Paragliding over Lake Annecy

Paragliding is an aircraft that looks a lot like a parachute. This fabric, often called a wing, is used to catch the air and surf on air currents. It is light and very strong. It is made up of a multitude of small compartments into which the air rushes and inflates the whole. The wing lifts your feet off the ground and a nacelle is suspended from it. This is where the paraglider pilot controls the glider. He uses his hands to manoeuvre.

Whether you're a beginner or an experienced paraglider pilot, paragliding sessions are more or less the same. To begin with, you need to find a slope from which to fly. Once you've inflated your wing, there are two possible take-offs, either running to create speed, or standing still for a static take-off, simply using the wind. The type of take-off is determined by the paraglider pilot and his or her level, the geographical context and the weather conditions. Then comes the best part. You fly thousands of metres above the ground, like a bird, an exhilarating experience. The height regulations are 5,850 metres in the mountains and 3,500 metres on the plains, so watch out! The view from the top is simply magnificent. The regulars talk about the relaxing side, due to the height taken from the ground and... from its problems.

Annecy is famous for its large, brightly-coloured lake and its pointed mountains. Magnificent scenery... especially when seen from above! What's more, Annecy is a sporting town, where tourists love to come and work out with their families and discover the latest activities in vogue. This exceptional environment makes Annecy the perfect place to discover this sensational sport. The town's paragliding schools offer first flights and introductory paragliding courses.

Paragliding for children in Annecy

Most paragliding schools offer first flights for children aged 5 and over, while standard first flights are available from the age of 8, provided the child weighs at least 20kg.

Dear extreme sports fans,

Paragliding is considered an extreme sport. Because of the altitude and the risks involved, specific equipment and verification protocols are required, and we recommend that you try this activity with a paragliding school or a professional paragliding instructor. Fans of sensational sports will love canyoning in the Annecy gorges.

First flights are what the professionals call tandem flights. In other words, you learn about the equipment and the new sensations with a professional instructor who is on the same paraglider as you. He explains how the machine works and shows you how to take off. The instructor will help you manoeuvre the paraglider and show you how to land. It's the perfect way to discover the sport, relax and simply enjoy the view!

We have selected two paragliding schools in Annecy for your first experience in the air.

Paragliding Annecy

Parapente Annecy is one of our favourites. Located in Annecy itself, this school is on a human scale. The eight experienced instructors are all qualified paragliding instructors who will be delighted to share their passion for paragliding with you. For future paragliders, the school offers first flights as well as group courses over 3 or 5 days.

Parapente Annecy also organises hot-air ballooning, canyoning, via ferrata and mountain biking.

Delta Evasion Annecy

Delta Evasion is a school you can trust for quality and reliability. The instructors are experienced, and some of them are even European paragliding champions! The school has set up a special area for beginner paragliders, called Delta Land. Here you can relax after your flying experience and discuss your experiences with other paragliders. There's even an inflatable structure and a trampoline for children. As well as paragliding, Delta Evasion offers hang-gliding, birding, microlighting and helicopter flights. You can sign up for different types of paragliding flights with varying sensations and durations.