The CAEA – Conservatoire de l’Air et de l’Espace d’Aquitaine (Aquitaine Air and Space Conservatory) is a prominent museum and preservation center dedicated to aviation and space exploration, located in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region of southwestern France. It showcases the region’s rich aeronautical heritage and its contributions to aerospace development.
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C.A.E.A – Conservatoire l’Air et l’Espace d’Acquitane
Courrier général BA 106
BP 110
Bordeaux-Merignac Airport
Conservatoire de l’Air et de l’Espace d’Aquitaine,
Base Aérienne 106,
Avenue de l’Argonne,
CS 70 037,
33693 MERIGNAC CEDEX
+(33) 09 64 28 28 17
Visits are only possible from Monday to Saturdays by prior permission, preferably on Saturdays morning.
Because of the constraints due to lodging on a military air base and to our own organization, you must communicate for each visitor at least one week before the visit :
- name
- first name
- date of birth
- birthplace
- nr of identity paper
- nationality
Passed this time they cannot guarantee that the visit will be possible.
The day of the visit, an identity paper is required for the visitors, as well as the vehicle certificate of insurance.
It is possible that they are obliged to apply access controls temporarily.
Visits are not possible until an unspecified date
Aircraft collection
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2084 165 F-WAQM 85104/4 50 F-ZBBW/47 F-CETR 449/LF 32 40 33 202 232/UV F-BTTF 204/DG 2 560 605/ED 01 370 56/CC 29/13-SQ B01 305/116-CS – 218/33-LC 4656 4627 104/10-SQ 299 F-WMSH 1 F-WDFJ F-WNDB 01/F-ZXRN 158/12-YP 928/28 44-35859/328-EY 62/GU 1 118-DG 320/11-OD 370 F-ZVLE/51 – 21049 – 73/330-DF 101/VT 99/F-MJBW 43981/2S.81 02/E1/7-JH 149 F-BIFU 188/63-BU 282/BN 636/92AW F-BBON F-ZACQ 182 A-18 1087/F-GIJK – F-CCOI – |
Aerospatiale SA319B Alouette 3 Aerospatiale SA321G Super Frelon Aérostructure Lutin 80 Beech JRB-4 Expeditor Brequet Br1050 Alize Canadair CL-215 Carmam JP 15/36 Cerva CE 43 Guépard Chance Vought F-8P Crusader Dassault Etendard IVM Dassault Super Etendard Dassault MD312 Flamant Dassault MD450 Ouragan Dassault Mercure 100 Dassault Mirage 3B Dassault Mirage 3C Dassault Mirage 3E Dassault Mirage 3E (nose) Dassault Mirage 3NG Dassault Mirage 3RD Dassault Mirage 4P* Dassault Mirage 5F Dassault Mirage 2000B Dassault Mirage 2000N Dassault Mirage 2000 (mock-up) Dassault Mirage F1C-200 Dassault Mirage F1BQ Dassault Mirage F1EQ Dassault Mystere 2C Dassault Mystere 4A Dassault Mystere 4N Dassault Mystere Falcon 20C Dassault Mystere Falcon 20G Dassault Mystere Falcon 30 Dassault Mystere Falcon 50 Dassault Super Mystere B2 Douglas A-4SU Skyhawk Douglas A-26C-50-D Invader Cessna FTB337G Fauvel AV-36 Fouga CM170 Magister Fouga CM170 Magister Fouga CM170 Magister Fouga CM170 Magister Henri Mignet HM.14 Pou du ciel Lockheed CT-133 T-Bird Mauboussin M 121P Morane-Saulnier MS760A Paris Mudry Cap 10B Nord N3400 Norbarbe North American SNJ-5 Texan SEPECAT Jaguar E Sikorsky HSS-1 SNCAN N1203 VI Norécrin SNCAN N2501F Noratlas SNCAC NC702 Martinet SNCASO SO.4050 Vautour 2B Stampe-Vertongen SV-4C Sud Aviation Caravelle VI.R Sud Aviation SE3130 Alouette II Sud Aviation SE3130 Alouette II Sud Aviation SE3130 Alouette II Supaéro Petit Canard Wassmer WA-22 Super Javelot Wassmer WA-30 Bijave |
Key Highlights:
1. Mission and Focus
The C.A.E.A – Conservatoire l’Air et l’Espace d’Acquitane is committed to preserving and showcasing the history of aviation and space exploration, particularly emphasizing the role of the Aquitaine region, which has been central to French aerospace innovation.
2. Exhibits and Collection
- Aircraft:
A diverse collection of historically significant planes, including military, civilian, and experimental aircraft. Many are restored or preserved in their original condition.- Examples include Dassault jets, given the proximity of Dassault Aviation facilities in the region.
- Space Exploration:
Exhibits related to French and European contributions to space exploration, including satellite technology and models of space equipment. - Engines and Components:
Displays featuring aviation engines, radar systems, and other technological marvels. - Memorabilia:
Archival materials such as photographs, flight manuals, and personal items from pilots and engineers.
3. Educational Role
The C.A.E.A – Conservatoire l’Air et l’Espace d’Acquitane is also an educational hub, offering programs and workshops for students, researchers, and aviation enthusiasts. It collaborates with local universities and aerospace companies.
4. Connections to Regional Industry
- The Nouvelle-Aquitaine region is home to major aerospace companies, including Dassault Aviation and Safran, making it a historically significant area for aircraft design and manufacturing.
- The conservatory reflects this legacy by preserving artifacts and promoting awareness of the industry’s regional roots.
5. Events and Activities
- Guided tours showcasing the C.A.E.A – Conservatoire l’Air et l’Espace d’Acquitane’s collections.
- Restoration projects, where visitors can witness or even participate in bringing vintage aircraft back to life.
- Annual events celebrating milestones in aviation and space exploration.
The C.A.E.A – Conservatoire l’Air et l’Espace d’Acquitane is an excellent destination for anyone passionate about aviation, engineering, or space exploration. It combines historical preservation with hands-on education, making it a cultural and scientific landmark.
* in white colours at the north side of the Dassault facility