The city of Annecy is often associated with its lake, where many sports activities can be practiced. But due to its unique natural setting and history, Annecy is also a major spot for paragliding both in Europe and around the world.
Cradle of paragliding
It was in Annemasse, not far from Annecy, that paragliding was born. In 1978, André Bohn and Jean-Claude Bétemps had the idea of using their parachute canopy to take off from the slope. This experience and those that followed were a great success to the point that the following year the first “para-club” opened with a local name, Les Choucas, in Mieussy, 60 kilometers from Annecy.
Since then, this practice has developed first among mountaineers who saw it as a quick and practical way to descend from their ascent, ultimately becoming a full-fledged discipline around the globe. There are world championships rewarding the best pilots each year. But fortunately, paragliding is no longer reserved for an elite or a few happy few. This sport has become widely democratized, aided by increasingly efficient and reliable equipment, allowing the greatest number, without prior experience, to taste the simple yet unforgettable joys of flying at altitude.
The longest flight ever
On April 20, 2021, a paragliding guide, Théo Audebaud, took off from the Tamié pass in Savoie near Faverges. He flew to the Bastille of Grenoble to arrive over the northern part of Lake Annecy, flying over the Bauges and Chartreuse massifs. This incredible flight lasted 8 hours and 23 minutes, covering a distance of 200 km.
Geographical context
Paragliding in Annecy ranks among the must-do activities, not only for its historical roots but also thanks to its exceptional natural setting. With 130,000 annual take-offs, this sport reflects the ideal aerological conditions of the site, particularly above the Lake Annecy. Unlike often weak horizontal winds, ascending thermals are abundant, offering perfect conditions for paragliding enthusiasts.
Moreover, local infrastructures, such as well-equipped take-off sites and accessible road networks, greatly facilitate access both to the take-off and landing of the flight.
Let’s not forget the visual aspect: flying over the Annecy valley offers spectacular panoramas. The lake, the lush landscapes, and the alpine peaks with eternal snows create an unforgettable experience for all those who venture into the skies.
The different routes
Around the lake, the main take-off sites are Planfait (950 meters altitude), the Col de la Forclaz (1250 meters altitude), Entrevernes, Semnoz, the Regional Natural Park of the Bauges, or the ski lifts of Grand-Bornand and La Clusaz for take-offs at higher altitudes.
Paragliding is a magical sport that offers unique sensations. The Annecy region is among the most beautiful places in France to practice paragliding. Where are they? Let yourself be guided!
1. Lake Annecy
This is the most famous spot in Europe with the guarantee of flying over this magnificent lake. Departures are made from the municipality of Talloires-Montmin at the Col de la Forclaz at 1,250 meters altitude. The slope is steep for take-off and the sensations are too. You also have the option to take off a little lower at Planfait at 950 meters high.
After that, magical moments await you, between lake and mountains. You fly near the mountain of Dents de Lanfon, the massif of Tournette, and Mont Veyrier. The landing takes place on a plain at the bottom of the municipality.
2. Semnoz
The Semnoz is the favorite mountain of the people of Annecy, as its summit is only 15 kilometers from the city. It stands at 1,700 meters altitude and is the ideal place to take off for paragliding. Favorable air currents allow you to rise high enough to catch a glimpse of Mont-Blanc.
You can choose to practice paragliding solo or accompanied by an instructor who will guide you to the most beautiful panoramas. Semnoz, with its magnificent landscapes, has several take-off spots for paragliding, as well as for hang gliding, thus offering a variety of options for thrill-seekers.
3. Lake Aiguebelette
The Lake Aiguebelette, located a few dozen kilometers from Annecy, is an ideal destination for peaceful summer days. Although it is smaller than Lake Annecy, its beaches attract many visitors. In addition to its pretty landscapes, the updrafts that form around the lake make it a perfect place for paragliding enthusiasts.
4. Mont Revard
Located between Aix-les-Bains and Annecy, Mont Revard rises to 1,550 meters altitude, north of the Bauges massif. A paragliding flight along its ridge offers an unforgettable experience, ideal for thrill-seekers. On clear days, you can enjoy breathtaking views of the Jura Mountains in the distance.
Flying over the Lake Bourget, the largest natural lake in France, is one of the highlights of these paragliding flights. A true spectacle that combines the beauty of the landscapes with unique sensations.
5. La Clusaz
The La Clusaz resort, located just 25 kilometers from Annecy, is a charming Haute-Savoie village that has managed to preserve its authenticity. Between its beautiful chalets and the village square, the place retains all its charm. Whether for summer or winter, the resort offers quality facilities, perfect for mountain lovers.
For paragliding enthusiasts, the take-off site, accessible via chairlifts, is located at 1,900 meters altitude. In full flight, you will have the opportunity to admire the village and the majestic Aravis massif. After the adrenaline, don’t forget to enjoy a delicious Savoyard meal in one of the many restaurants in the resort.
The different paragliding flights in Annecy
There are different types of paragliding flights, ranging from the calmest to the most sensational, depending on your desires and preferences. For convenience, we recommend booking your flight online.
