you need to make your choice as to where you spot from - they land on 07 and depart from 08, or land on 26 and depart from 25. The Orlyval monorail operates between the terminals. Stored at the Parc de la Coulee Verte close to the 08 threshold is "3" Dassault Etendard. The park is adjacent to the southern perimeter of Orly and 08 threshold where you can get great line-up shots when 08 is in use. Not so good with 26 as landing aircraft tend to turn off before the park. The park and the Etendard are plotted in the Spotting in France download for Google Maps and Google Earth. The outdoor Musee Delta Athis Pararay Aviation is in the south of the airport near the 02 threshold and opposite the Kyriad Orly Athis Mons below - it's plotted in the Spotting in France download for Google Maps and Google Earth.

Ouest Terminal
Make your way to the restaurant floor level above departures. You can see most of the stands through the windows from this level but inevitably there will be some aircraft parked at the wrong angle or have air bridges in the way of the regs.

Sud Terminal
UPDATE: I have received a report that this terrace has closed. I have left the info here in case it reopens, and the windows nearby are still useful. The viewing terrace is on the 4th floor, free entry and open from 6am-10pm in summer and open at 10am in winter though it doesn't appear to close as some have logged here beyond 10pm. Don't leave your bags anywhere on the terrace as the airport security will perform controlled explosions on any bags left unattended. Before 10am you can view from behind the glass at the extreme right hand end of the café, up some stairs where there are some seats looking down the runways. There are two stations for the Orlyval link at Sud terminal - one for arriving passengers and one for departing passengers. Leave the link, go in to the terminal and head for the escalators to take you to the departure level. Look for the signs for the Panoramic Terrace and head up a further two floors to the terrace. This has views of the southern runway 08/26 with the cross runway 02/20 to the left. You can read the aircraft on the opposite runway 06/24 back to your right, but you have to be quick as views are restricted. Also from the deck you can see most aircraft parked on the stands, restricted views of the maintenance area and distant views of the stored aircraft. There are arrival and departure screens near to the entrance to the terrace - they don't provide registrations but are handy to see what's due in as it gets very quiet. The outdoor terrace has no shelter but is behind glass - covered with lots of handprints etc but photographs are still possible, and it has free admission. If the weather is bad, there are still views from the floor below. There are regular visits to the terrace by armed security guards but no problems at all. There is a café downstairs with good views but nearest toilets are upstairs. Prices are expensive in the terminal so check out the mini supermarket at the bottom of the main escalators, straight ahead, and down the steps. A quick 5 minute walk from the Sud terminal allows limited views into the hangar and maintenance area.



Hotels - these are all plotted in the Spotting in France download for Google Maps and Google Earth
The Premiere Classe at Rungis is about ten minutes away by shuttle bus, and has a good nightly rate. Sufficient for a shower and a bit of kip and breakfast - the courtesy bus is only free from airport to hotel - for the return journey you pay 5 euros for a ticket at hotel reception.

At the Ibis, rooms on the 4th floor are good. 434, 436, 438, 452, 456 have views of one of the runways. Not cheap but only 5 minutes walk from Terminal Sud so a lack of views doesn't matter.

The Kyriad Orly Athis Mons is opposite the outdoor museum containing Concorde, Caravelle etc. Free shuttle bus both ways - ask at Information in the terminal, they ring for the bus and it picks you up within 10 minutes. Good seafood restaurant and reasonable room-only rates. Breakfast is optional but expensive at 8 EUR. If you are a photographer, the other advantage of this hotel is that it is only a short walk to the park "Parc de la Coulee Verte", details above.

The Formule 1 in Chilly Mazarin is west of the airport at the end of 06 AND 08.

The Premiere Classe in Chilly Mazarin is west of the airport and you can log aircraft on approach from here.

