Bordeaux to Mont blanc - Pyrenees and Alps
A breathtaking journey to reach the highest peaks in Western Europe. From the heart of French wine country, set out onto sandy coastlines and pristine pastoral landscapes; behold cliff-side castles and awe-inspiring valleys; all on your way to explore the snow-dusted ranges of the Pyrenees mountains and the unforgettable splendor of Mont Blanc and the Alps.
For this trip you will be piloting the Diamond DA40NG, a solid 168 hp turbodiesel that delivers remarkably fuel-efficient performance, superb handling and impressive vertical speed.
Assistance on the trip will be available in the form of a 'Back on Track' button on the VFR Map -- however, be advised that using this will disable achievements tied to the activity.
Total Legs: 17 Total Distance: 895 Total Time(125kts): 7 hours 9 minutes
Leg 1
Leg Distance: 38.58 Approximate time at 125kts: 19 minutes.
Saucats Airport(LFCS) to Autoroute A63(POI1)
Distance: 7.04NM Bearing: 268° 3 minutes
Welcome to Nouvelle-Aquitaine -- the beginning of your journey from the southwest of France to the majestic Alpine peak of Mont Blanc. As you take flight from Bordeaux Leognan Saucats Airfield, set a western heading and continue until you reach the A63 motorway.
Autoroute A63(POI1) to Arcachon Junction(POI2)
Distance: 5.87NM Bearing: 221° 3 minutes
Follow the A63 southwest. Past a collection of small lakes on the highway, the road will bifurcate at Arcachon Junction. Take the branch that leads farther west.
Arcachon Junction(POI2) to The Bassin(POI3)
Distance: 8.76NM Bearing: 278° 4 minutes
Track west with the road and it will lead you toward the woodland meadows and salt marshes of the Ornithological Reserve of Teich. Just beyond you'll come to the southern shore of Arcachon Bay.
The Bassin(POI3) to Cap Ferret Lighthouse(POI4)
Distance: 8.25NM Bearing: 271° 4 minutes
Keep heading west across the waters of Bassin d'Arcachon toward a peninsula bordering the Atlantic Ocean. Find your way to the Cap Ferret Lighthouse.
Cap Ferret Lighthouse(POI4) to Dune du Pilat(POI5)
Distance: 4.15NM Bearing: 160° 2 minutes
From Cap Ferret turn southeast, and cross the waterway to the Great Dune of Pilat.
Dune du Pilat(POI5) to Arcachon - La Teste-de-Buch Airport(LFCH)
Distance: 4.51NM Bearing: 80° 2 minutes
As you pass over the tallest sand dune in Europe, your path will carry you east across the sprawling greenery of Foret Domaniale de la Teste, on a direct approach to your first destination: Arcachon Airport.
Leg 2
Leg Distance: 32.74 Approximate time at 125kts: 16 minutes.
Arcachon - La Teste-de-Buch Airport(LFCH) to Cazaux-Sanguinet Lake(POI6)
Distance: 6.17NM Bearing: 213° 3 minutes
For the next leg of your journey, you will be flying through restricted airspace, so pay close attention to all indications. Avoid the area south of Arcachon Airport as you make your way southwest. Soon you will see the vast expanse of Cazaux-Sanguinet Lake and should head for its western shore.
Cazaux-Sanguinet Lake(POI6) to Biscarrosse(POI7)
Distance: 5.07NM Bearing: 171° 2 minutes
Cross the lake to reach its southernmost point, and the inland town of Biscarrosse.
Biscarrosse(POI7) to Parentis-en-Born(POI8)
Distance: 5.95NM Bearing: 143° 3 minutes
To the south lies another large body of water, Lake Biscarrosse et de Parentis. Airspace between the lake and the coast is restricted, but if you follow the northern shoreline as it bends east, you will be in the clear and soon find the town on Parentis en Born, east of Parentis airport.
Parentis-en-Born(POI8) to Mimizan(POI9)
Distance: 9.95NM Bearing: 211° 5 minutes
From Parentis, set a course southwest. When you reach the relatively small Lake d'Aureilhan, look for the mouth of a river on the opposite side, and the town of Mimizan to the south.
Mimizan(POI9) to Bias(POI10)
Distance: 3.73NM Bearing: 172° 2 minutes
Fly directly south from Mimizan and initiate your approach. When you reach the town of Bias, adjust your heading east toward the Mimizan Airport.
Bias(POI10) to Mimizan Airport(LFCZ)
Distance: 1.87NM Bearing: 90° 1 minutes
Continue on the eastward approach from Bias and land on Runway 08 at Mimizan Airport.