Orange - Caritat (BA115)

1Main gate

Just behind the main gate, six aircraft are on display. Their identities are given on the right of this page. They are partly obscured by trees, but with some effort the major part of them can be seen. There is room for short-term parking near the gate.

2Taxiway north

Follow the road from Orange to Camaret sur Aigues. Just before you see the approach, there is a small road/dirt track to the right. From here Mirages using the taxiway can be read off.

3Overview

Spot 3 offers a good overview of the airbase, and even the possibility to read off aircraft at the flight line. To do the latter, go to the southern corner of the stretch of road that parallels the fence. The most comfortable way to get here from spots 1 and 2 is to take the D975 to Camaret, turn right onto the D43 at the roundabout and then take the second right. From this spot, you can watch aircraft landing and taking off. This is also a good position for photography. For most people, a three-step ladder will bring the runway surface at approximately the same angle as the top of the fence. Without steps, take-offs can still be shot during initial climb.

4Runway 32

When you reach Orange, take the road to St. Gobain. Just before you reach St. Gobain, you will cross a railroad. From here, follow the signs to Jonquieres. You will see the airbase on your left-hand side. Take the first road to the left and you will pass the approach. From here, photographs can be made with 200mm on both sides of the approach. On the east side, remain on the road, position yourself next to the fenced electricity building, as the field on the other side of the road is strictly private.

5Alert barn view

From this position, it should be possible to poll the Mirages in the alert sheds. Not a photo spot.

6Taxiway south

This spot along the fence is close to the derelict Mirage 3RD 361 (which can be seen from spot 3 as well). The southern taxiway passes along it, revealing identities of aircraft taxiing to runway 32 of from 14. Due to several obstacles, photography is not good here.

7Amis 2ème EC

On the outskirts of Orange town, this very interesting collection of preserved military aircraft can be found. Being mostly jet fighters, but including other types as well, the planes are kept in immaculate condition. The admission fee is three euros, opening times may vary. If the gate is closed, virtually all aircraft can be seen from the outside as well.