GA is huge in Europe. There are small airfields dotted all over Spain, France and Italy (probably elsewhere, I only have personal knowledge in those countries) and many aero clubs and communities operating. I suspect that in this, and in cheese, you may have found that a language barrier prevented you finding the information that you were seeking? Even then, the U.K. (still geographically part of Europe!) has a vibrant GA scene and cheese scene as well as a strong hobbyist culture in general.