In the inter-war years Biscarrosse was the centre of the thriving French seaplane industry, with more than 100 flying boats providing flights to Africa. New York and South America. There is now an excellent museum there, with a regular international event to trace the history of aviation.
The 2018 edition also marks the centenary of the first flight of what was to become Latécoère Air Lines which started delivering freight and post for Laposte to the french colonies in Africa.
During the first world war the founder, Pierre Latécoère, invested in factories in Toulouse producing shells and aircraft and delivered about 800 planes to the french army. The company then specialized in design and manufacture of seaplanes which reached a zenith with the six engined Latécoère 631 which was billed as ‘The Ship of the Skies‘ and designed for transatlantic flights. The 631 first flew in 1939 and 10 examples were produced. It was the largest production seaplane ever built and to put this into context had a wingspan about one third larger than the famous Short Sunderland of WWII fame. Groupe Latécoère still exists today as a successful group of companies supplying assemblies and components to Airbus and Boeing.
The 2018 flying displays will involve historic seaplanes and legendary aircraft of French and international aviation including the Breguet 14, PBY Catalina, Douglas DC3, De Havilland Beaver etc
More recent aircraft will fly including a Rafale, competitor to Eurofighter Typhoon, from the 17F Flotille of the French Naval Air Force, a fire fighting Canadair seaplane of the Civil Security and also the presence of the Patrouille de France which is the Air Force aerobatic team.
There will be helicopter rides, exhibitions and the usual event amenities.
The BBC enjoyed an excellent day in 2016, and we look forward to visiting again this year, seeing around 30 classic seaplanes in action, contrasted with a display by the mighty supersonic Dassault Rafale which is built at Merignac.
Our Rendezvous and Picnic
We must expect it to be busy, and to avoid the crowds we propose meeting at 12.00 sharp for a ‘tranquil’ picnic at the Petit Lac.
We will then walk less than 1 Km along the canal to reach the event at the southern lake at Latecoere, which has the usual festival facilities (aviation and other stalls, refreshments etc).
Entry is free.
Please bring all you need for a picnic ! Phil aims to ‘reserve’ the picnic tables by the lake !
Picnic and Meeting Location
TIME: 12:00 noon on Sunday 10th June
GPS: 44.396591, -1.182885 ( N 44°23’47.7″ W 1°10’58.4″ )
Take A63 from Bordeaux and after 28Km turn off onto A660 signed to Arcachon
Turn off after 5 km, onto D216 signed to Biscarrosse
In Mios turn sharp right at the first roundabout then straight over the next one
After 25km go through Sanguinet (over 4 roundabouts including a large one surrounding the town hall)
After a further 12 Km you reach Biscarrosse
Go straight over the first and second roundabouts, and continue straight into the centre (over an absurd number of speed bumps !) past the Marie and the church
Take the second turn right after the church, signed to Dechetterie and Cimetiere ! This road is Avenue de Montbron
You will cross a bridge over the canal (joining Biscarrosse’s three lakes) and then look out for the lakeside car park on your right opposite the cemetery
Note the car park has an intimidating 2.1m width restriction. If your car is wider, or you don’t trust your judgement, you can park opposite in the Cemetery car park !
Note ignore any signs for ‘Hydravion’ (which direct to special parking, buses and crowds)
Booking
To register, please contact Phil C direct or book online below. Phil’s contact details are here
When using the on-line booking form, please note the following:
Click ‘Submit’ only once and then wait for your booking details to be re-displayed on your screen.
There maybe a little delay while your details are being noted and registered.
If you do not receive a confirmation from the organiser within 48 hours then your booking has not been recorded and we ask you to contact the organiser direct for your booking confirmation.
CAP SCIENCE BORDEAUX FOLLOWED BY LUNCH AT LES TONTONS
Did you know that we are the result of the multiplication and diversification of a handful of tiny stem cells?
All life begins with stem cells. Without them men, animals and plants could not live. Thanks to them our body is constantly regenerating and creates more than 300 million new cells per minute.
Today, with the help of stem cells, doctors can produce skin or treat patients with cancer. And tomorrow? Could we cure through these special cells diseases like Alzheimers or diabetes?