For more info visit Kerozen

Transfer to/from CDG
The best way is to get the Air France bus. The ticket booth for, and the bus itself, can both be found outside Exit 34 on the Arrivals Level, although tickets can also be purchased on the bus itself. It runs approximately every 30 minutes on the hour and half hour, less frequently at weekend, it goes direct, costs 19 Euros each way and takes 45 minutes. From CDG, the coach starts at T1, on the hour and half past (in theory) then calls at Roissypole, before doing numerous circuits of T2. The last pick up is behind T2E/F walkway, approx 35 minutes after leaving T1. Of course, the danger is that the coach will be full by the time it reaches here. The return starts at Sud on the hour and half past, leaving Ouest about 10 minutes later. The 2-day pass is 28.30 euros (both are for zones 1-5 which covers you for the 350 bus to Le Bourget and the RER train from CDG to Anthony), and you can use the pass on the Orlyval which links Anthony to the two Orly terminals - a great saving. On the RER train back from ORY to CDG, you can leave the train at Gard du Nord and take the 350 bus to Le Bourget, have a walk around and then continue on the 350 back up to CDG. http://www.paristoolkit.com/airport/paris_cdg_orly_bus.htm - these buses depart from opposite exit 34 on the arrivals level at terminal 1 and from outside the various halls at terminal 2. There is a company in England that sells Paris Visite passes - you can order on line or visit them at their base in Basingstoke. The prices are a few pounds more than buying in Paris but it usually only takes a couple of days to arrive and may be more convenient http://www.allo-france.com/. Alternatively, the train costs EUR16.50 each way. It's cheaper than the Air France bus especially if you have the visite Paris ticket, which also gives you the buses including the bus from CDG to LBG. The RER line B train can be caught at T2 CDG or the station near to T3. You need to make sure that you catch a train on line B heading for St Remy-les-Chevreuse that stops at Anthony. Journey time to Anthony is over an hour as it makes many stops along the way. It's slow and very busy with many pickpockets about, so strongly consider the buses. At Anthony leave the train and head to the left towards the end of the platform to catch the driverless Orlyval Link to Orly Airport, journey time between 5 and 10 minutes. Make sure you keep your ticket for the train, as you will need it to get onto the Orlyval link. The link first goes to Orly Ouest terminal and then reverses out to Orly Sud terminal. For more info visit Conciergerie.com though don't buy the tickets from here as there may be a delivery charge.
Updated 19 August 2009

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PERPIGNAN AIRPORT (LFMP/PGF) - TWR 118.3, APP 120.75
Spotting Info
There are roads that run alongside the EAS hangars allowing you to easily read off the stored aircraft. If you turn right at the roundabout just before EAS this will give you views over the whole airport and you can see if there is anything parked at the terminal. Turn round and come back and you can pull over onto the grass to read them off. Turn left at the roundabout takes you past the GA and hangars on the right (views from car park and nearby areas), and straight over next roundabout for the terminal. As you approach the terminal the road bends right. At the crossroads turn left onto Avenue de la Salanque and on the right is the GA visitors apron. A bit further on is a spot to pull in and you can walk back and log these aircraft. All these areas are plotted in the Spotting in France download for Google Maps and Google Earth.
Added 4 May 2009



PERSAN-BEAUMONT AIRFIELD (LFPA)
Spotting Info
Friendly, ask for access. 33 Mirage marked "75-OH" is the gate guard and is plotted in the Spotting in France download for Google Maps and Google Earth.
Added 24 May 2009

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PONTOISE-CORMEILLES EN VEXIN AIRFIELD (LFPT/POX) - TWR 121.2, APP 118.8
Spotting Info
Various vantage points around the airport to read most off.
Added 5 May 2009

REIMS-PRUNAY AIRFIELD (LFQA) - TWR 119.8
Spotting Info
As you turn into the airfield, follow the road down to the control tower and park. Looking left past the control tower is the Cessna factory apron, ahead and right is the GA visitors parking. Head back towards the entrance and before you join the main road take the turning on your left. Follow it round and you'll be able to look onto the hangar aprons. It's a dead end so come back out, turn left then turn right onto the main road. As you go up to the roundabout keep looking back, there is a small apron tucked round the side of the Cessna factory. All these viewing areas are plotted in the Spotting in France download for Google Maps and Google Earth.
Added 4 May 2009



