The Adventure by SEAL, Episode 12: Travelling in France by Air, an aerial tour of France?
Have you ever thought of flying all over France? How about a Tour of France by air?
In a classic, retro, hydro or microlight aircraft, land in a special place for the day in one of our themes.
Did you know that a seaplane has the ability to land or take off on water? There are two main families of aircraft, the hull seaplane and the floatplane. It is an airplane or ULM (Ultra Light Motorized). The first seaplane flight took place in France in 1905.
Zoom on the ULM
First designed in 1972, it is today highly modernized thanks to the evolution of technology, there are six classes of devices :
> Class 1: The paramotor is an aircraft supported by a flexible parachute type canopy. Last evolution of the ultralight, it consists of three elements: the paraglider, the engine (GMP power unit) and the harness. Any type of terrain can make it take off or land.
> Class 2 : The pendulum is supported by a rigid canopy where a motorized trolley is most often attached. It has a delta wing that acts as a pendulum. It is steered by shifting the centre of gravity.
> Class 3: The multi-axis is on the contrary, supported by a fixed wing. It is a small, very light and comfortable aircraft, offering you a cabin that protects you in case of bad weather and that consumes very little.
> Class 4: The ultra-light gyrocopter is another type of aircraft this time, equipped with a rotor (rotating mechanism). This one looks more like a helicopter with its rotor and is propelled by a propeller driven by an engine.
> Class 5: The ultralight aerostat has a motorized harness. The pilot of an aerostat is called an “aeronaut”.
> Class 6: The ultralight helicopter is a small helicopter with a single engine. It is thanks to the French Federation of Ultra-Light Motorized Glider (FFPLUM), that this practice arrived in France, however, late, 20 years after our Italian neighbors.
It is possible to start ultralight flying from the age of 15, simply by making a medical examination and having a parental authorization for minors.
Discover the aeronautical heritage of France by air.
In a hot-air balloon, feel the magic of being lighter than air in direct contact with the sky. Did you know that the hot-air balloon was invented by the Montgolfier brothers in 1782 but that the first human flight took place in 1783 in Paris?
In a zeppelin, live a unique and so atypical experience in the Airs. This rigid airship type aerostat was first manufactured in Germany in the 19th century, but inspired by the French balloons used during the War of 1870.
In a helicopter, fly over unique landscapes in this unusual experience. Helicopters became truly operational after the Second World War, although their history began in the 20th century.
In a Parachute, experience extreme aerial thrills and go beyond your limits. The practice has many benefits for body and mind: better stress management, increase self-confidence and daily challenges… It will be the opportunity to see mythical landscapes differently, from the air. The first parachute jump was made in 1797 over the Parc Monceau in Paris, from a balloon at 680 meters.
An aerial Tour of France?
There are many destinations in France, from Corsica to the Breton islands, via the man-made wonders of Mont-St-Michel and Carcassonne. Unless you prefer to fly over the jewels shaped by nature such as the Alps and the Calanques. You can also find our destinations around France, from the Netherlands to Switzerland and its mythical Lake Geneva, from Spain to Belgium. There is something for everyone.
Magnificent moments are to be captured by the Airs: sunrise or sunset, night flight, flying with birds, all while experiencing real aerial sensations: speed flight, aerobatics.
Find our trips in France by air on our dedicated page.
And for more information on the aeronautical world, visit the website of the French Aeronautical Federation.
