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Fête Aérienne: Le Temps des Hélices 2024

One of the oldest and most famous air shows in France

Dates: May 18-19, 2024

Fête Aérienne: Le Temps des Hélices
Fête Aérienne: Le Temps des Hélices
Fête Aérienne: Le Temps des Hélices
Fête Aérienne: Le Temps des Hélices
‘Patrouille de France’ at La-Ferté-Alais

Fête Aérienne: Le Temps des Hélices is a two-day air show held at La Ferté-Alais airfield in Cerny. The show, which has been running for half a century, usually takes place during Pentecost, the 50th day after Easter Sunday. Le Temps des Hélices celebrates vintage aircraft and aviation and attracts about 40,000 people every year. On the ground, the airshow features about one hundred historical planes. Plenty of exciting demonstrations also take place in the air.

Event's Program

The air show program lasts nearly five hours and includes “The Time of the Aces” display with vintage planes like Fokker Dr.I, Stampe SV4 RS, and Bücker Bü 131 Jungman. "D Day" is another special flight performance of the event where the iconic Douglas C-47 and Supermarine Spitfire PR MK XI impress the audience with their exceptional maneuvers.

The Tora Tora Tora re-enactment of Pearl Harbor and World War II features no less than ten T6s and will be accompanied by the pyrotechnics show. Another notable feature of the program is the paratrooper drop—a sight that is sure to keep the spectators at the edge of their seats. Static displays are open from 9 am to 12:15 pm and flying demonstrations take place from 12:50 pm to 6:30 pm on both days.

Activities

In addition to aviation displays, visitors can enjoy a variety of activities on the airfield itself. Feel free to explore the exhibitors’ village to stock up on posters, aviation-themed clothing, books, and all kinds of merchandise. Food vendors also provide their services there: from restaurants to ice cream booths, everyone can find something to their liking. You might as well contribute to a good cause by buying something from local schools' food stands, all profits of which go to the students of the schools.

Tickets and Transportation

The ticket for adults costs €35, the ticket for children 12 to 16 years old costs €15, and admission to the venue is free for children under 12. If you are commuting by car, parking is already open from 7 am on the event days. Public transport is also easily accessible: RER C buses are scheduled from 8:30 am to 12:30 pm from Bouray-sur-Juine station, and RER D shuttles regularly arrive at La Ferté-Alais station.

VIP Experience

If you're looking for more of a comfortable experience, treat yourself to a VIP ticket. It costs €300 and includes an exclusive set of services and a seat at a special venue close to the runway of the airshow. With the pass, you can choose to sign up for a guided tour around the event to gain deeper insight into the history of the aircrafts. Or you can sit back and relax at a VIP terrace and enjoy the flight demonstrations in all their glory after a delicious dinner.

History of the Event

Le Temps des Hélices, which dates back to 1970, has become a must-see for aviation enthusiasts in France and beyond. Various activities are planned for all ages: meet-and-greets, a parade of vintage motorcycles and cars, historical reconstructions, autograph signings with the legendary figures of the aeronautical industry, and much more.

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Last updated: by Olga Valchyshen