Visit the Hydraviation Museum
Biscarrosse is home to the only seaplane museum in Europe! It would be a shame to miss out. Located on the old seaplane base, the museum has collected incredible archives on seaplanes from around the world.
- A history intertwined with the Lake of Biscarrosse
- Rare documents and photos
- Appropriate for all ages
In 1930, Pierre-Georges Latécoère chose the Lake of Biscarrosse to build, assemble and test the biggest seaplanes in France. At the time, these “sky liners” even made the crossing to New York or the Antilles. The greatest aviators made them famous: Mermoz and Saint-Exupéry. The museum takes you back to the golden age of seaplanes, with their funny machines, history and stories. How did these pioneers build these sky liners on the shores of the Lake of Biscarrosse? Although transatlantic seaplanes have disappeared, they are still used for firefighting, sea rescue and coast guarding.
A priceless archive collection
At the Hydraviation Museum, you will see the only aircraft still in existence, restored with traditional techniques. The nonprofit that manages the museum has also collected extensive document archives on the workers who built and tested these flying machines on the Lake of Biscarrosse. The archives go much further than Aquitaine. The only museum of its kind in Europe, it also houses the world history of seaplanes. Photos, flight logs, maps, models, souvenirs of famous aviators…
An educational experience for all ages
There is a tour for children. An educational pamphlet adapted to their age group tells the story of seaplanes for more than a century. They can see real seaplanes and models.
More information on the museum’s website: https://www.hydravions-biscarrosse.com
