Aviation and Aerospace in Paris Region

Originally built for the 1878 World’s Fair and later relocated to the town of Meudon, Hangar Y is the world’s first airship hangar and a landmark of French aviation history, where military aerostation was developed. Listed as a Historic Monument in 2000 and transformed into a dynamic cultural venue in 2023, it is now open to visitors and hosts a rich programme of cultural events, exhibitions and conferences throughout the year.

The largest and oldest aviation museum in the world is located in the north of the Paris Region, at Paris–Le Bourget Airport. The museum hosts major temporary exhibitions such as Flight and, every two years, the must‑see International Paris Air Show (SIAE). Admire two Concorde aircraft displayed nose to nose, step inside a Boeing 747, or enjoy the unique thrill of a flight simulator. With a collection of more than 350 aircraft, the experience is nothing short of breathtaking.

Head south of the Paris Region to Cerny Airfield, where a vast hangar houses an outstanding collection of vintage aircraft, tracing the history of aviation from its earliest days to the Second World War. Every Pentecost weekend, the museum hosts spectacular flight demonstrations during the air show Le Temps des Hélices. And for an unforgettable experience, why not take to the skies yourself with a thrilling first flight experience?

Inside the vast nave of the Great War Museum of Meaux, two iconic aircraft from the First World War era are displayed alongside trucks, tanks and artillery pieces. A dedicated selection of objects related to military aviation completes the collection, including pilots’ uniforms, aerial bombs, reconnaissance photography equipment, propellers and machine guns.

Discover the museum through immersive reconstructions, such as French and German trenches, which help visitors understand the crucial role played by aviation in reconnaissance missions, ground support and aerial combat during the war.

The delta wing, a major aeronautical breakthrough that made supersonic flight possible, has its own museum near Paris–Orly Airport. At the Delta Museum in Ris‑Orangis, iconic aircraft such as Concorde, Caravelle and the Mirage III are displayed alongside a remarkable collection of historic aircraft. Passionate aviation experts are on hand to share their knowledge with you during guided tours.

Set in southeast Paris, at the crossroads of the Paris Region’s rich industrial heritage, the Safran Aeronautics and Space Museum invites visitors of all ages on a fascinating journey through the history of flight and space exploration. Housed in a former seaplane hangar, the museum showcases an impressive collection of aircraft, helicopter and rocket engines, alongside iconic equipment that has shaped French aerospace innovation. An immersive and accessible visit, brought to life by passionate experts, offering a deeper understanding of the major technological breakthroughs that continue to influence aviation and space today.