Altiport de la Croix Rosier

The altiport was a private airfield. Its closure was primarily due to economic and maintenance reasons. The private owner likely ceased operations due to the high costs of upkeep, lack of sufficient usage to remain viable, and the stringent regulatory requirements for operating a specialized altiport. There is no evidence to suggest it was closed due to a specific accident, military conversion, or environmental complaint.

The site of the former altiport is now abandoned. Satellite imagery of the coordinates shows the faint but clear outline of the former runway on a ridge near the Col de la Croix Rosier. The strip is completely overgrown with grass and vegetation and is no longer usable by aircraft. There are no remaining airport infrastructures such as hangars, fuel depots, or terminal buildings. The land appears to have reverted to natural pasture or agricultural use and is not publicly marked as a former airfield.

Altiport de la Croix Rosier was a classic example of a French mountain airstrip, serving the general aviation community. Its significance was not commercial but recreational and technical. Located in the scenic Beaujolais hills, it provided a challenging destination for pilots with a mountain rating ('qualification montagne'). Operations were limited to light, STOL (Short Takeoff and Landing) capable aircraft, such as Piper Cubs, Jodels, and similar models suited for its short, sloped, and unpaved runway. It was a destination for aviation enthusiasts seeking the unique experience of mountain flying, rather than a hub for transport or business.

There are no known plans or prospects for reopening the Altiport de la Croix Rosier. The significant financial investment required to restore the runway, meet modern safety and regulatory standards set by the DGAC (French Civil Aviation Authority), and rebuild infrastructure makes a reopening highly improbable, especially given its previous status as a small, private facility serving a niche community.