Lorient - Lann-Bihoue

1Heliport

Proceed in the direction of the BAN but prior to reaching the BAN main gate, turn left at the signpost indicating "heliport". When you follow this road you will find the hangar of the Sécurité Civile. One EC145 is based here but expect occasional visits by Gendarmerie helos. When parked outside, the helicopter can be photographed easily. Just across the road you can see (but not photograph) the preserved Br1150 "7".

2West side approach

When following the signs from the roundabout to the civil airport, driving on the D163, you pass the landing lights of the runway on the east side. You can probably take nice landing shots when standing here, but you are out on an open plateau.

3Parking Civil Terminal

After passing the landing on the D163, turn right on the D163E or Rue de L'Aérogare for the civil airport. Just before reaching the parking area of the terminal, you can see the flight line of 24F on your right, through the trees. When around, AvDef Falcon 20 is also operating out of this location. Best advice: park your car in the parking lot and walk back 100 m. Spotting OK, photography not. Just right of the civil terminal you will find hangars of the aero club; some interesting Piper Cubs and CAP-10s can be seen.

4Terminal

Between the terminal and the Aero club you can photograph civil aircraft using the terminal. You have a good view on the runway and the visitor's flightline of the BAN at the other side of the runway, but anything smaller than a transport aircraft parked there is almost impossible to read. You can also see the preserved aircraft. Most aircraft on the runway can be read off but are way to far away to take decent photographs. Aircraft coming from the 24F flight line are OK to photograph on the taxi track but move rather fast as the taxi track slopes downhill. Upslope back gives better results. Also from inside the terminal you have a good view onto the taxiway.

5Atlantic dispersals

You can have a look into the dispersals of 23F if you drive from the terminal towards the village of Ploemeur via the D163e/Rue de L'Aérogare. Just before this village there is a small road to the right towards the small town of Breuzant. Follow this road through this town towards the railroad. Stay left at the crossing. Park your car and if you follow the railroad you might see some aircraft in this area.

6West side

Also you can have a view onto the 23F dispersals from the other side. Drive back via Breuzant towards Ploemeur and then follow the signs onto the D162e. After crossing the railroad there is a triangle shaped crossing. Take the exit to the right and follow it along the fence. In the small village of Kervinio take a right and drive towards the small village of Coat-Coff. Just before this small village you are on a small hill and somewhat higher than the dispersal area giving you some view. You also have a view onto landing aircraft with easterly winds.

7Northwest side

Follow the D162 towards the north. To the right there is a dirt track towards the airport giving you a view onto the area here. The Douane has its parking spots here.