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Aerospace Valley Bordeaux

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Industrial site
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Aerospace Valley Bordeaux (France)

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Aerospace Valley, centered in Bordeaux and the broader Nouvelle-Aquitaine region, is one of the world's premier global competitiveness clusters for aeronautics, space, and embedded systems. Established in 2005, this industrial cluster integrates the expertise of over 800 companies, research laboratories, and universities to drive innovation in civil and military aviation. The Bordeaux metropolitan area is home to industry giants such as Dassault Aviation, Airbus, Thales, and ArianeGroup, where they design and manufacture iconic products like the Falcon business jets and Ariane rocket components. The region leverages a century-long tradition in aircraft manufacturing, combining it today with advanced digital technologies and sustainable manufacturing practices. Beyond production, a primary focus of the cluster is the development of eco-friendly propulsion systems and next-generation composite materials to reduce aircraft weight. The cluster supports over 120,000 jobs in Southwestern France and plays a critical role in maintaining Europe's technological leadership in space exploration. Every year, billions of euros are funneled into cutting-edge research and development projects within this high-tech network.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C66912162022211915106
Rain mm825863586656414646688580

📋 Practical info

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What is this place?
Aerospace Valley Bordeaux is a major hub for the French aerospace industry, hosting companies like Dassault Aviation and ArianeGroup. It plays a central role in the regional economy and drives innovation in the latest aviation and space technologies.
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Visiting
Most company sites are not open to the public due to security and confidentiality concerns. Some firms occasionally offer plant tours that must be booked in advance.
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Where to view it
A good overview can be obtained from the area around Bordeaux-Mérignac airport, where many aerospace companies are located. From public roads and viewpoints along the runways, one can observe test flights and aircraft under assembly.
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Local products
The region manufactures aircraft components, engine parts, and satellite systems. Locally, one can occasionally find model kits or souvenirs related to the aerospace industry.
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Active season
Industrial activity is high year-round, with peak periods during major air shows like the Paris Air Show. The region is especially busy during new product launches or testing campaigns.
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Nearby
Combine a visit with the city of Bordeaux and its famous vineyards. The Musée Aeroscopia near Toulouse also gives an excellent complement to aviation history.

Geography

Coordinates
44.83980, -0.71530

Facts

  • The cluster spans across the Nouvelle-Aquitaine and Occitanie regions.
  • More than 1,600 R&D projects have been launched since the cluster's creation.
  • Final assembly for all Dassault Falcon business jets takes place in Bordeaux.
  • The cluster accounts for roughly 120,000 highly skilled jobs in the region.
  • ArianeGroup manufactures the solid rocket boosters for Ariane 6 near Bordeaux.
  • It is the world's leading cluster for civil aeronautics and embedded systems.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

📍Le Haillan5 km · NEExplore →
📍Martignas-sur-Jalle5 km · WExplore →
📍Saint-Médard-en-Jalles6 km · NExplore →
📍Saint-Jean-d'Illac6 km · SWExplore →
📍Eysines7 km · NEExplore →
📍Pessac8 km · SEExplore →
📍Le Taillan-Médoc8 km · NEExplore →
📍Saint-Aubin-de-Médoc8 km · NExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Aerospace Valley Bordeaux (5)

Ferme de Découverte de Mérignac

Discovery farm in Mérignac offering insights into agriculture.

avion de chasse

Displayed fighter aircraft, likely a historical model.

Dassault Mirage IV

Displayed Dassault Mirage IV, a supersonic bomber from the Cold War era.

Côté Sciences, Air & Espace🏛 museum

Museum focusing on science, aviation and space.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What exactly is Aerospace Valley?
A cluster of companies in the aerospace industry located in Bordeaux and Toulouse.
Is the area accessible to tourists?
It is an industrial area. However, the nearby Aeroscopia museum features great insights.
Which famous companies are based here?
Major names like Airbus, Dassault Aviation, and Thales have important sites here.
Are there public events?
Occasionally there are open house days or career fairs for those interested in technology.
Why is this location so important?
It is a European hub for innovation and research in aircraft manufacturing.
Aerospace Valley Bordeaux: where is it located?
Aerospace Valley Bordeaux is located in Nouvelle-Aquitaine, France.
Aerospace Valley Bordeaux: what is there to see?
Highlights include Ferme de Découverte de Mérignac, avion de chasse, Dassault Mirage IV.
Aerospace Valley Bordeaux: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Aerospace Valley Bordeaux: why is it worth visiting?
Aerospace Valley, centered in Bordeaux and the broader Nouvelle-Aquitaine region, is one of the world's premier global competitiveness clusters for aeronautics, space, and embedded systems.
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