Discovery flight in paragliding over Lake Annecy
The Discovery flight is perfect for those who want to try paragliding in complete tranquility. You will fly over Lake Annecy and its surroundings, enjoying a magnificent view and a moment of total calm. You will gain some altitude, discover the city of Annecy from the sky, and let yourself be carried by the breeze, hair in the wind, while admiring the panorama.
Prestige flight in paragliding over Lake Annecy
Fly over Lake Annecy and admire the breathtaking view of the mountains and the Bauges Massif during this 40-minute flight. Intended for those seeking thrills, this flight includes aerial figures to maximize adrenaline while flying over one of the most beautiful lakes in France.
Sensations flight in paragliding over Lake Annecy
Enjoy a thrilling experience with the sensations flight, where you will explore the air currents while admiring the spectacular panorama of Lake Annecy. This flight is designed for thrill-seekers, allowing you to experience a unique adventure in the skies. You will perform numerous figures in the sky for maximum adrenaline.
Child flight in paragliding over Lake Annecy
Give your child an unforgettable experience with a paragliding flight suitable for the youngest. Accompanied by a professional instructor, they will fly over Lake Annecy, discovering the beauty of the landscape from the sky, in a safe and exciting environment. This flight is accessible from just 3 years old.
See even more paragliding flights
Prices and practical information
The rates
The price of paragliding flights varies depending on several factors, such as the duration of the flight, location, and included services. The rates for a baptism flight generally range from €70 to €150, depending on the location.
If you wish to immortalize the experience with a video, expect to pay around €200.
Practical information
- Age: To take a paragliding flight, the minimum age required is generally 5 years, although this may vary by site.
- Physical conditions: No particular physical condition is necessary, but pregnant women cannot participate.
- Weight: A maximum weight may be required, depending on the equipment used.
- Recommended attire: Preferably wear a fleece, windbreaker, gloves, and closed sports shoes for more comfort.
- Cancellation: The flight can be canceled at the last minute in case of unfavorable weather conditions.
5 tips for starting paragliding
This exciting sport attracts many beginners. To put all the odds in your favor, it is important to consider the following 5 tips:
- Discover the sensation of flying by starting with a paragliding baptism.
- Choose a school certified by the French Federation of Free Flight for your first flights, following the advice and safety rules of your instructor.
- Take a tandem flight followed by an initiation course over a few days.
- Choose suitable equipment: paraglider and harness, reserve parachute, helmet, radio, pair of gloves, sunglasses, and appropriate shoes.
- Fly in a group to enhance safety, challenge, and learning.
Paragliding is one of the activities to discover if you are staying in the Annecy region. To access the two most beautiful sites: Planfait and the Col de la Forclaz, shuttle buses from Sibra run ten times a day from Annecy in summer. The bus departs from the Annecy bus station.
The paragliding clubs of Annecy
There are many paragliding clubs to practice this sport safely in a pleasant atmosphere, whether to learn or to take a baptism:
- K2 paragliding: At the K2 paragliding school in Annecy, expertise stands out in teaching modern piloting, safety, and acrobatics in paragliding. The goal of this school is to offer you a memorable experience during your first big paragliding jump. You can choose from a variety of options, including paragliding baptisms, piloting/SIV courses, and cross-country courses, all supervised by a team of highly qualified professionals, within a paragliding school accredited by the FFVL.
- Les Chamois Volants: this is the largest club in France with nearly 400 members, founded in 1988 in Talloires-Montmin. It includes world-class competitors in distance paragliding and acrobatic paragliding. It manages the Planfait / Perroix site. Various outings are organized outside. Brevets of all levels can be prepared.
Address: 39 Chemin de Pré Monteux – ZI Perroix – 74290 Talloires - L’ASPTT Paragliding: this club offers many outings in a good atmosphere for all levels. You must join the ASPTT association of Annecy.
Address: 1 Allée des Cyclades, 74960 Annecy – Tel: 04 50 66 11 55 - L’interclub Annecy Handi-Bi: co-managed by ASPTT Paragliding and Les Chamois Volants, it aims to make people with reduced mobility fly with tandem flights in wheelchairs. Run by volunteers, to contact this club, you need to get in touch with the two previous clubs. On September 24, 2021, the 1,000th tandem paragliding flight with a disabled passenger took place. These flights occur on Fridays when weather conditions permit.
- Annecy Vol de Pente: this association aims to train you from initiation to pilot brevet. The paragliding school is run by certified instructors. The club has its own shuttle available to members for outings between pilots. Other excursions outside of paragliding are organized: snowshoeing and skiing.
Address: 6 rue de la cité, 74000 Annecy – Tel: 04 50 52 89 85 - Virage Annecy: this school club allows you to learn slope flying. It is a partner of the Pass’Jeunes Annecy, which offers benefits to young people from Annecy to fly at lower costs. All equipment is loaned by the club and the instructors are volunteers.
Address: 12 Rue Louis Boch – 74000 Annecy – Tel: 04 50 57 92 95
