© 2020 HyFAR-ARA – Design & development ClictoutDEV – Legal information
The International Conference on Flight Vehicles, Aerothermodynamics and Re-entry (FAR) is an international event organized by the European Space Agency (ESA) in conjunction with other global space Agencies and institutional partners, including the HyFAR-ARA association (HyFAR-ARA), the Centre National d’Études Spatiales (CNES), the Commissariat à l’énergie atomique et aux énergies alternatives (CEA) and the Deutsches Zentrum für Luft und Raumfahrt (DLR)..
The FAR conference aims at providing space agencies, companies, organizations, universities and research institutes with a forum of excellence in the area of flight vehicle engineering, aerothermodynamics, and re-entry missions.
The conference encompasses the whole spectrum of flying vehicles for suborbital, orbital and exploration applications, including upper stages, (re)-entry, expendable, and reusable vehicles. Concurrently, FAR aims to highlight recent advances in simulation and analysis tools, on-ground and in-flight experimental capabilities, hardware and technology developments related to fluid mechanics and demonstrators enabling the realization of these flight vehicles.
The 1st FAR conference was held in 2019 in Monopoli, Italy (FAR2019).
The 2nd edition of the conference was held in June 2022 in Heilbronn, Germany (FAR2022). It gathered more than 300 participants. Over 200 papers were presented and about 30 posters were exposed.
KEY DATES
&
AGENDA
The figure next right is the final schedule to the conference. (refer also to ESA’s FAR 2025 website)
The raw schedule next right is submitted for general information of people who intend to attend the conference. More detailed information to come here and on ESA conference website.
VENUE
&
TRANSPORTATION
Present edition is scheduled from May 18th 2025 to May 22nd 2025 and will take place in Arcachon, a city on the Atlantic shore 60 km west from Bordeaux (France).
There, the Palais des congrès will host the conference with its 500 seats auditorium, its 500 m2 adjustable Salle des ambassadeurs and 10 other meeting rooms (see video on left)
There are many flights from european and world cities, direct flights or through hubs like Paris, London, Amsterdam, Brussels… From Bordeaux Airport (situated in the city of Mérignac, close to Bordeaux) you can travel by car to Arcachon (approximately 50 minutes ride).
Should you prefer the train, direct trains from Paris bring you to the Saint Jean Station at the heart of Bordeaux. From there you can either pick a car or switch to regional train (approximatly 50 minutes ride).
See slides below for some more information.
Two major social events and a technical event are scheduled during the conference :
- Ice breaking cocktail at the end of the first day (Monday 19th May 2025)
- Gala dinner on Wednesday 21st May
- Tour of local industrial facilities on Thursday 22nd May 2025
Participation to these events is included in the fee requested for conference registration.
Ice Breaking Cocktail
As participants should come from many different countries, the Organizing Committee is willing to offer an opportunity for all of them to start networking with eachother, which is one of the major objectives of the conference.
A casual event has thus been scheduled on conference first day, in the form of a standing cocktail hosted in Arcachon’s Food Market Hall that will be privatized on this occasion,with atmosphere (a local band will make the background sound through the evening), decoration, signs, and supplies of this authentic place.
The Market Hall is within walking distance from the Palais des Congrès and will be easy to reach.
There, you will be able to wander among markets stalls that will be opened especially for you, and taste local food and beverages provided by Arcachon’s merchants: oysters, basque cheese, local cold cuts, basque desert, canelés…
Some hints on what is going to happen are given in the photo gallery below.
Gala Dinner
On Wednesday evening, the Organizing Committee has scheduled a gala dinner in one of the most famous places of Arcachon for that kind of event : the building of the “Tir au Vol”, situated in the Abatilles(1) district of Arcachon.
This elegant building, built in the Belle Époque style, was long used as a hunting lodge where people practiced skeet shooting, before being transformed into a space dedicated to culture and social events in the late 70’s.
The place then got its new name in reference to this old time use (literally, “Tir au Vol” means “shoot something flying” : locals will give you more details once you’ll be there).
Surrounded by magnificent gardens and overlooking the Bay of Arcachon, the room offers breathtaking views. Browse the photo gallery below to get a taste of what awaits you here in May.
We are extremely pleased by the perspective of sharing with you a great event in this iconic place of Arcachon.
(1) Abatilles is also a spring water brand, which is drawn from the water table in a facility situated nearby in the same district. The source is 472 meters (over 1400 feet) deep. This facility can be visited with reservation at Arcachon Tourism Office near the railway station.
Visits of facilities
The program is still under preparation : more to come here in the future.
TOURISM IN ARCACHON
AND BEYOND
As Arcachon Palais des Congrès hosts the conference, Arcachon bay is of course the first destination to use for your spare time before or after the conference (there should be few opportunities during the conference of course !).
Arcachon city itself offers many interesting spots (restaurants, shops, the so called “Ville d’Hiver” (Winter City), the “Belvédère” and the Saint Paul footbridge…).
Making a simple walk along the beach at dusk is also a priviledge that you should not miss !
