Fly an Aeroplume and Soar like a Bird!

The two friends reunited for an unforgettable afternoon in Écausseville, Manche, to try something truly unique: the Aeroplume. With Antoine, their expert instructor, leading the way, they soared to new heights, embracing the freedom and thrill of floating several meters above the ground. It was a moment of pure exhilaration and wonder.

Enzo and I set off for Écausseville to try a once-in-a-lifetime adventure: the Aeroplume! Suspended in a historic World War I dirigible hangar, we were attached to a massive helium balloon, using our “wings” to glide effortlessly through the air. It was a truly enchanting experience, unlike anything we’d ever imagined.

At the foot of a giant

It’s impossible to miss the airship hangar looming on the horizon as you approach Écausseville, nestled in the lush countryside and surrounded by grazing cows. Towering at 150 meters long, 31 meters high, and 40 meters wide, its sheer size is striking. And when you stand right before it, the sense of scale becomes even more awe-inspiring. Before entering, we explore a museum that chronicles the building’s 100-year history, offering an insightful introduction to its unique role in French aviation. This sets the stage for the extraordinary world awaiting inside the hangar, a vision brought to life by Jean-Pierre David.

A century of history

At the entrance of this concrete cathedral, we are welcomed by Antoine, the Aeroplume instructor. He introduces us to the mysterious flying machine and explains this unique activity, conducted exclusively indoors, safe from the elements. Inside, we feel dwarfed by the immensity of the structure, originally built by the French Navy during the First World War to house airships tasked with combating German submarines. During the Occupation, the hangar served as a storage depot for the German army. Post-war, it was repurposed by the Allies as a spare parts garage. In the 1960s, under French control, it was used to produce balloons for nuclear testing.The legacy of this tumultuous past is evident all around us, particularly in the numerous graffiti etched into the walls by French, German, and American soldiers.

Floating in the air

We’re now face-to-face with two unique flying objects, each equipped with wings. The concept is to lie in the harness beneath the helium bubble and grasp the wing handles to navigate the air using arm strength. I settle into the harness, and Antoine releases the balloon to reach the “aerostatic equilibrium”—the point where I become lighter than the surrounding atmosphere. Free from gravity, I float effortlessly within seconds, gently maneuvering the airship forward, backward, and upward, following Antoine’s guidance. I’m ready to fly! Slowly, I begin to drift towards the back of the hangar, soaring like a giant bird. What an exhilarating sensation.

As I gaze down below, Antoine and my friend Enzo look tiny. He’s just about to take off in another Aéroplume to join me in the air! With each passing moment, I gain more confidence in my aerial navigation skills, still fully immersed in the serene sensation of floating. As Enzo’s Aéroplume rises, we reach the same height and glide together, effortlessly managing the distance between us. Antoine congratulates us for successfully completing the first step of our “Plumonaut” journey.

I gradually begin my descent, and my landing is incredibly smooth. Once back on the ground, I look up to see my friend soaring above, flapping his wings through the air. Now, I’m eager to get back up there… One of my dreams has come true today. Flying an Aéroplume is an experience I’ll remember for a lifetime.

Useful Information

A unique place

Ecausseville

Nestled in the Manche department, at the heart of the Cotentin and Bessin Marshes Regional Nature Park and just 30 kilometers from Cherbourg, this town is home to a unique landmark: a World War I-era airship hangar. Classified as a Historic Monument since 2003, the site now offers Aéroplume flights.