Conservation and restoration at the Musée de l'Hydraviation in Biscarrosse

After the construction of the Latécoère assembly and flight-test base in 1930, followed by Les Hourtiquets seaplane base in the late 1930s, forming a real gateway to the Atlantic, Biscarrosse was the natural choice for the creation of a seaplane museum unlike any other in all of Europe. 

Safeguarding our unique heritage

The museum set itself the task of retracing the history of seaplanes around the world, from the very first innovators on their strange machines to the latest models of the present day.

To do this, it gathered collections of:

This historical presentation occupies 13,500 sq.ft. (1,250 m²) of floor space in buildings that, in some cases, date back to the site’s early days when they housed workers from Les Hourtiquets seaplane base.

Intact seaplanes are extremely rare nowadays. Weather and marine corrosion have taken their toll. Aside from a few flying boats restored by enthusiasts, the seaplanes that have been salvaged are all in museums today.

So, why not in ours? In the main exhibition hall, spanning more than 5,000 sq.ft. (480 m²), seaplanes from 1912 through the 1980s, either restored or undergoing restoration, are on display.

Pictures of our salvage and conservation work

The museum is committed to preserving this heritage, along with the production techniques inherent to the industry.

The Museum's Collections
Grumman Albatross Collection  Documentation Center