Visit the Hydraviation museum in Biscarrosse

There are not only history museums, but also other types of museum, such as the Musée de l’Hydraviation in Biscarrosse, near the lake. In the town of Biscarrosse, the Musée de l’Hydraviation opens its doors to you. Visit it and leave better informed than ever!

Presentation of the Biscarrosse Hydraviation Museum

The location of the Musée de l’Hydraviation in Biscarrosse is very simple: not far from the great Landes lake of Biscarrosse and Parentis. It is located on the former Latécoère seaplane assembly and test base. On entering, you’ll discover the local and worldwide history of the seaplane, with an exhibition of models, films and unique objects. On display are mechanical parts, photos, period documents, films and models. In the exhibition hall, you can even discover authentic seaplanes from different eras. The site is open all year round (except between the end of the Christmas vacations and the beginning of the winter vacations), and 850 square meters of space welcome all those who come to see what it’s all about.

Visit to the Biscarrosse Hydraviation Museum

The Musée de l’Hydraviation de Biscarrosse in the Landes region of France welcomes 19,930 visitors a year. They come from all over the world and discover the buildings in low season from Tuesday to Sunday between 2pm and 6pm (ticket office closes at 5pm) and every day from 10am to 7pm (ticket office closes at 6pm) during July and August. Alone or in groups, adults and children alike can take a stroll. The site was first opened in 1982. Long before this date, the Biscarrosse base had already been closed, due to the disappearance of the transatlantic craft. These had been replaced by land-based aircraft.

The busiest time to visit this historic site is 3 pm. Self-guided tours usually take an hour. Every year, the Nuit Européenne des Musées is organized in May, and the Musée de l’Hydraviation de la ville de Biscarrosse makes a point of being there to promote the history of hydraviation. It also takes part in numerous air shows, conferences and other events.

On site, three separate booklets allow children to follow the tour at their own pace. Admission is free for children under 6. An annual subscription is also available. Guided tours can be booked for groups of 10 or more at least 1 month in advance. Please allow around 1h30 for the visit, and tours are not available in July and August.

A little background

Jean Mermoz, born in Aubenton in 1901, disappeared in the Atlantic Ocean in 1936. Jean Mermoz was a French aviator and a legendary figure of l’Aéropostale, nicknamed the “Archangel”.

Pierre-Georges Latécoère, born 1883 in Bagnères-de-Bigorre, died 1943 in Paris. Pierre-Georges Latécoère was a French entrepreneur, emblematic of the beginnings of French commercial aviation between the wars, and in particular of airmail.

Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, born in Lyon in 1900 and killed in flight off Marseille in 1944, was a French writer, poet, aviator and reporter. Antoine de Saint-Exupéry became a pilot during his military service in 1922, and was hired in 1926 by the Latécoère company (later Aéropostale).

Come and discover the history of hydra-aviation in Biscarrosse thanks to an exhibition of numerous objects to help you understand the legend of this fascinating field for those who are interested!

All our articles