Aviation has shaped Méaulte across several periods: Henry Potez and the history of the factory belong to the past, Airbus Atlantic operates here today, and the Circuit des aviateurs runs past the factories and along the airfield. This combination of history, ongoing industry, and a clearly defined circular walk gives your stay a distinct theme.
The Church and Local History
The former church, dedicated to Saint-Léger, was a Flamboyant Gothic building dating from the 16th century. It was completely and permanently destroyed during the First World War and replaced by a more modern building. The transition from the former church to its replacement marks a turning point in local history. The stained-glass windows of Méaulte church were restored in 2011—a further, precisely dated point in its history.
Aviation History in Méaulte
The site is considered one of the significant places in the history of French aircraft manufacturing. Henry Potez, born in Méaulte in 1891, initiated construction of the aircraft factory in 1922. The factory’s name then changed several times: it became Aérolia in 2009, Stelia in 2015, and Airbus Atlantic in 2022. These dates chart the factory’s development, while Potez’s birthplace shows the local connection to its history.
Airbus Atlantic and the Airport
Airbus Atlantic’s activities include research and production. Using fiber-placement robots, friction stir welding, and assembly robots, Airbus Atlantic LAB explores new applications for aircraft structures, systems, and cabin interiors. At the Airbus Atlantic factory in Méaulte, complex aircraft structures and parts, as well as equipment for the aviation industry, are manufactured using advanced composite technologies. Research and manufacturing offer two different perspectives on the local aviation sector.
The Aéroport International Amiens-Henry Potez is also part of the picture. The airport in Méaulte receives the Airbus Beluga, which collects parts from the Airbus Atlantic factory just a few metres away; the cargo aircraft has its own hangar there. The airport is also used by numerous business aviation clients, as well as for transporting sports teams, medical flights, and organ transport.
On the Circuit des aviateurs
The Circuit des aviateurs is an easy circular walk of 7.47 kilometres, with an average duration of two hours and twenty minutes. The route passes the Airbus factories and an exhibition featuring an Airbus A380 cockpit. It reaches the entrance to Albert-Picardie Airport and runs along the airfield fence. The circuit thus combines a walk of a stated distance with several aviation-related stops. As trail conditions, the roadside exhibition, and access on the airport side may change, check these details before setting out.
Planning Your Stay in Méaulte
Consider whether you want to include the walk in your stay or keep it as a possible extra. Its average duration of two hours and twenty minutes can be planned as a separate block of time; add your own time for the other activities.
Discover more destinations: Folleville, Yzengremer, Sains-en-Amiénois, Beaumetz, Woincourt, Ochancourt, Béalcourt, Cahon.
For the broader travel overview: Somme.