RODEZ AIRPORT (LFCR/RDZ) - TWR 118.125, APP 125.375
Spotting Info
Parking is free and there is a viewing balcony just beyond the southeastern end of the terminal overlooking the biz ramp. The flying club is at the other end of the terminal - the aircraft parked outside the hangar can be logged from the fence. Airside there are views of the remote stands. All these viewing areas are plotted in the Spotting in France download for Google Maps and Google Earth.
Added 12 July 2009



ST. CYR-L'ECOLE AIRFIELD (LFPZ)
Spotting Info
Best to contact in advance to ensure full access, sometimes the hangar by the entrance denies access.
Added 4 May 2009



ST. ETIENNE AIRPORT (LFMH/EBU) - TWR 118.65
Spotting Info
A road off to the left just before you get to the terminal will lead to the hangars and a view of the apron in front of the terminal - this is plotted in the Spotting in France download for Google Maps and Google Earth.
Added 7 May 2009

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ST. INGLEVERT AIRFIELD
Spotting Info
Friendly, ask for access.
Added 14 June 2009

ST. OMER AIRFIELD (LFQN/XSG)
Spotting Info
If it's all locked up there are gaps in the hangar to read some off.
Added 12 June 2009



SAVIGNY LES BEAUNE MUSEUM
Spotting Info
As well as the main museum there are aircraft in the restoration tent, the building with tractors in, the storage area up the hill and the main storage area further up the hill. There are aircraft dumped in the field behind the MiGs and several more stored behind field against wall, all dismantled near woods - to see these, when leaving take first left up to tennis court, walk into woods and look over the wall.In the Chateau amongst the bike collection is a HiWay Super Scorpion and a Flying Flea. Take your binoculars round with you as you get a lot flying overhead. For more info including opening times and a list of exhibits, visit AviationMuseum.eu.
Added 28 June 2009



TOULOUSE AREA PRESERVED
Spotting Info
The following are preserved in the Toulouse area. 3814 MiG15 gate guard and Mirage c/n 02 (thought to be serial 02) at Ecole Nationale Superieure de l'Aeronautique et de l'Espace. E52 AlphaJet fuselage, 01 Mirage F2 and 01 Super Etendard are displayed outside at the Centre d'Essais Aeronautique de Toulouse. Preserved at ENSICA (Ecole Nationale Superieur s’Ingeneurs Construction Aerospatiale) is F1-00 Mirage F1. All these aircraft are plotted in the Spotting in France download for Google Maps and Google Earth.
Added 14 August 2009

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TOULOUSE-BLAGNAC AIRPORT (LFBO/TLS) - TWR 118.1, APP 125.175, 121.1, 129.3 & 123.85

