Fréjus Airport

Military restructuring and consolidation. The closure was part of a broader post-Cold War plan to reorganize the French Armed Forces (Plan Armées 2000), which involved shutting down several bases and consolidating operations at others. It was a strategic military decision, not a closure due to an accident or immediate economic failure.

The site has been completely redeveloped into a large public park and recreational area known as the 'Base Nature François Léotard'. It is a major asset for the city of Fréjus.

- **Use**: The 135-hectare (334-acre) area includes a large beach, extensive green spaces, sports facilities (a skate park, BMX track, swimming pool, sports fields), and event grounds that host major events like the 'Roc d'Azur' mountain bike festival.
- **Remnants**: The long, straight layout of the former main runway is still clearly visible, now serving as a central avenue for walking, cycling, and rollerblading. Some original military buildings have been repurposed, and the site also hosts a memorial for the victims of the Malpasset Dam disaster.

The site was the location of the historic Base Aéronavale (BAN) de Fréjus-Saint Raphaël. Its significance is immense:

- **Pioneering Role**: Established in 1912, it was one of the world's first naval air bases and is considered the 'cradle of French naval aviation' (le berceau de l'aéronautique navale).
- **Early Aviation**: It was a center for early experimentation with seaplanes and land-based naval aircraft. The famous aviator Roland Garros was stationed here in the early days.
- **Military Operations**: The base was active through World War I and World War II, playing a key role in Mediterranean naval operations. It was a major test center for naval aircraft, prototypes, and equipment, including early aircraft carrier catapults.
- **Malpasset Dam Disaster**: The base was severely impacted by the catastrophic failure of the Malpasset Dam on December 2, 1959. The resulting flood wave inundated the airfield, destroying aircraft and infrastructure and killing several personnel. Despite the devastation, the base's surviving helicopters were instrumental in the immediate rescue efforts for the civilian population. The base was subsequently rebuilt and remained fully operational for over 35 years after the disaster.
- **Aircraft Handled**: Throughout its history, it handled a vast array of aircraft, from early biplanes and seaplanes to modern jet fighters (Super Étendard), patrol aircraft (Alizé), and helicopters (Super Frelon, Lynx).

There are zero plans or prospects for reopening the site as an airport. The land has been permanently and successfully converted into a vital public recreational and green space for the city of Fréjus and the surrounding region. Its value as a public park far outweighs any potential for aviation use, and reverting it to an airport would be politically, socially, and financially unfeasible.