Espace Caquot in Fréjus: A place dedicated to the history of aviation and the pioneers of aeronautics
The Caquot space, an icon of aeronautical engineering in the 1930s, bears witness to the advances in maritime aviation.
Designed by engineer Albert Caquot, a pioneer of reinforced concrete in aeronautics, this hangar was delivered in 1935. It quickly played a key role in the logistics and operations of the Fréjus naval air base.
The innovative architecture of the Caquot space: an engineering feat in the service of aviation
This hangar, of the “double canopy” type, rests on a reinforced concrete structure, offering maximum opening without central pillars. This innovative design thus offers great flexibility for aviation, particularly for seaplanes. It allows aircraft to be parked and repaired without obstruction.
The building is nearly 100 meters long and over 25 meters high under the ridge. It has a roof span of over 40 meters without central support, an engineering feat at the time. This design therefore allows for large, open spaces, ideal for aerial operations.
An aeronautical maintenance site and witness to maritime aviation
In addition to storing and maintaining aircraft, the hangar was used for seaplane maintenance. With its double-awning roof, it protected the aircraft from the elements and provided space for ground maneuvers.
Damaged by the Malpasset dam disaster in 1959, the hangar was restored and then converted. Today, it hosts various events. Despite the transformations, it remains a symbolic monument to the ingenuity of the time and the development of maritime aviation in France.
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