Dreux Vernouillet Airport – XDR Vernouillet

The Dreux Vernouillet Airport is a regional airport close to the town of Dreux, France. Located around 35 miles away from the city center, the Drew Vernouillet Airport (XDR), also known as the Vernouillet Airport, was built in the 1920s originally as a grass airfield but was upgraded in the 1930s. Currently, the airport is opened to the public only for general aviation: no commercial flights fly out from the Dreux Vernouillet Airport.

Best Time to Visit

During the Second World War, the XDR - Dreux Vernouillet Airport was used by the French Air Force during the Battle of France. It was then seized by the Germans as an airbase but was then liberated by the Allied forces in 1944. In 1950, the XDR Airport was recommended by the United States to be developed into a modern NATO airbase; however, the French government rejected the proposal since there were plans to develop the airport for commercial use. A different airport was chose for the expansion, however, which caused air traffic congestion, triggering the decision to close down the Dreux Vernouillet Airport. While its runways and other concreted areas were removed, a grass airstrip was built to accommodate light general aviation for the Dreux area. One of the communes close to the airport is the commune of Giverny, which is better known as the location of the painter Claude Monet’s garden and home.

What to Do & Area Attractions

Although the Dreux Vernouillet Airport (XDR) was not fully developed as a commercial airspace, there are still numerous accommodations around the town of Vernouillet. These include the comfy Campanile Dreux, a three-star hotel that is located 2.7 miles away from the airport, and the Première Classe Dreux, located just 3 miles away.