French seaplane owner and pilot Derry Gregoire joins Steve on this episode of the Water Flying podcast to discuss a seaplane event like no other: the Rassemblement Internatinal d'Hydravions de Biscarrosse.
Held every other year on an historic freshwater seaplane lake just a stone’s throw from the Atlantic Ocean on France’s southwestern coast, the International Seaplane Meeting Biscarrosse combines history, seaplanes, aerobatic routines, military fighter demonstrations, historic flights and so much more, all for a massive celebration of hydro aviation—water flying.
It’s a little-known fact that the very first seaplane flight took place in France, and Biscarrosse played an important part in France’s aviation history. Tune in for an enjoyable exploration of now-historic seaplanes that were developed in this small beach community with a Key West vibe, sand dunes, and some of the world's best wine and oysters.
Though seaplanes no longer are manufactured in Biscarrosse, the community now hosts one of the largest seaplane events in the world. It is a spectacle featuring seaplanes from across all of Europe. Visitors get to enjoy seaplane formation flights, a night airshow, a drone show, fireworks displays, concerts, food vendors, a dedicated seaplane museum, and so much more. It is a bucket-list event for seaplane enthusiasts especially, but also anyone enamored with aviation of any kind.
Get ready to be surprised when you learn about a thrilling example of a vibrant and hugely popular international seaplane event and the many adventures awaiting you in Europe.
Learn more about the Rassemblement Internatinal d'Hydravions.
Learn more about the Seaplane Museum in Biscarrosse.
Learn more about the Aquitaine Hydravions Seaplane AeroClub and School.