Discover the role and nature of these very particular cells. Their incredible powers will not stop surprising you!
Private Guided Tour
We have organised a private guided tour of this very interesting exhibition at 10 am on Friday 23rd February. The cost per person will be between 2,50€ and 4,50€ depending on numbers.
Cap Sciences, Hangar 20, Quai de Bacalan, 33300 Bordeaux which is next to Pont Chaban Delmas. For a map, please click here
Lunch
Following the visit to Cap Science for those who would like lunch we plan to eat at Les Tontons, which is just 50 metres from the exhibition. The lunch menu costs between 16 – 18 euros (excluding wine) which includes a buffet of entrées, plat de jour and a buffet of desserts.
Les Tontons, 118 Quai de Bacalan, 33000 Bordeaux which is next to the Pont Chaban Delmas. For a map, please click here
Booking
If you would like to join us please register with Norma B or online. Norma’s contact details are here
Closing date Sunday 18th February. Places are limited so please register early.
When using the on-line booking form, please note the following:
Do not forget to press ‘Submit’
If you do not receive a confirmation from the organiser within 48 hours then your booking has not been recorded and we ask you to contact the organiser direct for your booking confirmation
Address – Parking – Public Transport
Tram line B, stop Cite du Vin. Address Hanger 20, Quai Bacalan, 33300 Bordeaux (ie Next door to the Pont Chaban Delmas)
Plenty of parking available agjacent to the CAP Sciences
CAP SCIENCE BORDEAUX FOLLOWED BY LUNCH AT LES TONTONS
Did you know that we are the result of the multiplication and diversification of a handful of tiny stem cells?
All life begins with stem cells. Without them men, animals and plants could not live. Thanks to them our body is constantly regenerating and creates more than 300 million new cells per minute.
Today, with the help of stem cells, doctors can produce skin or treat patients with cancer. And tomorrow? Could we cure through these special cells diseases like Alzheimers or diabetes?
Discover the role and nature of these very particular cells. Their incredible powers will not stop surprising you!
Private Guided Tour
We have organised a private guided tour of this very interesting exhibition at 10 am on Friday 23rd February. The cost per person will be between 2,50 euros and 4,50 euros depending on numbers.
Lunch
Following the visit to Cap Science for those who would like lunch we plan to eat at Les Tontons,
which is just 50 metres from the exhibition. The lunch menu costs between 16 – 18 euros (excluding wine) which includes a buffet of entrées, plat de jour and a buffet of desserts.
Booking
If you would like to join us please register with Norma B or online. Norma’s contact details are in the Membership Directory here
Closing date Sunday 18th February. Places are limited so please register early.
When using the on-line booking form, please note the following:
Do not forget to press ‘Submit’
If you do not receive a confirmation from the organiser within 48 hours then your booking has not been recorded and we ask you to contact the organiser direct for your booking confirmation
Address – Parking – Public Transport
Tram line B, stop Cite du Vin. Address Hanger 20, Quai Bacalan, 33300 Bordeaux (ie Next door to the Pont Chaban Delmas)
Plenty of parking available agjacent to the CAP Sciences
The program for the day covers 900 years of history !
A day out in central Bordeaux with a visit to the cathedral St Andre and then lunch followed a free guided tour of the “Voilà les Américains” exhibition at Centre Jean Moulin. The three locations are easily accessible in central Bordeaux and are within 500 metres of each other.
Meeting place and time
Meet at 11:00 at the Club des Retraités MGEN, 35 cours Pasteur, Bordeaux which is where we had the Brexit meeting with the British Embassy official from Paris in September 2016).
The Club is opposite the Musée d’Aquitaine, next to Tram B (Pessac/Bacalan) Musée d’Aquitaine stop, one stop away from Tram A (Mérignac-Lormont) Hôtel de Ville stop at the cathedral St Andre. and 500m away from the Place de la Victoire bus/tram hub.
The Club is a convenient meeting place with seating and facilities.
