Guided tour of the Dax Helicopter Museum

Whether you're an aviation enthusiast or just curious, this military museum in Dax, in the Landes département, offers a unique perspective on the history and technology of French Army helicopters. A journey through time and into the air!

An incredible display of military helicopters

Covering 6,000 m² in two huge hangars, the Musée de l'Aviation légère de l'Armée de Terre (ALAT) et de l'hélicoptère (Army Light Aviation and Helicopter Museum) presents almost 70 aircraft (helicopters and small planes) that served in the ALAT, but also in the French Navy, the French Air Force, the Gendarmerie Nationale and Customs.

The museum is very well organised, with interactive displays and detailed information on each aircraft and the evolution of military helicopter technology, from its rudimentary beginnings to its modern, sophisticated designs. Visitors can discover the complex engineering behind these flying machines that have kept the French army at the forefront of military aviation.

To illustrate the visit, the museum also displays hundreds of objects and memorabilia, often rare or unusual, paying tribute to the men and women who have served and continue to serve in the army's light aviation. A very interesting museum, even for the uninitiated. Don't miss out!

Helicopters to see at the museum

The first exhibits on show immediately plunge you into the history of French military aviation. The Dax Helicopter Museum is home to rare and unique examples, prototypes and emblematic combat models used by the French army's light aviation corps.

Visitors can discover the Gazelle attack helicopter, a light-as-air aircraft capable of flying at nearly 310 km/h. It is renowned for its exceptional manoeuvrability, and is used for reconnaissance, attack and fire support missions.

Moving through the museum, we come across the Super Frelon, a heavy transport helicopter used by the French Army. It has been in service since the 1960s, transporting troops and heavy loads. It was also used for search and rescue operations at sea. Retired in 2010, it remains a symbol of French military aviation.

Further on, the Puma is another emblematic helicopter, developed in 1965 by the Société nationale industrielle aérospatiale (SNIAS). Still in service, this aircraft is used mainly for troop transport, refuelling and logistical support.

A helicopter flight simulator

You can climb aboard some of the helicopters on display and sit in the cockpit for a souvenir photo. Have you always dreamed of flying a helicopter? For even more realism, the museum offers you the chance to take the controls of a "Gazelle" combat helicopter thanks to a flight simulator unique in France.

Practical info:

- ALAT and Helicopter Museum: 58 avenue de l'Aérodrome, 40100 Dax (just 35 km from the 5-star Landes Lou Pignada campsite)

- Open from 1 March to 30 November, Monday to Friday, 2pm to 5.45pm; from 1 July to 31 August, Monday to Saturday, 2pm to 5.45pm. Self-guided or guided tours.

- Adults: €6, children aged 12 to 17: €2.50, under-12s free.

- Website: www.museealathelicopteredax.fr

Photo credit: Musée de l'ALAT et de l'Hélicoptère