Le musée de " l'Envol des pionniers" .
Toulouse is the European capital of aeronautics and even global since we have surpassed Boeing.
In fact, the history of Toulouse and aeronautics dates back a long time and I'm going to tell you about it.The takeoff of the pioneers museum opened in 2018.
The museum has welcomed 40 000 visitors but currently, I believe there are many more.
It was aftre the Second World War that " Pierre Georges Latécoère ", in 1918 created a true aerospace ecosystem that made Toulouse the European capital.
The idea was to bring countries, continents, and peoples closer together.
Aviators took flight to deliver mail.
It was at their own risk and many of them died during these flights.
The very first line opened was between Toulouse and Barcelona.
The main airline was established in 1925, organizing two trips each year.
This line started from Toulouse, made a stopover in Rabat, Morocco, and ended its course in Dakar, Senegal. Another line was opened on the South American continent, but did not have much success.
It was in 1920 that " Pierre Georges Latécoère " set up his compagny in Toulouse Mautodran district of Toulouse: 6, Jacqueline Auriol street 31 400 Toulouse.
In 1970, after Aeropostale declared bankruptcy, Air France set up its maintenance workshops from 1970 to 2003.
Subsequently, Air France built new aircraft maintenance workshops next to Toulouse-Blagnac airport.
For the past five years, this district has been under full recontruction, you can find machines produced by " HALLE La Machine " and " the museums of the pioneers " flight there.
In the 1920s, " Pierre Georges Latécoère " constructed hangars covering an area of 700m2, which housed the assembly lines. The museum is located exactly where the factory used to be. On the site, you can observe the presence of a runway. It was from there that the airplanes would take off.
The runway is going through some changes and will be transformed into a green space, serving as a promenade for the amazing machines from " Halle la Machine " .
Many renowned aviators have contributed to the success of airline routes, and among them, there stand out : Saint-Exupery, Daurat and Mermoz.
In 1943, it was Saint-Exupery who wrote " Le Petit Prince " ( The Little Prince ), which has become the second most published book in the world after the Bible.
The museum:
This museum is indeed a success as it is constantly evolving and interactive. It will narrate to you all the achievements of those great aviators of the time.
You will discover objects, airplanes, documentaries, and many other things.
You can even practice handling an airplane's control stick.
There is always:
A temporary exhibition:
77 amazing objects.
25 airplane models.
a 1,8 km track.
11 interactive devices.
A permanent exhibition:
This year's is on the entrepreneur, creator of the airmail " Pierre Georges Latécoère ".
The Grand balcony Hotel: ( L'hôtel du Grand Balcon ).
Upon their return, the aviators had to rest and they always went to the same hotel next to Capitole square, " The Grand Balcony Hotel ", 8/10 Jean-Antoine Romigyuière street 31 000 Toulouse.
In 2008, it underwent a major renovation that made it into a 4-star hotel.
The classified elements were all restored identically.
You can see the most famous aviators in the pictures above.
The largest picture shows us " Pierre-Georges Latécoère ".
If you can pass by the hotel, why not go for a drink at the bar and admire the entire ground floor or book a room if you can.
I can say that I love you so much.
It was a suite dedicated to Saint-exupery with a view of the Capitole.
it must be a special experience for guests to sleep in Saint-Exupery's old canopy bed, as the suite has been faithfully restored to its original state.
Im glad to hear the establishment is warm, calm and offers impeccable service.
The Grand Balcony Hotel by night:
BONUS PHOTOS: assembly factories.
I hoppe you enjoyed sharing the post about the history of these great aviators.
If you have any more questions or need assistance in the future, feel free ask.
Have a great day!
The Blog from Toulouse.
Greetings Franck.
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