Tour
After meeting up at the Club, Alain will take us around the cathedral St Andre for a guided visit. We will see some of the spectacular results from the major restoration works and get a more complete view of the inside than we had for the Compostella tour that we did 3 years ago.
The imposing and well restored royal entrance in the north wall of the nave epitomises 13th century French Gothic architecture.
Eleanor of Aquitaine and Louis VII, the future king of France, were married there 1137, as were Anne of Austria and Louis XIII. The cathedral was used to store fodder during the French Revolution and suffered a devastating fire in the 19th century. A very varied history !!
Lunch
Around 12.30 we lunch at Le Dragon Doré, 9 rue Paul Louis Landes (50m away from the Club).
It’s a small place run by a friendly Cambodian couple who cook fresh food daily as customers come in, so the food doesn’t stand for hours in warming-up containers.
There is a buffet-lunch for 14€ excluding drinks/coffee/tea. Please pay for your lunch at the restaurant.
Voilà les Américains !
After lunch at 14:30, we have a free guided visit around the 1917 – Voilà les Américains exhibition at the Centre National Jean Moulin which is opposite the cathedral spires on the corner of rue Vital Carles.
In April 1917, the USA sent an a large army to France comprising about two million soldiers at its peak. On 21st June 1917, Bordeaux became the headquarters of Base 2 for the Service of Supply responsible for the procurement, reception and organisation of the immense amount of supplies to support a large fighting army in Europe. American troops also arrived in large numbers at Brest and Saint Nazaire for onward transit to the front line.
The exhibition reveals the realities of the arrival and the installation of the Americans in Bordeaux and their associated logistics.
1917 was marked by the Russian Revolution, mutinies, the new military presence of the Americans in the conflict and the start of a hard fight to eventual victory by the Allies which was achieved in 1918. The exhibition shows the daily life of American troops as evoked through relationships with people (weddings, births, deaths), as well as problems of hygiene and health. The inherent diseases and accidents caused the establishment of proper health services.
The American soldiers were nicknamed Sammies after the iconic Uncle Sam and the presence of the Americans in the Gironde brought many influences including Jazz and also the YMCA (Young Man’s Christian Association) !
The exhibition is designed as part of the commemorations of the Centenary of the First World War, in partnership with the cities of Bassens, Lormont, Merignac, Carbon Blanc, the Metropolitan Archives and the Departmental Archives of the Gironde.
Booking
Please book online or book direct to Alain M ( contact details here ).
When using the online booking form, please note the following:
Do not forget to press ‘Submit’
If you do not receive a confirmation from Alain within 48 hours then your booking has not been recorded and we ask you to contact Alain direct for your booking confirmation
Map
DIRECTIONS: Click the ‘Directions’ symbol and enter your home address or start point to get a detailed set of directions which can then be printed out and/or downloaded to your smartphone.
Specify public transport and where you want to start on the tram/bus and you will then see the route options for your journey together with arrival/departure times so that you can arrive on time.
ZOOM: Use the + and – symbols in the bottom left hand corner of the map to zoom in and out
After the success of the first two editions of the festival Tauzia Gardens in Autumn 2016 and Spring 2017, the Association of Friends of Tauzia have organised the third edition on Friday 20th, until Sunday 22nd October.
Come and meet over 80 exhibitors specialists of the plant world: nurserymen, gardeners, craftsmen, artists and exceptional artists.
You will have the opportunity to buy plants, flowers and shrubs in the privileged setting of an english park at Le Château de Tauzia
You can also get tips to keep your garden and follow short nature classes and informative on specific themes.
Address
Château de Tauzia
216 Cours du Général de Gaulle
33170 Gradignan
This dramatic, prestigious addition to Bordeaux’s riverside, adjacent to the new Chaban–Delmas bridge is the new Wine Experience, a ‘must’ for all. The interior compliments the exotic exterior !
We have organized a tour at a cost of 18€ per person. La Cite du Vin gives a different view of wine, across the world, across the ages and across all cultures and civilisations. The exhibition space covers 3,000 square metres and there are some twenty different themed areas which take you on a voyage exploring the many facets of wine across time and space.