But all around Arcachon Bay you may reach dozens of enchanting destinations, some of which are indicated on the map next right.
Just hover the numbers with your mouse in order to discover them !
1
The great Pyla sand dune, view from the Mimbeau cove on Cap Ferret
The great sand dune of “Le Pyla” (also written “Le Pilat”) is Europe tallest sand dune (over 100 m above sea level). You can reach it by car (paying parking lot nearby) or bus from Arcachon, then climb a staircaise up to the summit.
2
Saint-Paul footbridge and lookout tower
The St Paul footbridge, designed by Paul Régnauld (assisted by Gustave Eiffel), was built in 1863. 32 meters long, it links the Saint-Paul and Sainte-Cécile hills, passes 15 meters above the Allée Emile Péreire (Allée Pasteur), and provides access to the Belvedere (or Observatory). There you have a 360° view of Arcachon Bay and area.
3
XIXth century house in Arcachon “Ville d’Hiver”
When you go uphill from Arcachon seashore, you enter « La Ville d’Hiver » (« The Winter City »). This is a district of Arcachon that was created in the early 1860s by a handful of businessmen led by bankers Émile and Isaac Pereire. This area is an ideal destination for a walk amidst old time villas.
4
Arcachon beach and seafront
Just across the street from Palais des Congrès lies Arcachon beach. An opportunity for some walk at dusk or early morning in peaceful atmosphere. Swimming here in spring is not for the faint-hearted, but you may nevertheless be tempted if the weather is hot (and it will be for sure in May !).
5
Arcachon marina and fishing harbour
With 2600 places for sailboats and motorboats, the port is the second biggest marina of the Atlantic coast. It is also home for a fishing flotilla and a dockside market. You can rent here sailboats or jetskis from marine shops and the Arcachon Yacht Club.
6
Gujan Mestras : Larros Harbour
Gujan Mestras, a city close to Arcachon, has 7 harbours. They are essentially used for oysters culture, and some of them for recreational boating too. Larros is one of them : there you will find oysters restaurants and the (little) oyster museum.
7
Le Teich bird reserve
Going further East form Arcachon, you will arrive in the city of Le Teich. From 10am, its Ornithological Reserve welcomes visitors all year long. May is a migration and breeding period where birds population is at its highest : don’t miss it ! You may also like the foot trip along the Leyre river from Le Teich harbour to Arcachon Bay.
8
Biganos harbour “Port des Tuiles” – ©David Remazeilles (Gironde Tourisme)
Biganos harbour, whose name “Port des Tuiles” (“Tiles Harbour”) refers to the tiles where oyster spat is grown, is situated on another branch of the Leyre river. You may like its typical wooden oyster workshops.
9
Domaine de Certes wetlands
Domaine de Certes et Graveyron is a unique natural site. This expansive wetland reserve, often referred to as the “Little Camargue of Gironde,” is celebrated for its diverse ecosystems, abundant wildlife, and serene landscapes. It provides a haven for both migratory and resident bird species, making it a popular destination for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts.
10
Andernos : sunset over Arcachon Bay
Andernos les Bains was originally known as Andernos and became Andernos-les-Bains in 1897 on account of its many wonderful beaches. There are several distinctive parts of the town: the residential part, the town centre, and the oyster village where little wooden chalets serve up the catch of the day paired with local wines. The pier of Andernos-les-Bains is one of the longest in France and offers breathtaking views across the bay of Arcachon.
11
Arcachon Bay : the village of Claouey
Your are now at the gate of famous Cap Ferret peninsula. Claouey is one of the typical villages, long ago only accessible by sea, that sprawl the peninsula. Make sure to arrive here at high tide to get the best of them.
12
Arcachon Bay : the beach of Petit Piquey
Like its neighbor Grand Piquey, Petit Piquey (Li’l Piquey) owes its name to the small dune (“piquey” in Gascon) found in the area. It’s at the foot of this dune, covered by a pine forest, that you’ll find Petit Piquey’s first beach: beach of La Truquette. Another beach is also directly accessible from the village, and not the least: the Pointe aux Chevaux beach, the most beautiful in Cap Ferret for many.
13
Arcachon Bay : wooden houses and narrow streets in L’Herbe village
Among the little gems on the peninsula, there’s one we particularly recommend: the village of L’Herbe. Between Le Canon and La Vigne, other places we’ll let you discover, it’s considered the prettiest village in the Arcachon Bay. Take the time to lose yourself in its narrow streets and pretty huts with colorful shutters!
14
Arcachon : the “Villa Algérienne” on Cap Ferret peninsula – © https://www.ville-lege-capferret.fr
On his return from Algeria, the public works entrepreneur Léon Lesca built a fabulous complex between 1865 and 1885, of which the “Villa Algérienne” – surrounded by a park of exotic species – was the main feature. The Villa Algérienne’s chapel, Sainte-Marie du Cap, is the only witness to this magnificent complex and is still used for catholic worship.
