The first cross-Channel flight

2009 marks the centenary of an extraordinary saga. On 25 July 1909 at sunrise, Louis Blériot, an engineer born in Cambrai and passion for aviation soars Sangatte to join Dover in England, on a plane of his own design.

If all previous attempts have failed, that of Bleriot, and will succeed to posterity.

This year, from April to July, the city of Cambrai will celebrate this great human adventure, which is also that of the nascent aviation … Numerous events will take place, which Cambrésiens invite all visitors and aviation enthusiasts or simply curious to discover and celebrate Louis Blériot and aviation.

The events already passed:

• April 17 – J-100, launch of Operation Blériot in Cambresis, with hoteliers and the Grand’Place restaurateurs.Animation
• From 6 to April 30 – Exhibition at the Cathedral of Cambrai.
• Thursday 14 May – Conference on Louis Blériot theater Cambrai.
• Saturday, May 23 – Trip up the Avenue de la Victoire by a plane engine and installation of aircraft on the Grand Place, opposite the Hotel de Ville.
• From 6 to June 13 – Week of aviation film in the cinema at the Palace Cambrai, and June 6, projection free outdoor film “Top Gun” of the place behind the cinema.
• From June 24 to July 12 – Blériot Village on the Grand, which presents a sculpture made from 200 tons of sand by the artist Laurent Dagron, an exhibition of drawings by children … and provides visitors a point of tourist
• On Saturday 4 and Sunday 5 July – Exhibition of 100 models which discuss the history of aviation at the Palais des Grottes.

Events underway:

• Until October 31 – Exhibition at the Tourist Office Cambrésis (maison espagnole).
• June 20 to July 26 – Exhibition at City Hall on Louis Blériot which includes artefacts and collectibles.

Events still to come:

• Saturday, July 18 – Grand airshow at the aerodrome of Cambrai-Niergnies, which illustrate a century of aviation legend with an exceptional.