Top 10 Paragliding Spots in France
Paragliding in France provides a unique experience that combines adrenaline with breathtaking landscapes. The French Alps, featuring renowned sites like Chamonix and Annecy, are among the best spots to soar above majestic mountains and beautiful valleys, but not only...
France has a multitude of perfect paragliding spots, from the snow-capped peaks of the French Alps, to the beaches of Normandy. This stunning country has a wide variety of paragliding and tandem paragliding experiences to offer everyone, from experienced paragliders to complete beginners to the sport.
The possibilities of what scenery to soar over when paragliding in France, are endless. Boasting a whole host of natural phenomena, from UNESCO-listed Biosphere Reserves to volcanic domes, it’s almost impossible to decide what to see as you soar… but here are our top 10 locations to give you some inspiration!
Millau
You should definitely try tandem paragliding in Millau, which is located in the Grands Causses Regional Nature Park, in the South of France. You will admire the Pic d'Andan, the highest point in Millau, Pouncho d'Agast, the most popular take-off location for paragliding flights in Millau and the Col du Renard, an original take-off point to the southeast of Millau.
Upon reaching the take-off location, the instructor assisting you will give you the special outfit and provide an explanation of how the tandem paragliding flight in Millau will operate, contingent on the wind conditions that day. Then it's time to launch for a first-ever paragliding flight over Millau that will never be forgotten! Your choice of flight type will determine how long it lasts : from a 10 minutes discovery flight to a 60 minutes sensation flight! Before you gently land at the paragliding base, you will have the amazing experience of flying over the town of Millau, the river Tarn, and the magnificent Millau Viaduct.
Morzine, Portes du Soleil
Take off from 1600 metres when paragliding above the Portes du Soleil ski resort of Morzine. Soar above the slopes, peaks and chalets of this popular ski-sports region. Learn to paraglide in this spot, opt for a scenic flight to take in the majesty of the Alps, or for an adrenaline rush between mountain biking and hiking around this location. Take advantage of some of the best thermal winds in Europe and try some aerobatics over this beautiful area – one of the world’s largest ski resorts.
Morzine is a great destination for flight adventures, due to its peaks of varying heights, views of snow-covered mountains and opportunities to take off on skis (in a 600 metre vertical drop)! If you want to feel the thrills, you can take a 30-minute thermal lift flight during which you will learn aerobatics through different evolutions (turn, wing over, 360° turn, etc.). In accordance with the season, you can take off on foot or with skis.
Gorge du Verdon
Paragliding in the Gorges du Verdon offers an unforgettable aerial experience, combining spectacular scenery and thrills. Among the emblematic spots, Digne-les-Bains stands out for its favorable thermal conditions, offering extended flights and panoramic views of the Southern Alps. Roque-Esclapon, meanwhile, is appreciated for its ease of access and its take-offs from heights that allow you to fly over the varied landscapes of the Verdon, from lush forests to impressive rock formations.
Nearby, Barreme offers a more intimate setting with moderate thermals, ideal for intermediate paragliders looking to improve their technique while enjoying the wild, unspoilt beauty of the surrounding area. These spots, each with its own unique advantages, make the Gorges du Verdon a prime destination for paragliding enthusiasts in search of adventure and natural discovery.
Pyrénées Atlantiques
The Pyrenean mountain range forms the French-Spanish border and it is a veritable natural barrier, that stretches over 430 kilometers and features peaks of over 3,000 meters, the highest being the Aneto at 3,404 meters. Paragliding in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques offers a unique and thrilling experience thanks to its stunning scenery, ideal weather conditions, and diverse flying sites. Soaring over the majestic Pyrenees mountains, lush valleys, and picturesque villages provides breathtaking views that are hard to match.
The region's favorable weather and reliable thermal currents create optimal conditions for paragliding, extending the season for enthusiasts. Additionally, the Pyrénées-Atlantiques is rich in Basque and Béarn cultural heritage, offering a blend of adventure and cultural immersion. With well-established paragliding schools and operators, both beginners and experienced pilots can enjoy safe and memorable flights in this beautiful part of southwestern France.
Saint-Lary-Soulan
Paragliding in Saint-Lary Soulan is an exhilarating experience that combines the thrill of flight with the breathtaking beauty of the Pyrenees. Nestled in the Hautes-Pyrénées region of southwestern France, Saint-Lary offers the opportunity to admire verdant valleys, rugged mountain peaks, and picturesque villages. The area's favorable wind conditions and diverse terrain make it an ideal destination for both novice and experienced paragliders. In less than an hour, you can go from the Pyrenees to the Spanish basin, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The border tunnel is only 12km away!
