Musée de l'aviation légère de l'armée de Terre et de l'hélicoptère

About the museum

The Musée de l'aviation légère de l'armée de Terre (ALAT) received its official framework through a ministerial instruction of 1983. It followed a conservation effort launched a few years earlier at the Navelet air base in Dax. The collection initially comprised only three aircraft; it grew thanks to enthusiasts, serving and reserve military personnel, and former ALAT members.

The museum opened to the public on March 1, 2023, in former aircraft maintenance hangars. Across roughly 6,000 m² of covered space, more than 30 aircraft and two demonstrators are on display, along with hundreds of historical objects. The storage areas hold nearly 70 aircraft, including several unique examples and prototypes.

The route covers more than sixty years of helicopter history in the French army. It displays aircraft of the ALAT, but also of the Marine nationale, the armée de l'Air et de l'Espace, the Gendarmerie and Customs, as well as drones. A historical gallery traces the history of the arm since 1954. Guided tours are led by volunteers from the museum's friends’ association (AAMALAT).

Highlights

• More than 30 aircraft across roughly 6,000 m² of covered space
• Helicopters of the ALAT, the Navy, the Gendarmerie and Customs
• Unique examples and prototypes
• Historical gallery since 1954
• Guided tours by former pilots and volunteer mechanics
• Free admission

Permanent exhibition

• Collection d'hélicoptères et d'avions de l'ALAT – More than 30 aircraft of the ALAT, the Navy, the Gendarmerie and Customs, with drones and a historical gallery since 1954.

Founded

1983

Admission & discounts

Admission is free.

Free admission.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: no information
• 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

The museum states that it is fully accessible to visitors with reduced mobility. The route is located in former hangars: it can be hot there in summer and cold in winter.

Kids & families

A Halloween evening opening is held every autumn; in 2024, one session was aimed at children and another was not recommended for children under 16.

Getting there & parking

Address: 58 avenue de l'Aérodrome, 40100 Dax.

Amenities & dining

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit