Deauville St. Gatien LFRG

Date of Visit = March 06, 2000

Pilot: = Chris Wright

e-mail = cw9912@holmwood.demon.co.uk

We made it across to Deauville on Wednesday as planned. The weather was good, with a healthy 30 knot tail wind on the way over. We routed direct and climbed to FL55 once clear of London TMA. Dunsfold radar gave us service almost to the FIR.

The powered descent from FL55 to 2000 must have set a new ground speed record for the AA5 (it was within Vne, but the GS readout made me think I was flying a jet :)

We took the scenic route, reporting at VRP Delta Echo (Normandy bridge) anda wide right base join. We were number 3 on final - first a 737 then a PA28 then us. I wouldn't have wanted to be number 2 following the 737, but the Piper pilot got ATC instructions to 360 on final :) which he did and still had to go around when the 737 started back tracking!!!

The runway 30 (more or less straight into wind) is HUGE no flaps needed there, (I guess you could do your 3 take off and landings in one circuit there to maintain passenger currency:)))

On the ground, there were only 3 planes including ours - that was surprising for such a runway and terminal facility.

Plenty of advice from the list about where to go, so we taxied (the 4 wheel sort) into Honfleur. The cabbie was great, We were 2 up and an instructor plus 2 came along in another plane. We squeezed 5 pax into the cab including one in the back of the estate. Cabbie arranged to come and pick us up in 3 hours. He wouldn't take payment then - quite happy to be paid on the return journey. There's trust for you.

The restaurant was excellent. There were plenty to chose on the harbour front. They thought we were mad to sit at the outside tables - well it was sunny and we were Brits (well 4/5 anyway, one of the assembly was French). As my pax was P1 for the return leg, I could even have a glass of local produce.

A beautiful place to wander round, we topped up with some crêpes and a case or two of grape juice then back in the cab to the airport.

We were told in very clear terms that once we had got the FPL and other planning bits sorted that we MUST report to customs. So after preparations, we looked and looked but everyone we asked just shrugged :)

Pretty strong headwinds on the return journey gave us a 1.6h return compared with 1.0h outbound.

Overall, a great day out, Deauville was very friendly, laid back excellent value.

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Date of Visit = August 1999

Pilot: = mani

e-mail = mani

Well,,,, the prayed for weather happened today, and we seemed to be treated to an beautiful day in which to visit lfrg Deauville. the journey went very smoothly, London info. being very busy, but most people were on the ball, making the controllers life slightly easier.

We landed at Deauville being controlled by a wonderfully switched on Deauvillian controller, who knew his job well. polite, courteous, succinct, with an unruffled manner. a1+++ excellent. The tarmac length reminded me of some American strips, although of course it wasnt as big :)

Flaps? no need for 'em. brakes? no need for 'em. we made the first turn off which was 1/3rd along the runway with nary a brake to be seen...

The staff at the airport were great also. Mr. Customs just made a note on a screwed up piece of paper of our airplane reg., our names (I think) and where we'd come from. He shyed away when I tried to hand him my passport, and my passenger Dennis didn't even bother to remove his passport from his pocket ! We received very warm welcome. excellent.

The taxi fare into Trouville was exhorbitant, being about £10 each way, but apparently goes up to 15 on a Sunday... hmmmm.

Food? well ! where to start? If you are interested in the menu-d'la-mer, you cannot go far wrong than to visit Trouville.

Along one side of the main thoroughfare are the restaurants, selling high quality dishes, and you can tell because so many of the French are eating there; along the other side of the street are the fresh fish shops, selling all varieties of uncooked fishes. Honfleur is a nice place to visit - picturesque was how it was described to us, but unfortunately time did not permit a peek this time around...

Would I go again? a resounding yes.

Sights I shall remember:

The Deauville architecture and cleanliness.

The look on the face of Dennis when my engine cut out - but we were taxying from parking to the pumps, and the fuel was switched off (my fault). his face was a sight to behold.

The look on Dennis's face when the whole crab was placed in front of him as his entree, and then about 25 langoustine (filling a very large plate) were served up for his delight as the main course. The look of delight and bemusement was something to behold on both our faces :)

Deauville? yes, go. Its great, and easy to find.

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Date of Visit = June 1999

Pilot: = Keith Jillings

e-mail = amen@earthling.net

Field Report = One of my regular destinations - a bit up-market from Le Touquet.

Impressive location - on the coast, with VOR and ILS for those hazy days. Restaurant on the field, but many more in Deauville and Trouville (the fishing village next door).

Taxis usually available when you arrive. Abut 50FF into town, and the taxi driver will book you a restaurant while you're on the way, so you know food is available.

A paradise for fish eaters. The restaurant on the beach is fabulous but a tad pricy.