Additionally, the local paragliding schools and experienced instructors ensure a safe and memorable adventure: they are specialized in aerial sports, qualified tandem paragliding instructor in 92, FFVL certified, ULM and glider pilot, J-P and have an experience of 30 years practice!
Saint-Hilaire, Grenoble
This destination is a world famous spot in the south-east of France, known in the paragliding world for being the host-town of the Coupe Icare. Also known as the Icarus Cup, this annual free flying event held in St Hilaire and the village of Lumbin, in the valley below, brings paragliding enthusiasts from all over the world. This 8 day annual festival, held in this area since 1974, offers visitors four scenic take off areas, near the cliff top village of Saint Hilaire, and a landing area 750m below in Lumbin.
The paragliding spot of Saint Hilaire is easily accessible from Grenoble, only around a 25km drive, and the take-off points are easily accessed by hiking. In the beautiful Chartreuse Massif, the paragliding school Air-2-Ailes is offering a 5-day paragliding course to teach you the fundamentals. The goal is to provide you with everything you need to become a safe pilot. But of course, if you prefer a basic discovery flight, it is possible!
Annecy
This stunning lakeside city in southeastern France is a paragliding haven, with tourists flocking from the world-over to get in on the action. With the snow-capped peaks of the French Alps, lush green forests and the bright blue waters of the lake as a backdrop for this activity, you quickly understand why it’s so popular! With a number of different flight types, routes and lengths on offer at this location and paragliding training also available, Annecy has an air sport experience for everyone!
The spot is located just under an hour’s drive from the Swiss city of Geneva and on the edge of the French Alps. Paragliding in Annecy is a must do if you want to enjoy the views on the lake. The Col de la Forclaz mountain pass, where a number of competitions have been held over the years, is located at the south of Lake Annecy and is a world-famous take-off location.
Le Grand-Bornand
The beautiful slopes of the Aravis mountain range await. Le Grand-Bornand, around 30km east of Annecy, in the Auvergne Rhone-Alpes region is a fantastic spot for paragliding. Whether you’re looking for a short introductory flight of 10 minutes or a 45 minute ride, head up to 2100 metres up Mont Lachat for a take-off point with a gorgeous panoramic view of the Aravis Mountains.
Head to Le Grand-Bornand for a great paragliding experiences! This destination is popular in winter, due to the Aravis ski resort, and popular again the rest of the year due to the great opportunities for air sports. This area offers short scenic flights, sensation flights – filled with thrilling aerobatics as well as longer, up to 40 minutes, thermal flights, taking advantage of the great thermals in the area, for a longer flying experience.
Dune du Pilat
Discover the probably most unusual spot in our list: Paragliding over the Dune du Pilat, Europe’s tallest sand dune! This naturally occurring sand wall, 65km south-west of Bordeaux, is situated along the coast of the Bay of Biscay. This stunning natural landmark and popular tourist destination is a world-famous paragliding location, with optimal winds for soaring above the dunes and the coastline. Offering fabulous views and the opportunity for soaring flights, this 110m high foredune is a stunning location to get some air.
Paragliding flights over the Dune du Pilat offer views reminiscent of flying over a desert, with dunes incomparable to any others found in Europe – this spot is particularly spectacular at sunset. Gain great views of the Cap Ferret peninsula and its stunning lighthouse and of Arcachon Bay.
Le Markstein, East of France
This beautiful mountain ski sports resort is located in the Grand Est region in the east of France, near the Vosges Mountains area. Located 50km from the cities of Colmar and Mulhouse, the Markstein resort is an overall lesser-known paragliding spot, but a popular destination for those who have heard of it. Having previously hosted the Paragliding World Cup, Le Markstein is known to be a brilliant paragliding location, boasting some superb take-off sites.
A fascinating destination to paraglide around, set in the Vosges Regional Natural Park, this mountain near the border of three countries, offers unique paragliding opportunities, and is a great place to take a longer paragliding course to learn the maneuvers, aerology and technicalities of the sport. Take off points include from Trehkopf – a summit at 1266 metres, a short drive from Le Markstein, and from the nearby town of Mittlach.
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Check out more of our articles about this exhilarating aerial sport, such as our complete guide to tandem paragliding or the best spots for winter paragliding in France.
For more information on paragliding rules, regulations, training and practical information in France, head to the Fédération Française de Vol Libre’s website.