A pre-programmed ‘guide companion’, available in different languages, will guide you around finishing at the Cite du Vin’s Belvedere, where you can enjoy a beautiful view of Bordeaux while sipping a glass of wine from anywhere in the world.
Our visit will commence at 10.30 am, with a break for lunch and can be continued in the afternoon.
Lunch
A reservation has been made at LES TONTONS, a restaurant just 5 minutes’ walk from the Cité du Vin.
The price is 12 €uros for a starter and dessert from the buffet, or 15 €uros including a main course. Wine and coffee are extra.
Payment for lunch will be done individually on the day.
Otherwise, if you would prefer to eat in the Cite du Vin itself – there is a gastronomic restaurant and a snack bar – you will need to make your own arrangements.
Booking
To make a reservation please access via our website or contact Pamela Prior at
Please send a cheque in advance to Pamela for 18 € made payable to the BORDEAUX BRITISH COMMUNITY and also let Pamela know if you wish to be included in the group lunch or alternatively please book online below.
When using the on-line booking form, please note the following:
Do not forget to press ‘Submit’
If you do not receive a confirmation from the organiser within 48 hours then your booking has not been recorded and we ask you to contact the organiser direct for your booking confirmation
Please make your booking asap as we need to give an indication of numbers by FEBRUARY 15TH.
Directions
How about via a short river cruise ? The Bat3 ferry operates using regular Bordeaux Métropole public transport tickets (tickarte) like buses and trams. It leaves its pier at Quinconces (in front of La Belle Epoque) at 9.52-arriving at Cité du Vin (2nd stop) at 10.13 convenient for the 10.30 appointment.
For the return trip: it leaves Cité du Vin at 13.13; 14.13; 14.58; 15.43; 16.28 (last shuttle).
Alternatively there’s always Tram B from Pessac to the “Cité du Vin” stop, or free parking on quayside building sites a ten minute walk along Rue Lucien Faure away from the bridge!
If you are interested in trains of yesterday and today, you must not miss this magnificent exhibition of steam, electric and digital trains which are fully functional and running through stations, towns and beautiful landscapes on an M size gauge, all wonderfully made by technicians and artists.
The members of the Model Railway Club are the keepers of memories and national heritage which have often disappeared. The decor is constructed by the members who use old cardboard calendars and is often a copy of existing buildings.
This exhibition would appeal to adults and children alike and the entrance is free so come along and appreciate the craftsmanship of these dedicated volunteers.
Venue
Salle du Broustic (opposite the tourist office), Esplanade du Broustic (behind the Place du Marche and the Post Office), 33510 Andernos les Bains
We will meet at the Salle du Broustic at 10.30 on Saturday 25th February.
Lunch
Lunch is at the restaurant Boulevard 136 located at 136,Boulevard de la Republique, 5 minutes drive from the exhibition centre on the main street going towards Audenge on the left hand side.
The menu is 16€ including starter, main course and dessert.
Booking
If you would like to attend the exhibition and/or the lunch, then please contact Colette direct as soon as possible or book online below.
When using the on-line booking form, please note the following:
Do not forget to press ‘Submit’
If you do not receive a confirmation from the organiser within 48 hours then your booking has not been recorded and we ask you to contact the organiser direct for your booking confirmation
The Base Sous-Marin now serves as a regular exhibition centre and is currently hosting a new exhibition ‘La Probabilité du Miracle’ by Gérard Rancinan and Caroline Gaudriault who take you on a unique journey combining art and culture, where reality merges with the unreal, where the words are mixed with the memory of the photograph and where the thought of Man is infinite.
The exhibition that mixes photographs, words, sounds, art-videos, an art movie, and art installations ‘that will not leave you unscathed‘.
Gérard Rancinan and Caroline Gaudriault offer a journey into an artistic universe where real and unreal confront each other.
Their proposition asserts itself as the mirror of the memory of our society and its time. The dialogue established between Gérard Rancinan’s photography and the texts of Caroline Gaudriault is punctuated throughout the journey by some forty works transposing an epoch marked by fantasies, illusion, contradictions to the denial of reality and books.
They pose questions about our world and even more about the perception that we have.
