Technical Tours

SMiRT 29 in the Field:  Behind the Scenes of French Nuclear Excellence

To complement the technical program of SMiRT 29, participants will have the opportunity to discover key facilities of the French nuclear industry through a series of exclusive technical visits. The program includes three visits to EDF nuclear power plants (NPPs), offering insights into plant operation, safety, and engineering challenges, as well as two visits to Framatome industrial facilities, showcasing advanced manufacturing, fuel fabrication, and materials technologies. A special two-day visit to the ITER and CEA Cadarache sites will also be organized outside the conference week, providing a unique opportunity to explore cutting-edge research and the future of fusion and advanced nuclear systems.

These visits are designed to complement the conference sessions by providing first-hand exposure to the technologies, expertise, and industrial capabilities that support the current and future development of nuclear energy.

Technical Visit Disclaimer: Technical visits are subject to site operational requirements and may be modified, rescheduled, have their capacity adjusted, or be cancelled without prior notice. Registration expresses interest but does not guarantee participation. Attendance will remain subject to approval by the host site, with final confirmation provided approximately two months prior to the scheduled visit.
The first NPP on base-isolators

Cruas-Meysse NPP :

The first NPP on base-isolators

Date : August 10, 2027
(7:00 am - 6:00 pm)

Price : 90€ VAT included
Maximum capacity : 48 persons

Brief Description
Located on the banks of the Rhône River, the Cruas-Meysse Nuclear Power Plant is one of France's major electricity-generating sites. Commissioned in the 1980s, it was the first nuclear power plant in the world to be equipped with seismic isolation bearings, reflecting the site's strong focus on earthquake resistance. The plant is also notable for its proximity to the epicenter of the Le Teil earthquake of November 11, 2019, which provided valuable feedback on the seismic robustness of nuclear facilities. This visit offers an overview of the engineering, safety, and operational challenges associated with ensuring the long-term resilience of nuclear power plants. 
Excellence in Nuclear Manufacturing and Testing

Le Creusot Forge and CETIC :

Excellence in Nuclear Manufacturing and Testing

Date : August 11, 2027
(7:00 am - 6:00 pm)

Price : 90€ VAT included
Maximum capacity : 20 persons

Brief Description
The Framatome Le Creusot facilities are among the world's leading industrial centers for the manufacturing of large forged and cast components used in nuclear reactors. This visit provides insight into the processes and expertise required to produce critical nuclear equipment, as well as the capabilities of the CETIC technical center in materials characterization, mechanical testing, inspection, and engineering support. Together, these facilities play a key role in ensuring the quality, safety, and reliability of current and future nuclear installations.
Superphénix (Largest FBR plant) under decommissioning

Creys-Malville NPP :

Superphénix (Largest FBR plant) under decommissioning

Date : August 12, 2027
(7:30 am - 1:30 pm)

Price : 90€ VAT included
Maximum capacity : 48 persons

Brief Description
The Creys-Malville site is home to Superphénix, the largest sodium-cooled Fast Breeder Reactor (FBR) ever constructed. Following the end of its operation, the facility entered a long-term decommissioning program that presents unique engineering and technological challenges, particularly related to sodium treatment, dismantling operations, and waste management. This visit offers participants a rare opportunity to gain insight into one of the world's most ambitious nuclear decommissioning projects and the expertise required to safely manage the legacy of advanced reactor technologies.
The Water Cycle in a Nuclear Power Plant

Bugey NPP :

The Water Cycle in a Nuclear Power Plant

Date : August 13, 2027
(8:00 am - 4:00 pm)

Price : 90€ VAT included
Maximum capacity : 48 persons 

Brief Description
Located on the banks of the Rhône River, the Bugey Nuclear Power Plant is one of France's major nuclear generating sites. This technical visit will provide participants with an overview of plant operation, safety, industrial performance, and ongoing developments supporting the future of the French nuclear fleet. This technical visit offers an overview of the water systems that play a key role in the operation of a nuclear power plant, from water intake and cooling processes to heat dissipation. 
Discover Fusion and Advanced Nuclear Technologies

Step Inside ITER and CEA : 

Discover Fusion and Advanced Nuclear Technologies

Date : August 16 and 17, 2027
(7:30 am - 5:30 pm each day)

Price : 90€ VAT included
Maximum capacity : 48  persons

Brief Description
Located in southern France, the ITER and CEA Cadarache sites are at the forefront of scientific and technological innovation in the energy sector. This visit offers a unique opportunity to discover the world's largest fusion energy project, aimed at demonstrating the feasibility of fusion as a safe, sustainable, and low-carbon energy source. Participants will also gain insight into advanced nuclear research and the development of next-generation reactor concepts under construction at CEA Cadarache, highlighting the technologies that could shape the future of nuclear energy.

More informations below

Important Notice Regarding the technical tour "Step Inside ITER and CEA : Discover Fusion and Advanced Nuclear Technologies "

This technical visit is organized over two full days and includes visits to the facilities as well as several technical presentations. Participants wishing to attend are responsible for arranging and covering their own transportation and accommodation in Aix-en-Provence. Dedicated shuttle buses will be provided from Aix-en-Provence to the Cadarache site on the mornings of 16 and 17 August 2027, with return transportation to Aix-en-Provence in the evenings. Further logistical details will be communicated to confirmed participants closer to the event.

The registration fee does not include accommodation in Aix-en-Provence or transportation from Lyon to Aix-en-Provence, which remain the responsibility of each participant.