How to take pictures at Montpellier ?
Spotting at Montpellier(April 2011)
As you noticed, we have lot of pictures taken at Montpellier. We have lived for 15 years, in this city. That the reason why, we have created this thread.
You can download the map here.
When to spott ?
The best moment to come to Montpellier is the summer, from June to September. Air Algerie or Cimber Air operate weekly flights.
Which airlines fly to Montpellier ?
Air France with Regional, Airlinair and Brit Air (A320s family, ATR-42s, CRJ and ERJ145s / ERJ-170s) are the main operator at Montpellier. They link Montpellier to Paris, Lyon, Nantes, Ajaccio, Bastia, Rennes and Strasbourg. The other major airline to serve Montpellier is Iberia by Air Nostrum from Madrid (CRJ-200s).
Of course, the two giants low cost airlines EasyJet (A320s and A319s) and Ryanair (B737-800s) operate several weekly or daily (depending the season) flights to the UK (which also linked by BMI My Baby, with B737-300s), Germany and Belgium. Cimber Air which served Montpellier from 1989 to 2004 and now since 2009, operates weekly flights during the summer from Danemark. Transavia flies to Montpellier, from Rotterdam (B737-700s / B737-800s).
Montpellier is the home of a large African Diaspora, above all from Morocco and Algeria. Air Arabia Maroc (A320s) operates weekly flights between Montpellier and Casablanca, Nador, Fes and Tangier. While, Air Algerie (B737-600s / 800s) and Air Mediterannée (A321s) serve Algiers and Oran.
There are some charters flights departing from Montpellier. Since 2000, Tunisair flown all sundays, from July to September, from Djerba, but due to the unrest in Tunisia and the drop of the demand, flights are canceled this year. Others regular charters airlines flying to Montpellier are Europe AirPost, Travel Service, Air Mediterannee and XL Airways France.
Cargo operations are very limited, the only regular flight is operated by Europe AirPost with a B737-300QC, to Paris Charles de Gaulle. The plane stays all the day at Montpellier.
Planes Spotting Points :
Freight Roundabout : When you arrived from the Departemental 66, you have to take the Mauguio Road (D172). Go straight, on your right you will see the ILS, just after the ILS, you take the first road on your right. You can't miss it, because there is a sign. You can park your car on the right side of the road. A 50-200mm is sufficient for taxing, takes off and landings. A 70-300mm is recomended for planes parked near to the terminal The best time to enjoy this place, is the morning (from 7.00 to 13.00).
Mauguio Road : Take the same the way that the Freight roundabout spotting point. But this time you stop in front of the ILS. You can park your car on the left side of the road. A 45-150mm is sufficient for taxing, takes off and landings. A 70-300mm is recomended for planes parked near to the terminal The best time to enjoy this place, is when the wind blows from the south.
(1) & (2) south configurations :
