Meeting Aérien d'Avord - Open Days BA702

An air show in the heart of Berry

The Meeting Aérien d'Avord takes place at the Air Base 702 Capitaine Georges Madon, located in Avord in the Cher (18) department, near Bourges and Baugy. This military base, the second largest in France, opens its doors to the public once a year, usually in the autumn, to offer an exceptional air show. The event attracts several thousand visitors each year to admire the power and elegance of military aircraft in flight.

Spectacular aerial demonstrations

The air show program includes demonstration flights by the Patrouille de France, the famous French aerobatic team, as well as presentations of modern fighter jets like the Rafale, military helicopters, and the impressive AWACS (Airborne Warning and Control System). Demonstrations include formation flypasts, aerobatic maneuvers, combat mission simulations, and low-altitude flights that delight both young and old. The precision and coordination of the pilots make this meeting a unique moment to discover the expertise of the French Air and Space Force.

Static exhibition and mission discovery

In addition to the flights, a static exhibition allows visitors to get up close to the fighter jets, helicopters, and other aircraft stationed on the tarmac. Pilots and mechanics are present to answer public questions and explain how the aircraft work. Families can discover the interiors of some cockpits, touch the advanced materials used in military aeronautics, and better understand the various missions carried out by the base: pilot training, operational support, maintenance, and aeronautical logistics.

Air Base 702 Capitaine Georges Madon

Air Base 702, named after Captain Georges Madon, a French aviation ace during World War I, is a strategic military site located in Avord for over a century. It hosts several squadrons and plays a key role in training pilots and aircrews. With its vast infrastructure, runways, and technical hangars, the base is a center of excellence for French military aeronautics. The open days are a unique opportunity for the public to enter this usually closed world and discover the behind-the-scenes operations of defense aviation.

A family and educational day

The Meeting Aérien d'Avord is not limited to aerial demonstrations: the event also offers activities for children, information stands on careers in aeronautics and defense, as well as catering and merchandise sales points. Guided tours are sometimes organized to discover the base's facilities, maintenance workshops, and command centers. This free or low-cost event is designed to appeal to all audiences, from aviation enthusiasts to families looking for a fun and educational outing in the Cher.