Phil visited several years ago to see an impressive photographic exhibition, and was amazed how clever use of coloured lighting transformed the ‘satanic’ interior, reflecting off the surface of the flooded submarine pens. It is still eerie and a bizarre venue for an exhibition, but it works!
The Base Sous-Marin
From the outside the base is a massive, ugly, dirty concrete structure built by the Germans during the war. This gigantic bunker is organized in eleven pens or docks for submarines and protected by a massive bomb proof concrete roof. The complex covers an area of 43,000 m2 with 12,000 m2 open to the public and converted into an a cultural space managed by the city of Bordeaux.
Throughout the year, the Submarine Base hosts a multidisciplinary program: temporary exhibitions, concerts, opera, jazz, theatre performances and dance.
If you would like to know more about the construction and war-time history of the base, please click here
Lunch
Bistro Regent la Peniche, at Quai Armand Lalande, Bassins a Flot No1 offers a five choice menu at 12.90€. It is unusual that it is on a ship, which affords great views of the Bassin and Submarine Pens.
Free parking on the adjacent Quai amidst many white vans, the area is undergoing major redevelopment !
The ship/restaurant is about a 5 minute walk north west along Rue Lucien Faure from the Bassins á Flot Tram stop (line B). (second traffic lights). I propose meeting at 1pm.
Please note there are 2 ship restaurants, plus other adjacent vessels. After lunch it will be best to drive the 1.3km circuit of the Bassin to reach the Submarine Base, I think we will have enough cars to carry any coming by foot.
Meeting Place and Car Parking for the Exhibition
We shall assemble at ‘La Base Sous-Marine’ at 2.45. The entrance to the base is off Boulevard Alfred Daney, 33300 BORDEAUX
There is ample free parking, public transport is not so easy !
Booking
If you would like to attend, then please contact Phil or complete the online booking form below as soon as possible.
When using the on-line booking form, please note the following:
Do not forget to press ‘Submit’
If you do not receive a confirmation from the organiser within 48 hours then your booking has not been recorded and we ask you to contact the organiser direct for your booking confirmation
Visit to the “Baccarat, cristal de Légende“ exhibition at Château Labottière, home of l’Institut Culturel Bernard Magrez, 16 rue de Tivoli, LE BOUSCAT.
Preceded by lunch at the ‘O Monte Alegre’ restaurant, 69bis Boulevard Pierre 1er in Le Bouscat just across the road from rue de Tivoli and a 5 minute walk from the Institut Culturel.
The exhibition is celebrating the founding of the glass factory in the Lorraine village of Baccarat in 1764 by the Bishop of Metz who received the authorization of Louis XV.
Over 250 years Baccarat’ chandeliers and candelabras have come to light regal rooms and its table service has adorned banquets of royalty and presidents.
Lunch
Arrive at 12:15 for a 12:30 lunch at ‘O Monte Alegre’ which is a charming, highly recommended Portuguese restaurant (seating capacity of 26) located at 69 bis Boulevard Pierre 1er, 33110 LE BOUSCAT.
Menu at 25€ (wine and coffee included):
Entree:
Salad Mista (Mixed salad)
Choice of main course to be selected in advance:
Morue à l’Ancienne
or Côte de Porc, sauce champignons
Choice of dessert to be selected in advance
Crème Bolacha (biscuit with whipped cream and chocolate mousse)
or Pomme au four au porto
Coffee
Wine: 1 bottle between 4 (red, white or rosé)
Exhibition
After lunch we have a short 5 minute walk to the exhibition at Château Labottière, l’Institut Culturel Bernard Magrez, 16 rue de Tivoli, LE BOUSCAT to assemble there at 14:30. There is a 6€ admission charge.
Booking
As this is a small restaurant, we are committed to pay for the number of lunch places that we reserve. Therefore your payment is needed in advance:
Lunch – 25€ per person
Exhibition – 6€ per person
Please book on line or direct with Pamela and send your cheque, payable to BBC for the total amount, direct to Pamela by 5th September.