15
Arcachon Bay : the “port de La Vigne” (Vineyard harbour)
The La Vigne harbour is the second (Arcachon marina being first) of the only two harbours accessible at all tide times in Arcachon Bay. It is installed in the former fish tank that Léon Lesca built at the same time as his Villa Algérienne. A pleasant beach is accessible nearby.
16
Arcachon Bay : the Mimbeau cove
Step on the sand dune that closes the Mimbeau cove, and feel like abandonned on a remote Pacific island !
17
Arcachon Bay : the Cap Ferret Lighthouse (view from the Mimbeau cove)
The Cap Ferret lighthouse, built between 1839 and 1840 and rebuilt twice since (the most recently in 1946), stands 57 meters high. If you’re brave enough to climb its 258 steps, you’ll be rewarded with a breathtaking view of the Arcachon Bay.
18
Arcachon Bay : the tip of Cap Ferret peninsula
The tip of Cap Ferret peninsula is the doorstep to the open sea. There, very strong currents encounter swell waves on shallow waters, which turns the surface into a gigantic washing machine. You’ll be struck by the impressive energy that emanates from the sea here.
19
Arcachon Bay : the beach of “Le Truc Vert”
The Truc Vert (literally « the Green Thingummy ») is a sand elevation amidst the Cap Ferret peninsula (« truc » designates a small hill in local language). It gave its name to the ocean beach close to it. You’ll probably not bathe in May due to relatively low water temperature. Nevertheless, we deter to swim here : in May no surveillance is present, and each year deadly accidents occur. But the view is worth a trip.
20
Arcachon Bay : the “Cabanes Tchanquées” (photo : Karine Deydier)
The « Cabanes Tchanquées » (« cabane » = « shack », « tchanqué » = « built on stilts » in local language) on the « Île aux Oiseaux » (Birds Island) are one of Arcachon Bay most iconic landmarks. These are new built buildings, designed after originals architectures. Former buildings were used by ancient oyster farmers to watch after their oyster fields. One is still private, the second is property of the French Coastal Protection Agency.
21
FAR 2025 – Arcachon : the “Tir au Vol” house (place of the gala dinner) – ©PDC – midi prod
The gala dinner will take place in the “Tir au Vol” (“Skeet Shooting”) building. This facility offers great overviews on the Arcachon Bay and delightful hospitality. It’s name comes from the early XXth century, where it was a shooting stand. The shooting activity ended in the 70s, while the place got its new name and destination.
22
FAR 2025 Arcachon : the Arguin sandbank
The “Banc d’Arguin” is a sandbanck that stands in the middle of Arcachon Bay exit channel to the sea, between the Pyla sand dune and the Cap Ferret. Its shape changes over the seasons, and it is now a place for oysters growing and a birds preserved area. Guided visits are organized from Arcachon.
Assuming you have some plans to extend your stay in the area and have exhausted all the destinations in Arcachon Bay suggested above, one idea would be to visit nearby Nouvelle Aquitaine region capital : Bordeaux.
As for Arcachon, there are so many locations to visit that it is impossible here to list them all.
The map next right indicates some of them among the most famous and/or popular places in the city. Once there, you may find many others on your own.
To download the full pdf of Bordeaux transportation network, click on the link below :
1
Grand-Théâtre (crédit Steve Le Clech Photos)
2
Miroir d’eau (Crédit Christophe Bouthé (2)-Vent d’Antan)
3
03-Place des Quinconces : monument aux Girondins (crédit-Vincent Bengold)
4
04- Jardin public (©Cyril Cosson – Droniryc)
5
05-Porte-Cailhau (© Deepix)
6
06-Cathédrale Saint-André (Crédit : Teddy Verneuil – @lezbroz)
7
07- Place de la Victoire (©Nicolas-Duffaure)
8
08-Basilique Saint Michel (©Cyril Cosson-Droniryc)
9
09- Quai des Marques (crédit Bordeaux Metropole – Didier Doustin)
10
10- Place Stalingrad – Le lion bleu de Veilhan
11
11-Jardin Botanique-(Crédit Sophie Duboscq)
12
12-La Grosse Cloche (©picsol)
13
13- CAPC (Musée d’art contemporain)
14
14- Musée des Beaux Arts (crédit musba)
15
15-Musée des Arts Décoratifs (©madd-bordeaux – I. Gaspar Ibeas)
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16- Darwin Caserne Niel (crédit Nicolas-Duffaure)
17
Cap Sciences building (view from “Cité du Vin” tram B station)
18
18- Musée National des Douanes
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19- Musée du Vin et du Négoce (© C.Pamelard)
20
20- Musée d’Aquitaine (crédit Mélanie Tammeveski)
21
21- Cité du Vin (© Cyril Cosson-Droniryc ; XTU architects)
22
CONTACTS & REGISTRATION
Registrations are not opened presently. They will be opened soon on ESA’s FAR 2025 website.
Should you have any question on the venue, hotels, etc, feel free to contact the local organizing team by filling the contact form below, or sending an e-mail to secretariat@hyfar-ara.org.
We look forward to seeing you next May in hospitable and gorgeous Arcachon city.
SOCIAL EVENTS
&
visits