Musée de l'Aéronautique Locale

The Musée de l'Aéronautique Locale de Bétheny is a museum that provides a comprehensive overview of the history of the Reims-Champagne air base 112, which was dissolved in 2011 after 83 years of existence. It also highlights the global firsts that made the Reims region a cradle of civil and military aviation a century ago. This museum is a great place for tourists interested in aviation history to learn about the significant role the Reims region played in the development of aviation.

Historical Context of the Airfield

The museum traces the history of the airfield before 1914, which later became an air base in 1928. It hosted notable figures such as Tsar Nicolas II and his entourage as well as President Armand Fallières in 1901. This historical context provides tourists with a unique insight into the early days of aviation and the important figures who visited the airfield.

Museum Layout and Exhibits

The museum features several rooms arranged in a row, creating a mainly chronological discovery circuit. This layout allows tourists to follow the development of aviation over time. One of the highlights of the museum is the Max Holste 1521 Broussard displayed in the courtyard. This versatile reconnaissance and observation aircraft was used for freight transport and liaison and could be arranged for medical evacuations, providing a tangible piece of aviation history for visitors to explore.