St. Dizier - Robinson (BA113)

1West side approach

This is the best spot both for spotting and photographing, on the west side of the base. Driving on highway N4, heading to Vitry-le-Francois, from or to St. Dizier, take the exit onto road D196 towards Hallignicourt. In this village, after the S-turn, take a left turn towards the soccer fields. Take a left turn again and park your car near the soccer fields. This is an excellent position to photograph landing aircraft, but you will also have an excellent view onto the airfield, the taxiways and the end of the runway. You could also drive to the gate to check the southern dispersal area, but you will be seen by the authorities.

2South side

Drive to the city and take a left and then left again onto a dirt road. At the end you will have a good view of the south dispersal.

3North side

On the D196, drive north through the city of Hallignicourt until you go right onto highway N4. After a gas station, take the first road to the right, over a bridge towards the fence.

4Aero club

Continue on highway N4 and take the exit to road D384 towards St. Dizier. After crossing the canal, take a right onto Rue Alfred du Musset. From here follow the signs towards the aero club, but go left towards a crash gate at the end to have a look at the northern dispersals. According to locals this spot is private terrain and therefore off limits.

5East side approach

On the east side of the base, this is the way to the right spot, although it is not ideal. At the roundabout of the N4/D2-junction go southwards on the D2. At the junction with road D384, go to St. Dizier, but take the road to the left just before the viaduct of highway N4. At the end, park your car and go by foot over the dirt road to the fence. Alternatively, you can go to the approach path by car. Follow the road until you reach the wood rim nearest to the base. Here you will be practically under the landing planes as the local jockeys tend to make very, very short final turns from base leg to the runway! Halfway the dirt road from the dike towards the fence is the best (but still not ideal) position.