Espace Air Passion

About the museum

The Groupement pour la Préservation du Patrimoine Aéronautique (GPPA) was founded in 1981 by a group of friends who wanted to save the region’s aviation heritage. Their first project was restoring a glider in a member’s cellar; then the flying club made a small space available to them on the airfield. The restoration of René Gasnier’s aircraft, entrusted by the city of Angers, marked the start of a collaboration that continues today.

A first hangar opened in 1988 and was enlarged the following year, which changed the association from pure restoration to running a museum. It was then called Musée Régional de l’Air. The move of the Avrillé aerodrome to Marcé marked the start of the museum proper, which opened in September 1998. Hiring staff then made regular opening possible.

The workshops have been approved as a maintenance unit since 1991 and recognised at European level since 2010. The museum has a 3,500 m² exhibition hall, including 400 m² of workshops, a storage hangar and a documentation and archives centre that is among the largest in Europe. The collection comprises around 180 aircraft, about twenty of them airworthy, along with a collection of models. The museum is largely run by volunteers.

Highlights

• Around 180 aircraft, about twenty of them airworthy
• Board the Fouga Magister and the Broussard
• Restoration workshops and panoramic walkways over the airport
• 39-45 area dedicated to the Second World War
• Play area for little ones and booklets for children

Permanent exhibitions

• Collection d'aéronefs – Around 180 aircraft, planes and gliders, presented with animations and restoration workshops; two aircraft, the Fouga and the Broussard, can be visited from the inside.
• Espace 39-45 – Area dedicated to the Second World War in the museum’s collection.

Founded

1998

Operated by

Groupement pour la Préservation du Patrimoine Aéronautique (GPPA)

Admission & discounts

Free admission for holders of the aeronautical medal and for crews in uniform. No group rate is shown on the price page; groups book in advance. Payment by bank card, Chèques-Vacances, cash and cheque.

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

Most of the museum is accessible to wheelchair users. Visitors who cannot use the walkways can read a summary of the panels about the suspended aircraft at the foot of the stairs. The Degoul-Lamy room, on the second floor, is reached by stairs and is not part of the standard visit. Adapted toilets for men and women.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
• Hands-on stations
• Stroller-friendly
• Baby changing facilities
• Playground / play area
• Kids’ birthday parties

Treasure hunts for 3- to 12-year-olds, an educational booklet for 7- to 12-year-olds, booklets for toddlers and 3- to 6-year-olds, a play area open without booking from 18 months with an adult, workshops during school holidays for 4- to 14-year-olds, a wind tunnel, a flight simulator and access to the cockpits of the Fouga Magister and the Broussard. Afternoon birthday parties (Annivers’air). Changing area and microwave for baby bottles; the whole ground floor is accessible by pushchair.

Getting there & parking

By car: from the D766, direction Baugé; from the A11, coming from Angers, take exit 12 (toll) or exit 13 (free), then follow the “Angers-Loire Aéroport” signs.

Amenities & dining

• Museum shop

Drinks and sweets are sold at reception and in the shop. The restaurant L’Envol, on the airport site, serves homemade traditional cuisine with a view of the runways.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties
• Corporate events
• Weddings / ceremonies

The museum hosts cocktails and dinners, seminars, private parties, weddings, concerts, trade shows and film shoots all year round, by reservation.

Plan your visit