Russell Ogden enjoys the air at Col de Bleyne with his daughter
Pilots in the south of France are celebrating getting their beloved Col de Bleyne back as a free-flying site, as EDF abandon plans to erect windmills along the ridge.
Arguably one of the best sites in the south of France, and starting point for several record flights, Col de Bleyne has been officially closed to pilots since 2011.
British ex-pat pilots Ulric and Ruth Jessop headed the group les Amis des Montagnes d’Azur who campaigned tirelessly for three years to get the site back. Ruth says:
The project would have closed the site to free flying and destroyed one of the most beautiful ridges in the south-east of France.
Many, many thanks to everyone who has helped us so much to win this three-year-long battle; your support has been very much appreciated.
The landowner, a local farmer, has signed a permanent agreement for pilots to use the site. He asks that pilots respect the local people and their animals – don’t fly or land near sheep and cows – and use the official landing field.
Please note that wild camping is not permitted at the site: the nearest campsite is in the village of St Auban.
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