Let’s talk about one of the most beloved free-flight activities among the French: paragliding. For thrill-seekers and altitude lovers, this is where it’s at.

Paragliding is a popular activity in France for many reasons. From the skies, you’ll experience the country’s landscapes from a breathtaking new perspective. You’ll feel unforgettable emotions and unmatched adrenaline rushes, all while taking in stunning panoramic views.

This list isn’t exhaustive—it reflects our personal favourites, which we hope you’ll love too.

Here’s our hall of fame for the best paragliding locations:


Dune du Pilat, Gironde


What better place to soar than France’s most famous sand dune? Near Bordeaux, paragliding here offers unbeatable views of the Arcachon Bay and Cap-Ferret.

The Southwest of France combines tranquillity, serenity, and freedom, with its unique flora making you feel worlds away.


A unique flight of paragliding on the dune du Pyla



Annecy, Haute-Savoie


Glide over the iconic Lake Annecy, its mesmerising blue waters, and the crisp Alpine air.

With multiple take-off/landing zones, lush greenery, and the picturesque landscapes of Haute-Savoie, this is one of France’s premier paragliding destinations.


 Hover over the beautiful landscapes and the Lake Annecy



Chartreuse near Grenoble, Isère


With a sterling reputation, Isère—especially Saint-Hilaire—is a paraglider’s paradise. Its terrain suits all skill levels, as weather conditions dictate the required expertise.

From the air, you’ll witness the Vercors massif, Chartreuse mountains, and Drôme Valley in all their glory.


 Discover the landscapes of Isère in paragliding



Réunion Island


Stay in France but travel far—Réunion Island’s ideal weather makes it perfect for this high-adrenaline aerial sport. The western coast, particularly Saint-Leu, is a dream location.

An idyllic setting, panoramic Indian Ocean views, lush flora, and balmy temperatures complete the experience.


 An enchanting view of the island of the Meeting



Clermont-Ferrand, Puy-de-Dôme


In Puy-de-Dôme, paragliding thrives thanks to its Central Massif location, blending plains, mountains, and volcanoes. A natural paradise for free-flight enthusiasts—this is where paragliding pioneers began.

An iconic sport meets a magical landscape, with Auvergne’s legendary volcanoes offering breath-taking vistas. Now imagine seeing them from above!


 The splendor of Puy-de-Dôme in paragliding



Want More?


France boasts countless other paragliding spots with stunning scenery and perfect conditions:
  • The Vosges: Wind-swept plains and high launch sites like Le Markstein and Kastelberg.
  • Brittany: Ideal for cliff descents and beach landings—a truly unique adventure.
  • Millau, Aveyron: A paragliding hub since the 1970s, now integral to the local economy.
  • Normandy: Soar above the Channel coast and maybe even spot the British shores.
We hope this guide inspires your next paragliding adventure!


 A Magic Paragliding Final in France