All 57 French airports - their locations, hotels and viewing areas have been plotted on Google Maps and Google Earth's satellite imagery and are all available in one download for just £3.50
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Spotting Info
Weekends are busier for terminal traffic but during the week the factory is busy with test flights and moving aircraft around. The Belugas tend to leave in the morning. There is an area by the café on the second floor of the arrivals section in the terminal that provides good views, though it's through two sections of glass which distort things at the wrong angle. You can read movements on the terminal side but it's very difficult reading any of the new Airbus aircraft over the far side. The top (level 7) of the multi-story car park behind the terminal is also useful and you shouldn't encounter any problems at either area. There's a bench to sit on and good views of the whole airport. The locals tend to congregate at a gate overlooking the 32R threshold. You could probably walk it from the terminal following the perimeter stopping at gaps to read aircraft on the relevant aprons, maybe a 20 minute walk including stopping to log. By car - if travelling on the D902, come off at junction 3, signposted Blagnac-Centre, and at the roundabout take the 6th exit, which will take you across a bridge that goes over the motorway (if you are heading north on D902, if you are heading south your directions start here after exiting D902 at junction 3), at the next roundabout, this one has a tailfin in the middle, take the 3rd exit, which is roughly in front of you, Avenue Emile Dewoitine. At the next roundabout take the 2nd exit round to the left (turn right or straight over for views of biz ramp), the one that looks like a road, not a dead end, Rue Jean Chatain, which will lead you on to Rue Gabriel Clerc. There may be nooks and crannies along here. You are now heading for the Airbus training area. At the end before the security gate, turn right, this is Impasse Santos-Dumont (note, down this road are several gaps between hangars with a view of the GA apron and the stored Jetstar VP-BLD). This road that will lead you to the gate at the end. Security do patrol both sides of the fence but there are no problems with spotting or photography from your vehicle or from the fence. Photos will be good here in the morning to lunchtime or just after. To get here after picking up your hire car, turn left out of the car park, follow to roundabout and come back on yourself. At the next roundabout, right hand lane and turn right to the terminal (if you find yourself on D902 make sure you're headed south, come off at junction 3 and follow above instructions. Stay in the right hand lane, ignore the first filter and as the road bends right your right lane will split from the left. Get in left lane and follow round the terminal. Just past the terminal get in the right lane and filter right onto Rue Charles Lindbergh - there may be places on the right to view the remote parking. Follow to end and turn left (if you turn right, then left at the end before the security gates this should give views from the northen end of the biz apron. There are views from the southern end also, just follow the roads for nooks and crannies). At the roundabout take the first exit right onto Rue Emile Dewoitine and follow directions as above. At the southern end of the airport is a car park that has views of the cargo, biz and GA as well as some of the Airbus aircraft - head south on D902 and then head west on A624. Come off at the very next junction and turn right at the roundabout on to Chemin de la Crabe. At the next roundabout take the second exit and follow road round to left for the car parks. On approach to Toulouse are F-BUFS Transall fuselage and 55-0018 C-130 fuselage - sit on the right of the plane if landing on 32R, or on the left and hope for a straight line departure off 14L. They are behind a wall and can't be seen from the street although there is a large car park to the west of the compound that you may be able to park in and peer over. Airside you can walk up and down with large glass windows giving good views across the field. No views of northern or southern remote parking, A380 factory or biz apron though. All these viewing areas and stored aircraft are plotted in the Spotting in France download for Google Maps and Google Earth.

Airbus Factory, Tours and Museum
Taxiway Tours run the tours and you need to book in advance either on their website or over the phone, giving them at least 24 hours notice. They are located by the A380 facilities and Latecoere hangars, so either a long walk or a taxi to get there. The walk will take 90-120 minutes including numerous stops to read stuff off (if you fancy walking right round to the main Airbus facility via the northern A380 area, it will take roughly 4 and a half to 5 hours). The walk enables a better view of several A320s whose tails can only be seen from the terminal car park. Also revealed aircraft previously hidden at Air France's maintenance facility and A380s not visible from the car park. There are several fast food outlets at one location, an ideal place for a break. Plenty of aircraft are moved around the airbus facility, including being towed from the delivery centre hanger onto the delivery centre, so keep your eyes peeled. Tuesday afternoons usually sees the changeover of ATRs at the Aero Technique Espace paint shop. Heat haze may hamper you logging the aircraft over the far side though. Unfortunately the Clement Ader tour of A330/340 facility is only for schools and students so it's best to get a combined tour of A380s and Concordes F-WTSB and F-BVFC to travel round the airport and log as much as possible. The Concordes are plotted in the Spotting in France download for Google Maps and Google Earth. The SSC visit is recommended as it also provides extended close-up views of the stands currently used by ATR and various other production and painting hangars not easily visible from elsewhere on the perimeter. The A380 tour gets you A380s in the finishing hangar that you probably wouldn't otherwise see. A380 tours are still offered on Saturdays with default times 13:30, 15:45 and 16:15 and the Concorde tour is at 13:30, 15:45 and 16:15. Required details for bookings are: forename, surname, date of birth, place of birth, nationality and telephone number. To get to the A380 area by car, either follow the western perimeter north from the main Airbus factory, or from terminal/D902 - rejoin the D902 at junction 3 heading north, and stay in the right hand lane (don't follow the perimeter north as large boulders block the road stopping access by car). Don’t follow the signs for Aerogare, it will take you to the terminal. If you pass a McDonalds, which is located alongside the other carriageway about a mile after joining the road, you are heading the right way. You are now heading away from the airport, coming up are 3 junctions, either of them you can leave at for views of the airport, or A380 area. The 2nd one is best, come off here, turn left at the roundabout, and then left again at the next roundabout. Here you will see the A380s that are constructed and ready to be test flown. Continue along this road, Rue Franz Joseph Strauss - it will take you around the facility to the D1 road. At the roundabout turn right, this will take you under 2 bridges, which are taxiways from the A380 area, and to a roundabout. At the roundabout there are a couple of car parks on the right (empty on Sundays), which you can pull up in and read off a few other aircraft on the main site. Rejoin the D1 and continue on as if you are doing a tour around the perimeter, and just after the roundabout on the right are 2 hangars in which ATRs are maintained - closed on Sundays. If you carry on down the D1 to the next roundabout and turn left onto the D63, this will take you under the flightpath of the runways to another roundabout. Here turn left again onto Avenue Pierre Georges Latecoere and this will take you to a great place for photographs. If you hire a car to visit the production site, the A320 production hanger usually opens its doors between 14:00 and 15:00 to enable the swap over of aircraft on the line, which allows the majority of aircraft in the hanger to be read off from the nearby road. Drive round the perimeter in and out of the nooks and crannies, there's plenty around. Very little happens at weekends, all the Airbus hangars are shut, even the normal traffic is slow. Details including a list of exhibits at the Parc Aeronautique can be found at the Aviation Museum website. Only open on Saturday mornings and you will only see all exhibits on the guided tour leaving at 0930 and 1030. The tour lasts between an hour and a half and 2 hours, just turn up 10 minutes before the tour start time at the Airbus 'Louis Breguet' entrance and show your ID. More info on the museum website.

