Airport Cannes Mandelieu (LFMD) IFR

No major changes. Those who book handling (via my.handling) get parking on asphalt; those who don’t book it have to use the grass. For VFR, study the VAC carefully beforehand; for IFR, also do the briefing (website) and obtain a slot in summer. Most of the time RWY 17 is in use. Fly the traffic pattern as accurately as possible. When it’s quiet, TWR may also offer RWY 35 if arriving from the sea. Avgas with BP-Card east of the pump (7.2), with credit card west (7.1). Current price (paying with BP-Card) a pretty good 2,37€/l. If you park on grass, taxi to Parking Mike (or to Golf if there’s no space). Aircraft are now reportedly parked facing southeast rather than northwest. That doesn’t really make it better. As before, the grass is rather poorly maintained (sometimes very high in spring and summer), there are small stones at the asphalt-to-grass transition, and concrete slabs hidden in the grass. There’s also a slight dip about three meters from the southeastern grass edge (which, combined with the stones at the transition, makes taxiing out really unpleasant). Then proceed to the security post next to the gate and report in. For domestic flights he lets you out directly; for international flights he sends you back to the entrance at the main apron for passport control. With passengers there’s paperwork as well. Carry your license. Hi-Vis does not appear to be required. The restaurant (L'Envol) remains closed on weekends. Europcar still has a desk in the terminal. Tip: skip a rental car; use Uber for short distances and, for longer ones along the coast, the train if needed. On the field there is still, if needed, an inexpensive hotel (Kyriad) with a restaurant; the Pilot Shop no longer exists. For departure, first go to the terminal; at the "Redevances" desk you can either pay on the spot or, if unattended, leave your details manually on a form (you’ll receive the invoice by email later, and you can very conveniently pay via a link). Then, after a license check, go onto the apron and walk to the aircraft. For departure routes and procedures, consult the VAC again. Fees 2026 (up to 2 tonnes MTOW): Landing (and parking for the rest of the day): approx. 29€. Overnight parking: approx. 14,50€. The above-mentioned handling, which entitles you to parking on asphalt, may cost an extra 62€ if applicable.

100LL: Very inexpensive, even for France. BP or Total available. GA Terminal: Modern, spacious, with a bar and stylish pilot lounges—perfect for waiting for better flying weather. Hotel: Cannes is expensive. We liked the 4-star Hotel Verlaine (May 2025): relatively inexpensive, quiet rooms despite a nearby through road, stylish, colorful, modern design, a 10-minute walk to the Croisette. Restaurants: Below the Croisette there are several restaurants with beach terraces. Hardly more expensive than elsewhere, but with a gorgeous view of the bay, framed by Cap d’Antibes and the castle over the old town lit up at night. Right in front of our table: sand and the sound of the surf. Walks: To the marina at Pointe Croisette, or into the old town in the Le Suquet quarter.

The grass was quite high and soft, but manageable during this visit. Handling gives you hard parking, you can reserve this using my handling website and ask to taxi to Tango apron for handling. If you get handling they will drive the fuel truck to you, but they told me that in busy season it maybe faster to go to the self serve pump than to wait for the truck. On my visit the self serve pump with CB didn't work, but when I tried to use it they drove the truck to me to refill. I did multiple movements they charge you the landing fee package each time (26eur). For immigration as I came in as pilot with no passengers, they didn't need to check anything they told me nor get details ahead, only if you have passengers. That was quite surprising to me. Great airport with great view when you come from the sea.

Very convenient airport, very accessible and surprisingly cheap. One of the best GA assets in Europe. Slots are required for IFR during the season. The arrival and departure procedures should be studied well as it is a noise sensitive densely populated area. Best to use Uber for airport transfer. The FBO is very posh...