When using the on-line booking form, please note the following:
Do not forget to press ‘Submit’
If you do not receive a confirmation from the organiser within 48 hours then your booking has not been recorded and we ask you to contact the organiser direct for your booking confirmation
The reserve ‘Naturelle Geologique is a real open air museum in the heart of the Les Landes forest. Rocks and fossils can be seen in the seven different locations throughout the 75 hectare site.
Morning Program
The day will start at ‘Maison de la Reserve’ in Saucats at 10.30 am where we will meet our guide Philippe. The maison has a display of fossils and geological exhibits dating back over 20 million years.
Following the introduction, we have a very short drive to our first site. Philippe will guide us along forest tracks and board walks which lead down to the river Saucats. The many exposed fossils are protected behind glass and our Philippe will explain the types and age of the coquillages marins found here.
The morning guided walk will take approximately 1 hour 30 mins including pauses to explain and view the exhibits.
Lunch
Your picnic lunch may be eaten at the small picnic area by the river.
Following lunch, we once again meet our guide back at the Maison Nature (toilette facilities available).
Afternoon Program
Philippe will take us to the second site to be explored, this is a short drive back towards Bordeaux on the D108.
The afternoon walk is slightly longer and will take approximately two hours including stops to view exhibits and explanations. Sturdy comfortable footwear is recommended.
Further Information
More information and pictures can be viewed on www.reserves-naturelles.org and in the search search box put Saucats, and it will bring up the relevant page.
Directions
From the Rocade take the A62 direction Toulouse, leave the motorwaycome at the 1st exit signed Martillac and St-Medard-D’Eyrans. At the roundabout take the 3rd exit onto the D113, in La Brede take a right turn onto the D108 signed Saucats. At the junction in Saucats turn right onto D651. Approximately 350 metres on the left is Chemin de l’Eglise with the Maison de la Reserve Naturelle on the corner.
Directions from A63, exit the motorway at junction 24 signed Saucats and St Jean d’Illac. Take the D211 direction Saucats. In Saucats you arrive at a T junction and turn left onto D651 (there is sign to the maison reserve naturelle geologique). Approximately 300 metres on left is Chemin de l’Eglise with the Maison de la Reserve Naturelle on the corner.
Booking
The cost of the guided walk is 5 Euros per person, the closing date for those who wish to participate is Sunday 15th May 2016. Please reserve direct with Norma B or book online.
When using the on-line booking form, please note the following:
Do not forget to press ‘Submit’
If you do not receive a confirmation from the organiser within 48 hours then your booking has not been recorded and we ask you to contact the organiser direct for your booking confirmation.
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In the inter-war years Biscarrosse was the centre of the thriving French seaplane industry, with more than 100 flying boats providing flights to Africa. New York and South America. There is now an excellent museum there, with a regular international event to trace the history of aviation.
After lunch at 14:30, we have a free guided visit around the 1917 – Voilà les Américains exhibition at the Centre National Jean Moulin which is opposite the cathedral spires on the corner of rue Vital Carles.
The Base Sous-Marin now serves as a regular exhibition centre and is currently hosting a new exhibition ‘La Probabilité du Miracle’ by Gérard Rancinan and Caroline Gaudriault who take you on a unique journey combining art and culture, where reality merges with the unreal, where the words are mixed with the memory of the photograph and where the thought of Man is infinite.
Their proposition asserts itself as the mirror of the memory of our society and its time. The dialogue established between Gérard Rancinan’s photography and the texts of Caroline Gaudriault is punctuated throughout the journey by some forty works transposing an epoch marked by fantasies, illusion, contradictions to the denial of reality and books.
Bistro Regent la Peniche, at Quai Armand Lalande, Bassins a Flot No1 offers a five choice menu at 12.90€. It is unusual that it is on a ship, which affords great views of the Bassin and Submarine Pens.
Visit to the “Baccarat, cristal de Légende“ exhibition at Château Labottière, home of l’Institut Culturel Bernard Magrez, 16 rue de Tivoli, LE BOUSCAT.
The exhibition is celebrating the founding of the glass factory in the Lorraine village of Baccarat in 1764 by the Bishop of Metz who received the authorization of Louis XV.
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