Just a short walk from Camping Vert Lavande, the Belmont-sur-Rance Airfield has, over the decades, become a true meeting place for microlight clubs, pilot groups, aeronautical associations, and anyone involved in or organizing light aviation activities.
In southern Aveyron, there is no better balance of natural surroundings, suitable facilities, friendliness, and accessibility for groups.
If you’re looking for a venue for a gathering, a club outing, a flying weekend, a glider training camp, a microlight stay, or even an accommodation base for an air tour, you’ve come to the right place.
Gliding: a strong tradition and a rare site in Aveyron
The Aveyron Gliding Centre, based at the airfield for over 45 years, regularly welcomes clubs from across the region.
Founded through the passionate initiative of Abbé Aliès, it still thrives today on a strong, friendly, and highly welcoming community spirit.
A unique winch-launch site in Aveyron
The airfield features a grass runway of around 1,300 m, ideal for winch launching.
This method, both economical and environmentally friendly, allows for:
- a rapid ascent
- an impressive climb angle of around 45°
- an altitude of 400 to 500 m reached in just a few seconds
Radio communication between the pilot and winch operator ensures a safe and highly professional environment.
Clubs particularly appreciate:
- the runway length
- the peaceful setting
- the open views
- the absence of disturbances
- the warm welcome from volunteers
It is one of the most pleasant airfields in the region for organizing gliding trips or training camps.
Microlight flying in Belmont: accessible, scenic, and ideal for groups
The site is also highly valued for microlight flying, whether for:
- gyrocopters
- three-axis microlights
- weight-shift trikes
- introductory flights
- or club-organized microlight gatherings
And having flown from Belmont myself, I understand why.
My microlight flight: 30 minutes over southern Aveyron
I had the chance to enjoy a flight of about 30 minutes departing from the airfield.
A bit of cool air at altitude, of course… but you quickly forget it as the landscapes unfold below.
The contrasts of the Rougier, the green valleys, hilltop villages, and the gentle curves of the Causses: everything feels bigger, purer, more alive from above.
It’s the kind of flight that makes you want to go straight back up again.
And after landing, I had to head straight to the campground guinguette to resume service and welcome our guests… still with my head in the clouds.
A quick landing… but a beautifully contrasting return to earth!
The airfield: a historic, friendly site designed for aviation groups
A place rich in history
Since its creation, the airfield has welcomed generations of pilots, students, clubs, and enthusiasts.
Today, it remains a reference point for those looking for:
- a peaceful site
- favorable flying conditions
- a large grass runway
- an outstanding natural environment
A popular annual event: STOL
Every first weekend of July, the airfield hosts a STOL (Short Take Off and Landing) event, a friendly gathering centered around aircraft capable of taking off and landing on very short distances.
A highlight for both pilots and spectators, and a great opportunity for clubs to meet up.
Why do groups choose Belmont-sur-Rance?
- open airspace
- peaceful environment
- large grass runway
- low traffic
- friendly local atmosphere
- perfect area for scenic flights
- immediate proximity to Camping Vert Lavande for accommodation
It’s an ideal location for organizing:
- club weekends
- microlight gatherings
- association outings
- aeronautical events
- training camps or courses
Camping Vert Lavande: the perfect base for clubs and pilots on an aviation stay
Located just a few minutes from the airfield, Camping Vert Lavande is often chosen by aviation groups for:
- its peaceful setting
- comfortable accommodation (mobile homes, pitches, groups up to 20 people)
- its close proximity to the village
- its friendly atmosphere
- its popular guinguette for evening meals
After a day of flying, nothing beats:
- a good shower
- a local meal at the guinguette
- a relaxing evening between pilots
- and sometimes a new flight plan for the next day
Clubs, associations, pilots: Belmont is waiting for you
Whether you are a microlight club, a gliding association, a group of private pilots, a traveling aeromodelling club, or simply a group of friends passionate about flying, Belmont-sur-Rance Airfield and Camping Vert Lavande make the perfect combination:
Here, the sky belongs to those who love to share it.
