France VFR has expanded its highly regarded series of regional sceneries with an extensive new package for northeastern France. “VFR FRANCE NORTH-EAST” for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020/2024 offers simulation pilots a detailed recreation of this multifaceted region with numerous airfields and distinctive landscape features.
Comprehensive Airfield Collection
The strength of this package lies in the impressive number of carefully designed airfields:
Civil Airfields
The package includes 29 enhanced civil airports and airfields, many with photorealistic 3D modeling. Each airfield has been equipped with detailed ground textures, markings, and realistic static aircraft from resident flying clubs. The range extends from small grass runways to regional commercial airports.
Particularly noteworthy are:
- Le Touquet Elisabeth II (LFAT) – a popular coastal airfield with frequent traffic from the UK
- Strasbourg Neuhof (LFGC) – centrally located in Alsace with views of the Vosges mountains
- Colmar Houssen (LFGA) – situated in the famous wine region
- Lille Marcq-en-Baroeul (LFQO) – near the metropolis of northern France
- Troyes Barberey (LFQB) – historic airfield in the Champagne region
- Mulhouse Habsheim (LFGB) – close to the tri-border area of France-Germany-Switzerland
Military Facilities
Three significant military air force bases have been recreated with special care:
- Saint-Dizier Robinson (LFSI) – home to French Rafale fighter jets
- Nancy-Ochey (LFSO) – important Armée de l’Air military base
- Luxeuil-Saint-Sauveur (LFSX) – historic base of strategic importance
These military bases feature photorealistic ground textures, detailed infrastructure, and static military aircraft that reflect the authentic ambiance of these special facilities.
The Distinctive Features of Northeastern France
Northeastern France captivates with its landscape and cultural diversity, captured in this scenery:
Geographic Diversity
- Border Region: The area borders four countries (Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany, and Switzerland), making it an ideal starting point for international VFR flights
- Varied Topography: From the flat plains of Flanders in the north through the gentle hills of Champagne to the majestic Vosges mountains in the east
- River Landscapes: The region is traversed by important waterways such as the Rhine, Moselle, Meuse, and Seine, forming natural VFR reference points
- Lakes and Water Bodies: Various lakes and reservoirs offer picturesque landing spots for seaplanes
Cultural Landscape
- Historic Cities: Metropolises like Strasbourg, Lille, Reims, and Nancy with their distinctive city silhouettes
- Industrial Areas: Historically significant industrial centers, particularly in the north, with characteristic chimneys and mine towers
- Wine-Growing Regions: The world-famous Champagne and Alsace regions with their typical vineyard slopes
- Military Heritage: The region was the site of important battles in both World Wars, with numerous memorials and fortifications
Technical Highlights and Immersive Details
The package impresses with numerous features that go far beyond the mere representation of airfields:
Enhanced Airfield Infrastructure
- Photorealistic 3D modeling of terminal buildings, hangars, and control towers
- Detailed ground textures and markings
- Complete fleets of static aircraft from local flying clubs
- Precisely placed and reworked vegetation
- Numerous animated characters bringing life to the airfields
- Realistic night lighting for atmospheric evening flights
VFR Navigation Aids and Landmarks
- All major obstacles and VFR landmarks according to SIA (French Aeronautical Information Service)
- Marina facilities and moorings with pleasure boats along coasts and rivers
- The complete high-voltage network (63kV to 400kV) with correct day/night markings for safe flight altitudes
- Railway infrastructure with overhead line masts
- Coastlines, railway, and power networks with reduced vegetation for better visibility
Notable Objects and Landmarks
- Church towers and cathedrals serving as natural VFR orientation points
- Hundreds of wind turbines representing the energy transition in the region
- Historic castles and fortresses
- Characteristic water towers
- Industrial facilities with tanks, silos, and greenhouses
- Approximately 15,000 road and highway signs on the main road network
Dynamic Elements
- Animated scenes with gliders
- Parachutists at selected drop zones
- Helicopter activities
- Bird flights and other wildlife
- Vibrant environments on and around the airfields
Practical Flight Information
Particularly valuable for pilots: The package contains comprehensive flight charts and information:
- SIA maps (Aeronautical Information Service)
- VAC charts (Visual Approach Charts)
- IAC charts (Instrument Approach Charts)
- APT information (Airport data)
- ARRDEP charts (Arrival/Departure)
These documents enable realistic flight preparation and navigation, similar to those used by real pilots in the region.
Seamless Integration
The package was developed with compatibility in mind:
- Fully compatible with all other France VFR series products
- Optimized for both MSFS 2020 and the new MSFS 2024 version
- Installation via simInstaller, ensuring easy and trouble-free setup
With its extensive collection of airfields, detailed landscapes, and numerous VFR landmarks, “VFR FRANCE NORTH-EAST” offers simulation pilots the perfect opportunity to explore one of the most fascinating and diverse regions of France from the air – whether on a scenic flight over the vineyards of Alsace, navigating along the Belgian border, or making a challenging approach to one of the historic military airfields.