Hotels
The Premiere Classe is a 10 minute walk from the terminal with reasonable nightly rates and is plotted in the Spotting in France download for Google Maps and Google Earth.
To book this hotel or find others nearby visit To book any of these hotels and to compare prices visit
Updated 26 June 2009

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TOULOUSE-FRANCAZAL AIRPORT (LFBF)
Spotting Info
208 Nord Noratlas N2501 is preserved as a gate guard and is plotted in the Spotting in France download for Google Maps and Google Earth.
Added 8 May 2009

TOULOUSE-LASBORDES AIRFIELD (LFCL) - TWR 122.7
Spotting Info
Friendly ask for access.
Added 30 June 2009

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TOUSSUS-LE-NOBLE AIRPORT (LFPN/TNF) - TWR 119.3
Spotting Info
Friendly. Ask in the ops room for access, it's usually granted, then ask at each hangar. Most are friendly but be wary of Heli Union. The first hangar on the left - Farman - is strictly private, even viewing from the hangar doors is not tolerated and you will be told to leave. They don't allow visitors during the Paris airshow, maybe they are more accommodating during other times when there are less people visiting. Turn left out of Toussus and you'll pass 306 Mirage preserved on a roundabout - this is plotted in the Spotting in France download for Google Maps and Google Earth.
Added 25 June 2009

VATRY AIRPORT (LFOK/XCR) - TWR 119.4
Spotting Info
The Rue Henri Farman is all very flat and a building site so you should be able to see across to the right to the 'derelicts' apron - plotted in the Spotting in France download for Google Maps and Google Earth. Keep going as far forward as you can, it's a building site and so changing all the time. You should be able to get a view across the main apron. Join Rue Louis Bleriot by following the way out signs. At the first roundabout (you went straight over right to left earlier) turn right, to the next roundabout and turn right again, this may still be a dirt road. Follow up to the cargo hangar and park. Then walk across to the fence and you'll be able to see more of the apron. This is also where they park the GA visitors.
Added 10 April 2009



VITRY-EN-ARTOIS AIRFIELD (LFQS)
Spotting Info
Ask for access though they are very cautious so it may be denied. Gaps in the hangars if it's all locked up.
Added 28 July 2009