A meeting suspended between earth and sky
If there is one event that should be written in gold letters in the festive calendar of Fréjus, it is the International Air Festival. On the Côte d'Azur, when the Indian summer bids farewell and autumn envelops the days in its soft light, families gather here, in a natural setting where earth and sky embrace. The gaze then turns towards infinity, where hundreds of kites, messengers of the wind, dance gracefully.
The show is both simple and enchanting: you only have to look up to contemplate these aerial ballets, where the art of lightness meets the most subtle technique. Kite flyers from all four corners of the globe display their most poetic creations in the azure sky, while the champions of the discipline compete in fascinating aerial battles carried by captivating music. For 25 years, this is where generations meet, family after family, friend after friend, hand in hand with their children and grandchildren. And the magic still works: what dazzles the eyes also touches the heart, at every moment.
But this festival is much more than aerial ballets: workshops dedicated to children, a gastronomic village with sunny flavors, concerts and artistic performances punctuate the weekend, making it unforgettable. And when the last kite gently falls back to the ground, a sweet nostalgia sets in, mixed with joyful impatience: next year, the sky will regain its colors, and the enchantment will be reborn.
If Prévert had made the International Air Festival his inventory
An infinite azure sky,
Kites as colorful as dreams,
Children laughing out loud,
A friendly wind on the shores of the Mediterranean,
A challenge to the breeze,
Hands guiding threads,
Dancing wings,
A garden where the imagination breathes,
A village that smells like the whole world,
A sporting competition where we compete gently,
Ballets without gravity,
A kite that looks like a dragon,
Another to a bird,
Music that slides between the clouds,
Eyes raised, amazed,
A break… just to count the stars during the day,
Incalculable.
Two days suspended between earth and sky,
And the wind, always the wind.
I have been coming to the festival with my children for four years now, and every year it is a real joy. They always marvel at the kites, and it has become our family tradition. There are always fun activities and a great friendly atmosphere!
The event site: the François Léotard nature base
These are 135 hectares located on the seaside and named “Base Nature François Léotard” that the city of Fréjus makes available to visitors and tourists from all over the world. This space is the largest public park in the East Varois, which allows you to practice the sport of your choice or simply stroll there to enjoy a breathtaking view of the Mediterranean.
The François Léotard Nature Base is a historic site where young and old can enjoy themselves in complete relaxation. Indeed, the area is completely secure. Thus, everyone can indulge in their activities without fear and with a light heart.
Moreover, in the city of Fréjus, this site is presented as an unmissable tourist destination. Equipped with numerous infrastructures, it will delight all types of profiles: adults, children, sportsmen, strollers, lovers, and many others.
In addition, the beach bordering the Base Nature is part of the 5 km of supervised beach of the city of Fréjus. To guarantee the safety of visitors, two first aid stations are installed there during the summer period. In addition, everyone can practice a wide variety of disciplines: kite flying, football, rugby, swimming pool, cycle/roller track, BMX, skateboarding, beach volleyball, tennis-ball, bowling alley, orienteering, and many other activities.
Finally, the beach also has access for people with reduced mobility, labeled Handiplage.
Is there an entrance fee?
The “International Air Festival” is a completely free event!
How to park?
For parking, you have the nature base car park but also an “event” car park set up for the duration of the event at the back of the nature base!
Is it possible to eat at the event?
The event has several snack and drink stands in addition to the catering areas at the nature base!