Florian

Mende Brenoux is one of those French airfields that reminds you why you got into flying in the first place. It sits up on a plateau in the Lozère at around 3360 ft, and the whole character of the place is defined by that elevation. The single asphalt runway, 12/30, runs about 1285 m — generous for a light single like my DA40 NG, which is just as well, because density altitude up here on a warm afternoon eats into performance more than you might expect from the plan.

The approach is genuinely one of the more memorable ones I've flown. The airfield perches on top of a hill, so you come in with the terrain falling away around you — a very cool, almost dramatic arrival. Do treat the plateau edges with respect, though: I found the air distinctly lively near the threshold, and the AIP advice about rotor and wind shear on final is not just boilerplate. On the day it was manageable, but you want to be flying the aeroplane all the way down rather than admiring the view.

Departure was the flip side of the coin. In the summer heat the air over the plateau was bumpy and unsettled almost immediately after rotation — the DA40 was working for its climb and I was glad of the full runway length. Nothing alarming, but if you're used to sea-level fields, budget for the altitude and the thermals.

Getting in and out
AFIS is not always staffed — typically absent over lunch, and normally only on a few days a week as per the AIP. When we arrived there was no active service, so it was effectively a self-announced arrival into an unmanned field.

Landing fees
This is where the "no AFIS" situation had a happy consequence: with nobody on station, we simply couldn't find a way to pay. We looked, honestly — no one picking up the phone, no kiosk, no honesty box we could spot, no office open — so it ended up being a free landing. For reference, the going rate when AFIS is present appears to be only around €5, with no parking fee, so this is a cheap field either way. If you land during staffed hours, expect to settle up then; outside them, there may simply be no mechanism to.

Fuel
Both AVGAS and Jet A1 are available, and — as we confirmed on the ground — you can self-serve using the TotalEnergies card at any time. That's a real plus for a field that isn't always manned: you're not held hostage to opening hours to get fuel. (Without the card, availability is tied to AFIS hours.)

On the ground
Here's the small disappointment. There's a restaurant building right on the field, and it looks like it could be a genuinely lovely spot — the kind of on-airport terrace you dream about taxiing up to. But it was closed when we visited, and frustratingly I couldn't find any sign it's currently being run at all; even Google Maps drew a blank on it. Sources suggest it's meant to open daily in July–August and otherwise close Sundays and Mondays, but I'd not count on it — go in assuming you'll need to bring your own or head into town. If someone is operating it again, it'd transform a visit here.

Verdict
LFNB is a cracking little mountain field with a spectacular approach, dirt-cheap (or, in our case, free) landing, and card-served fuel that keeps it usable even when nobody's home. Just go in with your expectations calibrated: respect the plateau winds and the thin, bumpy summer air, and don't rely on the restaurant being open. As a scenic, low-cost stop in the Lozère, it's well worth the detour — I'd happily go back, ideally on a day that terrace is finally serving.

On a recent trip from Zurich, we've been looking for an easy stop in the Rhône-Alpes that wouldn't tie us up in paperwork, and Saint-Étienne Loire turned out to be exactly that. It's a proper regional field — controlled, a long hard runway, customs available — but it wears it all lightly, and for a visiting light single it's about as fuss-free as a field of this size gets.

Getting in
No PPR is required as long as you arrive within the tower's operational hours (the field runs an ATIS during those times) — turn up outside them and that changes, so plan to be on the ground while it's staffed. The approach is genuinely easy: you're at 1,325 ft elevation in the Loire valley with the runway laid out clearly ahead of you, and 2,300 m of asphalt on 17/35 means there's no pressure on the numbers whatsoever. In the DA40 it felt almost comically generous — I was off at a fast taxi speed with most of the tarmac still in front of me. Nothing about the arrival caught me out; it's a relaxed, well-ordered field.

Customs
LFMH has customs, and the practical route is straightforward: send an email to the address listed in the AIP to arrange it. Do give them proper notice, though — the formal expectation is advance notification (the French douane will want it in good time, not on short final), so treat the email as something to send the day before rather than an hour out. Carry your ID and licence; you'll want them on hand.

On the ground
We parked on the GA side in front of the hangars near the Aeroclub, opposite the fuel station — a sensible spot with the DA40 tucked in among the club aircraft. Fuel is a real strength here: both AVGAS and Jet A are available, and you can pay with a TotalEnergies card or an ordinary credit card.

Paying the landing fee is the one bit worth spelling out, because it wasn't obvious. From the apron you walk past the Aeroclub and the tower building, then go through the exit into the terminal. Carry on through to the baggage-claim area — as you come out of it there's an information desk on your left, and that's where you settle up. The staff there sort the fee and, helpfully, walk you back through to airside afterwards, which you'll need since the landside/airside doors aren't something you can just wander back through on your own. Expect roughly €13 for a light aircraft with a noise certificate (up to 1,500 kg) — cheap for what you get.

