In Muret, drones and a pyrotechnic show pay tribute to Clément Ader
On July 13, 2025, the town of Muret paid a beautiful tribute to one of its most visionary sons: Clément Ader.
To mark the centenary of his passing, more than 15,000 people gathered at the city's North Stadium to experience a spectacular moment.
Who was Clément Ader?
Clément Ader, a French engineer and inventor and emblematic figure among aviation pioneers, was born in Muret near Toulouse. He first distinguished himself in telecommunications by creating the first Parisian telephone network and inventing the "théâtrophone," which allowed people to listen to shows remotely.
But it is above all for his attempts at motorized flight that he has remained in history: with his devices called "Avion" (a term he invented), inspired by bats and equipped with steam engines, he is said to have made one of the first motorized flights in history on October 9, 1890, covering about fifty meters with his "Éole".
Although the reality of this flight is still debated by historians, Ader remains considered one of the pioneers of world aviation, and his name is today borne by many French aeronautical facilities.
A July 13th unlike any other in Muret
A promising start to the evening
From late afternoon onwards, the residents of Muret gathered in a friendly atmosphere to share an open-air meal. On the menu: cassoulet or tagine! Just the thing to whet the appetite for the evening!
An orchestra then set the tone: that of celebration.
The atmosphere was pleasant, the discussions lively, and it was around 10:30 p.m. that eyes turned towards the sky.
When drones and fireworks tell a story
For 20 minutes, 300 drones danced in the sky alternating with pyrotechnic sequences, in a visual narrative designed to retrace the major stages of Clément Ader's life: his inventions, his genius, his dream of making man fly.
This narrative show, conceived hand in hand with the city teams and produced in collaboration with TAC (Toulouse Artifice Créations), was able to touch the public.
Drones brought the symbols to life: airplane, cogwheel, winged silhouette…
Each scene echoed Ader's legacy, while the fireworks punctuated the narrative with power and emotion.
A memorable moment and a shared emotion
That evening, the sky over Muret did not just shine. It told a story. It carried the story of a man, but also that of a territory proud of its roots and resolutely turned towards innovation.
The show sparked a strong reaction on the social media accounts of the town of Muret:
“A memorable show“
“A magnificent story”
“A superb fireworks display, as every year, enhanced by the remarkable drone show retracing the history of Clément Ader’s inventions.”
“Magnificent fireworks and drones!!! An unforgettable show!”
A great success for the town of Muret, Toulouse Artifice Créations and Allumee who collaborated to create this spectacular moment.
