This is a first! The civil security base in Nîmes-Garons (Gard department) will open its doors on Saturday, October 4, 2025, with a flyover by the Patrouille de France to mark the event.
There is plenty to see in Nîmes and the surrounding area: the amphitheater, Maison Carrée, Pont du Gard, Château de Montfrin, beautiful farmhouses, and more. But tourism isn’t the only attraction in the department, which is also home to aviation. Proof of this can be found in the activity at Nîmes-Garons Civil Airport, which is home to the city’s Civil Security Base, in the direction of Arles—not to be confused with Nîmes-Courbessac Aerodrome, in the direction of Avignon.
Aimed at aviation enthusiasts, those curious about air rescue, and locals eager to learn about the inner workings of this base, which is essential in fighting the fires that ravage the region every year, these open days are an opportunity to discover the helicopters and other aircraft that help fight the flames, including the Canadair CL-415 Pelican, Dash-8, and Beech 200, among others.
Pilots, mechanics, flight operators, emergency response unit employees… All staff (around 120) will be available to answer visitors’ questions. On the ground, there will also be an exhibitors’ village, entertainment, aircraft tours, and more. And in the air, there will be several demonstrations, such as the Air and Space Force Aerobatic Team, a flypast by the Patrouille de France’s Alpha Jets, and displays of the capabilities of the base’s emergency response aircraft. As you can see, there will be plenty to see in the skies above Nîmes at the beginning of October!
Event: Open house at the Nîmes-Garons civil security base. Saturday, October 4, 2025. Nîmes-Garons civil security air base, 30800 Saint-Gilles.