L’Épopée de l’Industrie et de l’Aéronautique is a museum located in Albert, a town in the Somme department in northern France. This museum is dedicated to the history of aviation and the industrial development related to aviation, with a special focus on the aeronautical industry in the Albert region.
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Musée de l’Épopée de l’Industrie et de l’Aéronautique/Collection Betrancourt
17 Rue de l’Industrie
80300 Albert
+33 6 07 36 84 43
Saturday 09:00 – 12:00 and 14:30 – 18:00
other days by appointment, 30 days in advance
Admission fee
Coming from the A1 highway on the D929, take the first exit into Albert. Just follow this road until you pass the railway station. Follow the signs to the D938 (Rue de Doullens), which will take you to a pass under the railway. As soon as you passed this railway, take the first road to the left (Rue de l’Industrie). The museum is after ca. 200 meters on your left hand side.
Aircraft collection
| F-GCQR
046/BDS F-CAXX F-CRHI F-BPJR 21255/314-VH F-CRMI – 148/319-DE 275/316-KC 8 F-BTTG 27/3.10-LE 449/QL 515/3-JN 358/128-TG 25/AX 20/12-ZN 113/12-YQ IB427 42-108979/H2-K/282 30+93 24/3-KB 459 24 F-CAXX J-4107 21+96 35339/XC/314-WF 198 290/11-OB F-GIFZ/315 – 882 173 F-BLXT/131 F-BMQI/116 F-BKYD F-BLQV/143 F-BBET F-CRNT 54/63-WX 97/63-WB 125 184/328-EO 189/316-FN 20 100/FIA 26 108 42272/11-EF 28946/FU-76 333/K33 A15 E35/7-HY 55-3181/APY SA59/68-DK F-CCUA 355/92-NB 65/67-JL F-BHRY FR144 F-PCVB/2 F-CCEU F-CCYK F-CDJU – | Aerospatiale SA365C-3 Dauphin 2
Agusta Bell AB47G Arsenal SA-103 Emouchet Arsenal SA-103 Emouchet Boeing 727-228 (front fuselage) Canadair T-33A-N Silver Star 3 Castel C-25 S Biarritz Caudron C-800 Epervier Dassault MD311 Flamant Dassault MD311 Flamant Dassault MD450 Ouragon Dassault Mercure 100 (front fuselage) Dassault Mirage 3C Dassault Mirage 3E Dassault Mirage 3E Dassault Mirage 3RD Dassault Mirage 4P Dassault Mirage F.1C Dassault Super Mystere B2 de Havilland Vampire FB.52 Douglas C-47A Dakota Fiat G91R/3 Gina Fouga CM170 Magister Fouga CM170 Magister Fouga CM175 Zéphyr Guerchais-Roche SA-103 Emouchet Hawker Hunter F.58A Lockheed F-104G Starfighter Lockheed T-33A Max Holste MH1521M Broussard Max Holste MH1521M Broussard Max Holste MH1521M Broussard Mignet HM-290 Mikoyan Gurevich MiG-21SPS Morane Saulnier MS733 Alcyon Morane Saulnier MS733 Alcyon Morane Saulnier MS733 Alcyon Morane-Saulnier MS-880B Ralley Club Nord N1101 Noralpha Nord N1203 Norecrin II Nord N.1300 Nord N2501F Noratlas Nord N2501F Noratlas Nord N2501F Noratlas Nord N2501F Noratlas Nord N2501F Noratlas Nord N3400 Norbarbe Nord N3400 Norbarbe Nord NC.856A Norvigie Nord NC.856A Norvigie North American F-100D Super Sabre Republic F-84F Thunderstreak Schleiser Ka6 SEPECAT Jaguar A SEPECAT Jaguar E Sikorsky H-19D Chickasaw Sikorsky H-34A Choctaw Siren C30 Edelweiss Sud-Ouest Aviation (SNCASO) S.O. 4050 Vautour IIN Sud Aviation Alouette 2 Sud Aviation SE210 Caravelle 3 Sud Ouest SO1221S Djinn Vickers Blériot 22 Wassmer WA.30N Bijave |
Key Features of L’Épopée de l’Industrie et de l’Aéronautique:
- Focus on Albert’s Aviation History:
- The museum highlights Albert’s role in the aviation industry, particularly during World War I and World War II. The town of Albert was historically important because it was home to various aeronautical manufacturing facilities and airfields that contributed to the production of aircraft during both world wars.
- Albert was a key location for the French aviation industry during WWI, especially in relation to the production of fighter aircraft and aircraft engines.
- Aircraft and Engine Exhibits:
- The L’Épopée de l’Industrie et de l’Aéronautique showcases a collection of aircraft models, engines, and aviation memorabilia, including replicas and original models used in both world wars. Notably, the museum features aircraft related to the famous Nieuport aircraft, which were built in the region and used during World War I by the French Air Force.
- There are also exhibits on the development of aeronautical technology, focusing on innovations in aircraft design, propulsion systems, and aviation engineering.
- Industrial Heritage:
- The L’Épopée de l’Industrie et de l’Aéronautique also celebrates the industrial heritage of the Albert region, which was deeply connected to the production of aerospace components, aircraft engines, and military aircraft.
- It highlights the factories and workshops in Albert that were instrumental in supplying aircraft and aviation technologies during wartime, as well as their transition to civilian aviation after the wars.
- World War I and II Exhibits:
- L’Épopée de l’Industrie et de l’Aéronautique at Albert has a strong focus on the role of aviation in both World Wars, with significant displays covering the contributions of the French Air Force, including fighter planes, bombers, and reconnaissance aircraft used in these conflicts.
- The museum illustrates how the aviation industry and its technologies evolved rapidly during the wars and played a pivotal role in both combat strategies and civilian developments in aviation.
- Educational Programs and Activities:
- The museum offers various educational programs and activities, including guided tours, workshops, and events, that help visitors of all ages learn about the historical and technological aspects of aviation.
- These programs may focus on topics such as aeronautics, the history of military aviation, and the impact of aviation on industrial development.
Why Visit L’Épopée de l’Industrie et de l’Aéronautique?
- Aviation History Enthusiasts: The museum is a great destination for those interested in learning about aeronautical history, especially the critical role played by the Albert region in both world wars.
- World War I and II Focus: The museum’s focus on WWI and WWII aviation, with detailed exhibits on aircraft production and aerial combat, makes it a must-visit for anyone interested in military history.
- Industrial Heritage: It provides an in-depth look at the industrial backbone that supported the development of modern aviation, particularly the factories that were vital in aircraft production.
- Educational and Family-Friendly: The L’Épopée de l’Industrie et de l’Aéronautique offers interactive and educational experiences that are suitable for families, school groups, and aviation aficionados of all ages.
L’Épopée de l’Industrie et de l’Aéronautique is an important historical and cultural landmark for anyone interested in aviation history, industrial heritage, and the role of Albert in shaping aeronautics during the two World Wars.
Musée de l’Épopée de l’Industrie et de l’Aéronautique/Collection Betrancourt is an amazing collection 3 hangars full of aircraft, old cars, aircraft/airport equipment and aviation memorabilia. Space is tight though and not always suitable for a ‘clean’ shot, but this place is absolutely well worth a visit.
Photos Wouter Roerdink