Musée de l'hydraviation

About the museum

The museum is located on the site of the former Latécoère base in Biscarrosse. In 1930, the engineer Pierre-Georges Latécoère set up an aeronautical base on the lakeshore to assemble and test seaplanes. More than 120 aircraft were built there, and famous aviators such as Saint-Exupéry, Mermoz and Guillaumet took off from it.

For the base's fiftieth anniversary, Marie-Paule Vié-Klaze and former workers put together a commemorative exhibition. Given the public's interest, the mayor at the time, Roger Ducom, decided to create a museum. It opened in 1982, at the same time as the association Amis du Musée de l'Hydraviation.

The museum is now run by the Biscarrosse town hall and holds the Musée de France label. It covers about 1,250 square meters, including former buildings that housed the workers of the seaplane base.

The permanent exhibition tells the story of the seaplane from 1910 to the present, in chronological order: the pioneers and racing seaplanes, World War I, the Aéropostale and mail transport, World War II, and modern missions such as firefighting. Visitors are greeted by a Grumman Albatross displayed outdoors, the only one of its kind in France.

Highlights

• Grumman Albatross, the only American seaplane in France
• Italian Macchi MC-72 seaplane
• Model of the Laté 28-3 and engine of the Blohm und Voss BV 222, reproduced in relief for blind visitors
• Canadair cockpit that children can climb into
• History of the Latécoère base, the Aéropostale and transatlantic flights

Permanent exhibitions

• Exposition permanente : l'hydravion de 1910 à nos jours – Around 1,200 images and objects arranged by theme, from the pioneers of seaplane flying to today's missions.
• Grumman Albatross – American seaplane displayed outdoors at the museum entrance.

Founded

1982

Operated by

Ville de Biscarrosse

Admission & discounts

Free admission: European Heritage Days in September and the Fête de la science in October: open house and free activities (2026 calendar).

The ticket covers the permanent collection, the seaplane hall, the Grumman Albatross displayed outdoors, the shop and the temporary exhibition. Payment by bank card, cash, check and ANCV holiday vouchers (chèques-vacances).

Accessibility

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

The museum is fully accessible, including the restrooms. A wheelchair and a walking stick with a seat are lent at reception, which also has an induction loop. Braille and raised-relief reproductions, magnifying glasses, large-print booklets, noise-cancelling headphones and Explor’sens sensory bags are available. Sensory guided visit on request, reservation one month in advance.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

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

Free activity booklets for children aged 3 to 11 with the mascot Looping. The “Air & Eau” children's area, for ages 0 to 3 and beyond, includes a reading corner, a sensory aquarium and a Snoezelen cabin. Children can climb into the cockpit of a Canadair. The restrooms have baby changing tables, and a quiet space allows breastfeeding or bottle feeding.

Getting there & parking

By car from Bordeaux: A63, then A66, exit Mios / Biscarrosse. Ychoux station is about 25 minutes away. The site is accessible by bike via the Vélodyssée. A disabled parking space is located near the entrance.

Amenities & dining

• Museum shop
• Coat check

F-BISCA shop with more than 500 items. Outside, picnic tables are set up in the shade of the pines; reception can keep belongings and heat meals or baby bottles.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit