The 2009 European Championships take place 11-14 July in Orville a town in the north of France. Though FITASC is an international organization, many feel that Parcours de Chasse isn’t properly experienced until you’ve experienced it in France. The Orville grounds at Stand de tir des Buttes are somewhat notorious for having excellent terrain. The grounds are set among a mostly 
wooded area and generally feature hills, ravines, slopes and what I personally feel is the greatest target setting terrain available, gnarly little berms, bumps and ditches. This kind of terrain and in France should make for some unbelievable shooting. That is, if the ‘committee’ can get the targets right. Not to say they haven’t been but maybe they should have a world class competitor ‘consult’ with them.
A look at the championship layout reveals a setup of eight new-style parcours with four stands each that cover a good portion of the club grounds. It looks as if parcours two and four seem to be split by a roadway! Not a big deal but shows how the terrain is being maximized. The layout
also reveals what looks like plenty of on-site parking. Reports from last year in Hertinberg, Austria revealed the off-site parking to be less than ideal. In fact, I hear some shooters might still be on a bus looking for the car park. Hopefully the bus will make its way to Orville. But I digress, I wasn’t there and truth be told I have and know most of you have walked many miles in the worst weather over the worst terrain to shoot some FITASC. Bus or on-site parking? Who gives a shot, just point me to the hoop!
The town of Orville is about two and a half hours drive north of Paris and is located in the Picardie region of France. The area is know for it’s historic towns and rural feel. This area also saw many of the costliest battles of World War 1 fought. As for accomodations, the closest place to the club would be the town of Doullens about 5 kilometers (3 miles) away. Next bet would be the city of Amiens the capitol of the region about 30 kilometers (18.6 miles) from the club. See the custom Google map below.
View Orville in a larger map
The organizers have stressed that Promatic machines and CCI targets will be used. So no Czech-full choke needed . I must mention that I have been impressed so far this year at how much the FITASC site is being updated and the communication we have been receiving through the site and by email. Also Stand de tir des Buttes has put together a fairly good program and information on their web site. Entries for this years event opened as of last Monday and have been brisk. This is shaping up to be one of the highlight events on the Euro scene this year. If you think you might go consider that you may be able to shoot other Championships on the adjoining weekends. With the great Dollar/Euro exchange rate it could make for a fantastic trip.
You might also like:
- 2008 European Championships in Austria
- World FITASC Limassol, Cyprus is filling up quick!
- 10 Questions: Lakis Phylactou World FITASC organizing chair and target setter
- 10 Questions: Ben Husthwaite on the World F.I.T.A.S.C. Championship
- 2008 California State Championship FITASC…Looks like a scorcher!
