๐ซ๐ท Cholet/Le Pontreau, France
Cholet Le Pontreau Airfield (CET), also known as Cholet Roland-Garros - Le Pontreau and identified by its ICAO code LFOU, is a civil airfield located 2 kilometers north of Cholet in the Maine-et-Loire department of France. This airfield plays a crucial role in supporting leisure and tourism aviation activities, including light aviation and aeromodelling, for the local community and visitors to the Pays de la Loire region. It is approved for both night Visual Flight Rules (VFR) and Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) approaches, ensuring a high level of operational capability. While not a commercial passenger airport with a large terminal, Cholet Le Pontreau Airfield offers essential facilities for its users. The airfield provides an Aerodrome Flight Information Service (AFIS) with English-speaking agents available during operating hours, offering vital flight plans and weather information. For dining, there is an on-site restaurant called 'Cรดtรฉ Piste,' known for its traditional cuisine. The airfield is equipped with two fuel delivery points for AVGAS 100LL and JET A1, accepting various payment methods. Additionally, a paved parking area and hangars are available for aircraft. Operational aspects of LFOU are designed for safe and efficient general aviation. It features two runways: a paved runway measuring 1,380 meters long and 30 meters wide, equipped with daytime and nighttime lighting, and an adjacent grass runway primarily reserved for gliders and authorized aircraft. Instrument approach procedures (GNSS) are available for runway 21. Ground transportation options, such as car rental, taxis, and coaches, are available upon request, connecting the airfield to Cholet and the surrounding areas. The airfield's comprehensive facilities and operational readiness make it a significant asset for regional aviation.
Cholet Le Pontreau Airfield (CET) serves as a specialized general aviation and leisure hub in Franceโs Pays de la Loire region. Because the airfield does not host scheduled commercial flights, "connecting" here requires a focus on private aviation or ground transfers from larger regional commercial hubs. The primary gateway for international and domestic air travel is Nantes Atlantique Airport (NTE), located approximately 62 kilometers (45 minutes) to the northwest. If you are arriving at NTE and need to reach Cholet, the most efficient public connection involves taking the "Navette Aรฉroport" (Airport Shuttle) to Nantes Train Station, followed by a regional TER train to Cholet. This journey typically takes about 90 minutes. For those seeking a direct door-to-door transfer, pre-booking a private car service or VTC is recommended, as on-demand rideshare availability at the CET airfield can be limited. Unique to this region, Cholet is a major staging point for visitors to the famous Puy du Fou theme park, located just 25 kilometers (20 minutes) to the south. While a dedicated Puy du Fou shuttle operates from Angers TGV station, visitors from Cholet typically rely on local taxis or rental cars. Upon arrival at the CET terminal, you can enjoy a meal at the on-site "Cรดtรฉ Piste" restaurant, which offers panoramic views of the runway. Always verify the airfield's operating hours and AFIS availability, especially for night VFR or IFR operations, as the facility is primarily geared toward general aviation.
Check terminal and airline baggage transfer rules, especially on separate tickets.
Minimum domestic connection:
45 minutes
International connections:
90 minutes
Interline transfers:
60 minutes
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Last updated: January 1980 | Data Source: IATA and other airline sites and resources