Clermont Ferrand - Auvergne (Aulnat)

1Terminal area

West of the terminal, right when facing it, views of the north western part of the main ramp are possible through the fence. The fence makes photography unsuitable.
The terminal itself only offers airside views when checked in or transiting.
East of the terminal, several spots between buildings are available to look onto the ramp, between the terminal and spot 2.

2North side taxiway and runway

The main road runs parallel to the taxiway, but no chance of stopping there. Instead, go to the east part of the airport terrain and onto the fire brigade parking lot, or the barren land just northwest of that. From there, unobstructed views of the taxiway and runway can be had, unfortunately against the light.
You can also go east just a bit further, in front of the former Air Force hangar. There is a large parking lot and several roads providing clear views of the runway and taxiway.

3East side approach

Leave the airport and turn right onto the D769. Just before this under passes the A711, go right into a small road. This takes you past the threshold of runway 26. You are a bit too much underneath the approach here though.

4East side approach - further south

This is a better spot for easterly landings. Stay on the D769, it bends south to Lempdes. There is no entrance to the A711, so you have to go towards this town. Just before reaching it, go left and right again onto the D766. Stay on this, past the large roundabout, under passing the A711 shortly after. The road is called Avenue de Thiers. After the A711 entrance and exit, go right into a small road past the Lempdes maze which might be signposted. Go right at the junction and left after that. Continue on this road that leads to a crash gate. There is a gate obviously, but apart from that no high fence.
Alternatively, go right and follow the smaller road until it stops in the farmland. You can stay there or walk around the fence line a bit further northeast.

5Southeast side ramp view

In fact, this is an alternative spot for spot 6, should the sports field gate be closed. Because it is easier to reach from spot 4, we have called it spot 5. Go southbound from the crash gate at spot 4. Make a right, but continue straight at the junction. This is old air base pavement leading through farmland all the way to the east side of the sports complex. Go through the bushes to the fence both left and right of the sports hall, good for tail numbers on Transalls that are parked outside.

6Southeast side view - sports complex

Go back to the D766 and go right. Go straight on the roundabout, continuing on D766. Shortly after that, go right again to the sports complex. Proceed onto the complex, driving past the AIA wall which is on your left. At the bend on the road the wall ends and you can have a look left to spot everything outside the big hangars.
Upon entering this road from the D766, you can see the pole mounted Mirage just before the wall starts. Behind the wall a stored Mirage can be seen (if standing 1 m high). Alternatively, go into the AIA parking lot and from the left hand side corner the Mirage might just be visible.

7Industrial estate

The south side is an industrial estate (Zone Industrielle de Clermont-Ferrand). Most roads have fences and gates; these are sometimes open during regular business hours. Should they be, then there are two spots of interest in the western part of the complex. From spot 6, go back to the D766 and turn right past the AIA gate and complex. The road will become Avenue du Brezét. After the fence ends, go right towards the old French Air Force style dome hangars. Go right into the parking lot and drive to the back of it. You can see part of the ramp were a couple of cocooned C-160 used to be stored in 2006. Spot 8 is far better, but that gate might be closed more often.

8Southwest side views

Go back to the D766, proceeding clockwise around the airfield. Immediately after entering the D766 from spot 7, go right into another entrance to the industrial estate. If the fence is open, drive onto the complex. After the first set of hangars, there is a barren patch of tarmac and a very good view of the ramps on this side.

9West side approach

For the west side approach, go on the D766 again. Take the first exit on the roundabout, the D772. After about 300 metres, there is a small road on your right, Chemin de Praslong; go in there. There is a small mound, you can scale it or leave your car there and walk into the fields or along the road.

10Northwest side taxiway

Following the Chemin du Praslong, you will have a good view of the taxiway to runway 08.

11Northwest side aero club

The Chemin du Praslong meets the D54, Avenue Youri Gagarin. Go right and right immediately afterwards. This is the aero club and private estate. It offers views of the west end ramp as well. Should the gate be closed, then take the small road running between the D54 and the fence line.