Food and facilities
This is where Saint-Étienne is thin. I didn't find anything in the way of catering beyond a vending machine in the terminal — no café or restaurant that I could see. If you're after lunch, plan to head into town rather than count on anything at the field. Toilets are in the terminal / aeroclub. The town of Saint-Étienne itself is a short hop away if you want to make more of the stop, but for a fuel-and-go or a customs clearance it's really just the terminal and back.

Verdict
LFMH is a tidy, low-hassle field that punches above its weight on the things that matter to a touring pilot: no PPR in hours, an easy approach onto a huge runway, both fuel grades on card, and customs by a simple email. The catches are minor and worth knowing in advance — arrive while the tower's open, notify customs properly ahead of time if you need them, and don't expect to eat there. The fee-payment walk through the terminal to the info desk is quirky but painless once you know the drill. I'd happily come back, though I'd bring a sandwich.

A Must-Fly Basque Gem

San Sebastián (LESO) is a phenomenal general aviation destination that beautifully pairs thrilling coastal flying with world-class gastronomy. If you are looking for a perfect 3-to-4-day excursion (or longer) or just a lunchtime pintxos run, this airport should be high on your European bucket list. However, it does come with unique local taxi procedures and a bit of airport bureaucracy that every pilot should know before planning their flight.

The Flight & Arrival: Breathtaking Views
Arriving from the Atlantic, the visual approach into Runway 22 is nothing short of spectacular. The runway sits beautifully right on the water in a scenic bay bordering France. If ATC and weather permit, it is highly recommended to request an overflight of San Sebastián city center on your way in. The aerial views of the city's iconic crescent bays and the rolling Basque hills are absolutely unmissable.

Pilot Tip: ATC is professional and highly cooperative, but keep in mind you will be operating right next to the French border and will likely be handed over to Biarritz Approach quickly. Also, keep an eye on the weather; the field is prone to sudden sea fog or low stratus when northerly winds stack clouds against the mountains. There are no hangar spaces available for GA.

On the Ground: Parking & Handling Quirks
The general aviation apron at LESO is quite small (holding roughly 6 aircraft), meaning PPR (Prior Permission Required) or a parking reservation via email is mandatory.
Ground handling is also mandatory. South Europe Ground Services has taken over the basic contract. Fortunately, they are efficient and incredibly cost-effective—expect around €40 to €80 all-in for landing, handling, and a couple of nights of parking for a typical light single or twin. Caution: Make sure to explicitly book through South Europe Ground Services, as the other handling companies on the field are exponentially more expensive.

The landing process itself is smooth:

1. The Engine Stop Area: Pay close attention to your taxi instructions. Local regulations require you to roll onto a marked red "Engine Stop Area" and wait for a marshal.
2. The Manual Tow: You must shut down your engine here and manually tow your aircraft onto its assigned parking stand. No towing service is provided, so if you are flying a heavier twin or turboprop, be prepared for some heavy lifting.
3. The Exit: Once the plane is tied down, the arrival process is wonderfully simple. Just walk along the terminal building and exit right through it into the public space.

Departure & Bureaucracy
When it’s time to head home, give yourself an extra 30 to 45 minutes to get through the airport's administrative process.

Before you can even think about heading to the plane, you must go to the Operations / AENA office, located on the left side of the terminal on the first floor.

• You must have an active flight plan already filed (ForeFlight, SkyDemon, etc., work perfectly - otherwise ICARO).
• You will be required to fill out a pro-forma manifest listing the full names and ID/Passport numbers of all crew and passengers.
• After paying your taxes and landing fees, the operations staff will call your handling agent. The agent will then guide you through the mandatory security check (required even for domestic VFR flights) and escort you back airside to your aircraft. Remember, you’ll need to manually push your aircraft back to the engine start area before firing up.

Logistics & Destination: A Culinary Paradise
The absolute best part about LESO is its location. The airport actually sits in Hondarribia, a gorgeous, historic fishing town that is a flat 10-to-15-minute walk from the terminal. It features a beautifully preserved old quarter, incredible ice cream shops, and fantastic pintxos bars that rival San Sebastián but with a more local, relaxed vibe.

If you choose to head into San Sebastián proper, it is roughly a 20-minute drive. While you can grab a cab outside (expect to pay around €36 to €50) or take the local E21 bus line, which runs directly from the airport to the city center and is both cheap and efficient. Once in San Sebastián, give yourself plenty of time to wander the historic old town, do a proper pintxos crawl, and stroll along the famous La Concha beach.

The Verdict
LESO is a premier GA destination. While the mandatory manual aircraft handling and the departure paperwork require a bit of patience, the low airport fees, spectacular scenic approach, and world-class culinary reward make it entirely worth the trip.

