Following “Aeroscopia,” which opened in 2015, Toulouse is now home to another museum entirely dedicated to aviation: “L'Envol des pionniers,” looking back over the early decades of aeronautics.
Following “Aeroscopia,” which opened in 2015, Toulouse is now home to another museum entirely dedicated to aviation: “L’Envol des pionniers,” looking back over the early decades of aeronautics.
The “L’Envol des pionniers” [Flight of the pioneers] museum opened right at the end of 2018, on December 22. This new venue, which is more than a museum, is an integral part of a complex that aims to be a true record of aeronautics. Everything is found within one city, Toulouse, which was the stage for significant events in a sector that was then emerging, such as the beginnings of the Latécoère production line in December 1918.
A century later, the museum has become part of the “La Piste des géants” [The Giants’ Runway] cultural hub, together with “La Halle de la Machine” [Hall of the Machine] and “Jardins de la ligne” [Gardens of the Line]. This cultural hub has fittingly been created around the famous Montaudran runway, from which Pierre-Georges Latécoère took off to launch the line bearing his name and linking mainland France with Africa then South America.
Other great names who played a big part in the early days of aeronautics are, of course, included in the museum, which looks back at the careers (and lives) of the pioneers including Marcel Bouilloux-Lafont, Didier Daurat, Jean Mermoz, Henri Guillaumet, Antoine de Saint-Exupéry as well as all those who accompanied them. A perfect outing either as a family or with friends.
Museum. “L’Envol des pionniers.” 6 rue Jacqueline Auriol, 31400 Toulouse.