We saw Vesoul
Saturday 21 July, midday
The title is easy but that was indeed the aim, and we are delighted to be able to keep to the planned pace. The 2017 year had been marked by major weather difficulties with a delayed departure from Châtellerault. The departure from Mâcon went without a hitch and it seems conditions will be mild, but hot, over the coming days.
Friday evening's storms continued through the night with rainy spells that conveniently cooled the atmosphere. This morning the ground was damp and the air had to warm up for the cloud layer to clear. We therefore left Mâcon late in the morning in ideal, windless conditions. The navigation involved passing from the end of the Morvan to the start of the Vosges in a very peaceful flight via Lons-le-Saunier, Arbois, Besançon and Vesoul.
The welcome at Vesoul airfield was truly exceptional, with grand facilities, an airfield perched on the heights above the town and a close-knit, warm and dynamic team from the Haute-Saône Aero Club. All forms of aviation are welcome there.
We resume flying in the late afternoon, heading for Chambley. The first day is off to a good start.
Sébastien Perrot
Early-morning repairs
The airfield is next to the Roche de Solutré
Italian crew on the Tour with Christian, the most Italian member of the organisation
Young crew
Families say goodbye
Green-nosed virus
Louis and Christian waiting for take-offs
The dynamic secretary of "Tous en vol"
Jacky at work
Arbois in the foreground and Mont Poupet behind
The city of Besançon, with the old town at top right
Pilot briefing at Vesoul airfield
The Haute-Saône Aero Club team
France Bleu report: https://www.francebleu.fr/infos/societe/tour-de-france-ulm-2018-137-equipages-depart-de-macon-passage-en-belgique-cotes-de-manche-et-1532196248
"It's group life, with 280 people on the move every day"; Pierre-Henri LOPEZ, the Tour's commissioner general."