A Pyrenees Hidden Gem with Zero Hassle and Great Food

If you're looking for a spectacular mountain destination without the stress of highly regulated airspace or complicated approach procedures, La Cerdanya (LECD) should be right at the top of your list. Nestled in a wide, stunning valley in the Spanish Pyrenees, this airfield is an absolute joy to fly into and a favorite among European sport flyers.

Here is a breakdown of what to expect when flying into LECD:

Arrival and Airspace Procedures
LECD is renowned for being incredibly relaxed. You won’t find any stressful formalisms, strict slots, or complex arrival routes here. Oftentimes, there is no one manning the radio, so expect to make standard blind calls and keep your eyes peeled. The area is a massive hotspot for glider traffic, so a good lookout is essential.

Safety Tip: While the valley itself is wide, welcoming, and easy to navigate, remember that you are flying in the Pyrenees. Density altitude will definitely be a factor on hot summer days. Plan your departure carefully and ensure your aircraft's performance will allow you to climb safely clear of the surrounding terrain after take-off before turning on course.

Also, don't forget to close your flight plan! The ARO in Girona handles flight plans for LECD, and it’s easily done with a quick phone call once your engine is shut down.

Facilities, Fees, and Food
One of the best perks of La Cerdanya is the cost. Landing fees are incredibly cheap (historically sitting right around the €5 mark for typical light GA like a C172), making it a highly budget-friendly stopover. AVGAS is generally available and reasonably priced; you just need to track down the airfield manager or responsible staff member when you arrive.

But the absolute highlight on the ground is the dining. The on-field restaurant, Mooma, is fantastic and single-handedly makes LECD a perfect fly-in lunch destination.

Local Tip: The airfield community is famously friendly. If you ever happen to visit deep in the off-season and find things quiet, the charming town of Alp is only about a 1.5 km walk away and is packed with great local spots.

The Verdict
Whether you’re transiting through the Pyrenees or looking for a scenic day-trip destination, LECD offers the perfect mix of breathtaking landscapes, welcoming locals, cheap fees, and a top-tier on-field restaurant. Manage your mountain climb-out, keep a close watch for gliders, and enjoy one of the most relaxed GA experiences in Spain. Highly recommended!

A cool airport perched on the top of a mountain. While the overall score is low, I would still encourage everyone to fly here. It's a cool experience.
When landing, you can head out the gate next to the terminal. You can pay your landing taxes simply by walking towards the outside staircase, and the gate in front of it, on the left of the restaurant (towards the back) and simply ringing the bell. They'll let you up and you can pay by card. The whole process is super uncomplicated.
They can also help open / close your flightplan when take-off or land.

It has a small cafe (nothing special) in the terminal. Good for a quick drink and toilet brake. Limited food options.

Note that PPR is generally NOT required, except at some times when they have commercial traffic.

An awesome airfield, right next to the main airport of Menorca. This means that arrival has a procedure involving a holding point and a midfield crossing of LEMH with tower permission. Besides that, the arrival is quite simple.
Make sure you get the access code for the gate on the website, which requires paying a very minimal fee to the local Aeroclub - happy to support them! Then, once landed, just park on any of the spots and exit through the little gate.
You'll most likely walk through the restaurant, which is a great spot to stop at for lunch. They've got a great BBQ.
After lunch, we took a taxi (the restaurant can help call one) to the nearby beach to spend the afternoon there.

One of my favourite airports to fly into.

Parked a group of 3 DA40's on a large grass parking. You can exit through a gate between the grass parking and terminal - very easy to exit, just keep in mind that they'll ask for ID and license of the pilot to get back in, so be sure to take that with you. You'll get back to your plane the same way.
There is a self service briefing room in the terminal - on the right when walking into the terminal where you can use the phone to pay your landing fees using credit card.
Sadly fueling requires a Shell Aviation Fuel card or a Shell Fuel Release, so not easy to refuel.

Flew there for some fuel and lunch with 3 DA40s. Easy arrival procedure. Old school fuel pump, but it works just fine. Paying of fuel and landing fees can be done through the AeroPS app. While the restaurant, that is onsite, was supposed to be open at 11, it only opened 25 minutes later. Easy German fare, the Currywurst was decent but nothing to write home about.

Nice regional airport, very small. Has a restaurant on the first floor that offers a lunchtime buffet that is also a great place to do your flight briefing. It's also very easy to enter / exit the apron and there's several nice parking spots available for GA aircraft. Just call a taxi into town via the phone in the terminal.
The tower controller was a super nice guy too! A real avgeek!

Landed here for an EAA fly in. An awesome small event and a great simple to use fuel station. If you need a quick fuel stop, this is a great option.

Lovely little airfield atop a hill. Very friendly tower service and a great restaurant with delicious classic German dishes.
You can pay your landing fees via AeroPS.
Fuel is also available, including Jet A1.
Note the non-standard circuit, so be sure to check the AIP.