PIREPs door Peter

Ouessant – known to Anglophones as Ushant – is undulant and green and perfect for bikes, e-bikes and walking, just like her bigger sister Belle Île.
But there the comparisons end.
Where Belle Île is winsome, idyllic and trendy, Ushant is burly, windswept and Wagnerian – yet also often ignored by the English and especially by English pilots. This is a great shame because ‘Island hoping’ is one of the great assets and joys of GA.
Ouessant is all of 10 minutes flying time from Brest LFRB with a hard 833 metre runway with RNP at both ends of 05/23.
One would normally work IROISE Information before using OUESSANT Information (french only) since ATC is rarely there unless there is a Commercial flight - in the holiday season around 9.00L & 17.00L.
As the field is often deserted, there is usually parking for 8 planes. Remember the wind blows hard here so using the tie down rings is advised.
There is an honesty box for landing fees displayed on the notice board - about €8.
Getting to Lampaul: It is about a gentle 30 min walk. Some of us, like myself, try to fly with a foldup bicycle; but it is possible to arrange in advance for a local shop to deliver bike(s) to the airfield. See details in Island brochure: [Guide Pratique 2025](https://www.calameo.com/read/004656587d3d5eec9459e)
Accommodation: As one would expect, accommodation is limited - especially in the summer - and pre-booking is essential. On our recent trip, some stayed at Le Roc'h Ar Mor***(https://www.lerocharmorouessant.bzh/) which they highly recomended both for accommodation & as a restaurant.

For those who like isolation, open space, walking/cycling among wildness, nothing can compare to Ouessant.
This is even more so 'out of season' - but then one must allow flexibilty because of the weather. Remember, *Ushant* doen't have 5 working Lighthouses for nothing!
Whilst there, DO as the locals do: Enjoy a *Kir Breton* (a kir royale but with cider – sweet, cold and delicious) and their staple diet Galettes Bretonnes!

A medieval gem in Burgundy, France. A picturesque walled village standing on the top of a rose-tinted granite cliff, overhanging the little river of Armançon. A town, unknown by most pilots, full of charm and atmosphere.
It has a 780 metre hard runway with free landing and parking. What is more, this is only 2km from the ramparts and its cobbled streets; making it an easy walk into town (although because it is 'down a hill & up again' in both directions - and the streets are not the best in France - I recomend taking a 'set of wheels' for your luggage).
As you leave the airfield, go straight ahead down the hill towards the town. Follow the road for about 1½ km., crossing the river to enter the heart of the town of Semur by the church. By crossing the square there, you will soon find the helpful tourist office in Place Gaveau (+33 3 80 97 05 96). They have the usual ‘freebies’ and can assist in getting accommodation if needed; although in the summer it is wise to book ahead. They produce (in English) a simple little guide map with 5 different ‘coloured’ walks (ranging from 1 - 3½ hours) of the town and the ramparts.
There is a very informative web site for the town.

Hotels: Three recommended hotels are: In the town itself: the basic The Cymaises**; nearby, a Logis de France Côte d'Or*** which has an Irish receptionist. The manager’s husband is a commercial pilot so they know all about late cancellations. They will collect pre-booked guests from the airfield. Outside on the ring road: Hostellerie d’Aussous*** has beautiful views over the city and its floodlit walls at night + a swimming pool.

Restaurant: If you enjoy a genuine French Brasserie - getting harder to find even in France - then you will enjoy Le Saint Vernier in 13 rue Fevret in the Old Town. Full of wonderful local atmosphere and very good value french cooking with a good choice of pichets of french wine.
If you want a more traditional restaurant - but still good value - try La Rumeur

Fuel: There is Avgas for cash only but this, like the field itself, is nearly always deserted – especially mid-week.

Radio: Being an unmanned field one must use the Common Auto-Information Service: 123.5 en français.
If you want a short excursion, get a taxi (or hire a car - details from the tourist office) to Flavigny-sur-Ozerain, some 10 miles to the east. Another tiny picturesque village on top of a rock, isolated by three rivers, this hamlet of 438 people is now preserved by French heritage. You may recognise it since this is the site where the amusing and photogenic film Chocalat was made. If you watch the film on DVD before you leave, you are bound to identify some of the places used, not least the local church of St Genest and the site of the Chocolate shop opposite!

A lovely, friendly Brittany field – just 10 minutes flying from the mainland – **with a 660 hard metre runway +** unusual for an island **Avgas** (although only in the summer and not on Wednesday). There is a welcoming clubhouse with *pression* on tap: an ideal way to get in to the French holiday mood!
The field is only 177’ above sea level, so it can often get fog bound and there are no procedures. There is a [Webcam](https://www.meteoblue.com/en/weather/webcams/belle-%C3%8Ele_france_3033682) based on the airfield called 'Bangor'.
Although the plate states *“français seulement”* the instructor/Bar man/Pump attendant, *Maurice Portugal*, – who worked in England – is often in the tower and speaks good English. He is also training a new lady ATC, *Emmanuelle*, whose English R/T is getting quite good.
In July/August it is very rare for the Military Zones around the Island to be active and, even at other times, contact with Nantes Info 122.8 will suffice. If, though you are particularly concerned about activity, phone *Maurice* +33 (0)2 97 31 83 09 who is usually informed a day in advance.
Above all, the field is remarkably cheap: I paid €8 for my PA28 Turbo Arrow for landing + three days parking. Avgas was €2.2 a litre: Credit cards accepted.
Getting to/from the airport: Taxis are quite limited on the island and there are NO taxis on Mondays! There is a local bus service #2 from Le Palais to the airport; which returns from a stop by a nearby campsite, Trion-Guen, down the road from the airport. Likewise Bus #3 also calls there. Do check the website for the *current* Bus timetable for it changes 2/3 times a year.

'The Café' is nu gesloten, maar 'The Innovation Centre' bij de ingang van het vliegveld exploiteert tijdens kantooruren een kleine koffievoorziening.