Bordeaux - Mérignac (BA106)

1Terminal building

On the second level is a special viewing area, where you can see the aircraft near the gates and the runway. You are very far from the action and this spot is not very favourable. However, if you follow 'departures' you will be able to see the freight apron and the military apron on the other side.

2French Douane

On the right, next to the terminal is an office of the Douane and a gate. From this position you can have a view to the other side, hopefully into the hangars of Dassault and Sogerma, which are nicely lit during the nighttime.

3Civil Area

Driving from the Douane along a small road, you will pass the hangars which houses the Gendarmerie, Sécurité Civile and Douane. It is possible to peek through the windows or walk to the front to see if there are any aircraft parked outside. Don't remain at this spot for too long and do not take any pictures, as the airside employees like to inform the Gendarmerie as soon as possible.

4Northeast side approach runway 23

It is quite easy to stand in the landing of the preferred landing runway 23 and it is also quite easy to make pictures. Just walk from the civil area to the north along the road D213 until you are south of the runway. The only problem is that you will be noticed quite easily. A better option is to drive: from the aero club in the direction of the highway, and take the first roundabout left, to Merignac ("Avenue du président John Fitzgerald Kennedy"). Take the second roundabout for three-quarters, and do so at the third roundabout. After some corners (onto the "Rue de Gênets") you will pass a red and white gate and you should park your car near some boulders. Spotting landing aircraft is excellent but to have a view of any departing traffic you will need to walk into the fields.

5North side - Dassault

When continuing to the north along the D213, you will have to drive around a roundabout. Take the last road to the right onto the D213 and take the first road to the right. At the end you will have a view into the Dassault hangars, but will see the most when it is dark outside and lit inside.

6North side - between Dassault and Sogerma

Drive to the D213 again and take the next road to the right. Just continue the road, at your left is the Dassault factory and at your right are the Sogerma hangars. Just continue to the end to have a look into the hangars and aprons.

7North side - west of Sogerma

Drive back to the D213 and take the first road to the right. Just follow the road, along an outside cart centre, and at your left are the Sogerma hangars. If you drive further along the road, you will see a Technical School. A never delivered CM170 in the colours of the Cameroon Air Force is stored inside this building. Follow the SNECMA road to have a proper view onto the Air Force apron.

8West side approach runway 05

Along the D106 to the west you will pass the gate to the AdlA base, with its gate guards. Just continue the road to the beginning of the runway. You will have to stand along or nearby the road to have a view on the landing traffic. You can also take the road to the right ("Passerelle Bernard") after the shop with the swimming pools to drive along the fence to a spot where you have a good view of the taxiway to the beginning of runway 05. The Gendarmerie will be with you quite quickly so keep low profile.

9Southeast side approach runway 29

Also on Avenue de Bordeaux it is possible to take pictures of landing aircraft. You can stand next to the discotheque on the centreline, but the best option is to take the first road left ("Chemin de la Procession"), towards a small shed that appears after 100m on your left hand side. Park your car here and walk away from the runway, into a small road blocked by some stones. This quiet spot in some fields is best after 1200 local time.

10Southwest side approach runway 11

Drive on the D213 westbound and take the first left after returning from the Technical School, "Avenue de Bellevue". Drive along this road until you can park your car on a spot also used for dumping garbage. Take a walk onto the fields towards the beginning of runway 11. A warning is in order: nowadays it is private property owned by the stables located here. Do not leave any garbage here and be respectfull to the owner and the horses.

11Southwest side crash gate

While driving southbound on the Avenue de Bellevue there is a dead end street towards a crash gate. This Passerelle de Bellevue leads to a deserted house and provides views on the back side of the AdlA area where a stored Mirage 3 can be seen. Also, it is very close to runway 05/23 although the fence probably prevents proper photography so bring some steps with you. Most Bordeaux spotters can be found here.