Why not take height to admire the Verdon landscapes from the sky? In this article, discover the best paragliding activities to do around the Gorges du Verdon!
The largest canyon in Europe is located in the south of France... These are the Gorges du Verdon, famous for their turquoise waters and their wild reliefs! A real playground for outdoor sports enthusiasts, who like to discover the natural heritage through hiking, mountain biking, canoeing, rafting, canyoning, climbing... and of course paragliding!
Because overflighting the region is discovering the most beautiful landscapes in France from a completely different perspective. And this, in a silence disturbed only by the noise of the air on your wing.
In this article, we present you the best spots to make paragliding around the Gorges du Verdon!
The best activity: fly into the sky of Barrme
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Kojin
- 💰 From 85 accessible from March to November
- ✱ The most activity? The discovery of a wide variety of landscapes, which captures the beauty of the region!
Want to fly over typical Provencal landscapes? See what a lavender field looks like from above? To touch the finger of the emblematic summits of the Verdon? So this paragliding activity is for you!
During your baptism of air, you will admire Digne-les-Bains and the surrounding landscapes. Mountain villages, valleys, summits, lakes... Let yourself be carried by the wind!
The information to know
When you book this paragliding activity around the Gorges du Verdon, you will have the choice between three formulas:
- 10-20 minutes paragliding for flight 85 ;
- 20-30 minutes paragliding for flight 110 € ;
- approximately 45 minutes paragliding for flight 160 €.
Whatever formula you have chosen, you will fly in tandem. A graduate instructor will be behind you on the paragliding harness to accompany you for the duration of the flight. It should be noted that paragliding flights may be cancelled in case of adverse weather conditions . In this case, the activity is deferred .
But who can get into this paragliding flight around the Gorges du Verdon? Activity is accessible to people who do not exceed 80 kilos . People weighing between 80 and 95 kilos can only access the third formula (45 minutes). Minors can make air baptism from 4 years, subject to a parental authorization . However, people with reduced mobility (PMR) cannot participate in the activity, as the monitors do not have a handisport certification.
Also know that there are additional options:
- If you want to burn your memories in the marble, you can request a photo or video report once on site. It will then be necessary to pay 40 € additional (30 € if you bring your SD card);
- Do you want to do the activity at two at the same time? This is quite possible by booking simultaneously on the site.
The course of the activity
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Marina VN
Go to the base, where you are welcomed by your monitor. He takes you in 4×4 on the take-off site and prepares the material in front of your eyes. Sailing on the ground, foes, saddle... You are witnessing the whole preparation. Your instructor then explains everything you need to know. After the brief, he finally equips you.
It’s time to take off... No panic, for your air baptism, you fly in tandem: your instructor is right behind you! Only a few seconds after starting your race, you take off several meters from the ground. Very quickly, a splendid landscape spreads before your eyes.
Enjoy, the paragliding offers a smooth and quiet journey... Depending on the formula you have chosen, the activity lasts between 10 and 45 minutes . During the flight, your monitor can tell you the points of interest you are flying. Do not hesitate to ask him questions: he will be happy to share his passion with you!
You have to come back to Earth one day... Don’t worry, the landing goes smoothly. Your paragliding flight around the Gorges du Verdon is over, but you will keep unique memories of the Provencal panoramas!
What time do you choose?
Three formulas are available for your air baptism around the Gorges du Verdon.
The first formula costs 85 and hard between 10 and 20 minutes . It allows you to fly over Digne-les-Bains, the capital of lavender, then three emblematic valleys of the region. The Duyes valley, dedicated to agriculture, the Bléone valley, dotted with charming mountain villages, and finally the Asse valley, famous for its lavender fields and olive trees.
The second formula costs 110 € and hard between 20 and 30 minutes . It allows you to better enjoy the view of Digne-les-Bains and the three valleys, but also offers wonderful views of the vineyards and the surrounding lavender fields. A real dive in the Provencal soul!
Finally, the third formula costs 160 € and last about 45 minutes . In addition to the landscapes overflowed in the two previous formulas, it allows you to admire the Mount of the White Horse (2,323 metres above sea level) and the peak of Couard (1,988 metres above sea level). Finally, you will fly over the turquoise waters of Lake Castillon ... A pure wonder! This is the best option for those who want to make the most of their paragliding flight around the Gorges du Verdon.
The alternative: flight to La Roque-Esclapon
Photo credit: Flickr – Nicolas Garcia
- 💰 From 85 per person
- ✱ The most activity? Allows to admire the magnificent landscapes of Var from the sky!
Go from La Roque-Esclapon, for an unforgettable flight! This activity allows you to admire the landscapes of Var from the sky... In addition to the magnificent panorama, you will have the opportunity to observe magnificent landscapes such as the Gorges du Verdon, the Massif de la Sainte-Baume or many of the varoi villages! All framed by a graduate and passionate instructor, who will accompany you throughout your air baptism.
As with the previous activity, three options are available: a flight of 10-20 minutes for 85 , a flight 20-30 minutes for 110 € and about one flight 45 minutes for 160 € . You can also book the activity as a gift voucher. Your loved one will then have a year to choose a date! An original gift idea that will appeal to all lovers of strong sensations.
This paragliding flight is accessible to any person more than 4 years and less than 95 kilos . Also know that minors will have to bring parental authorization .
Other alternative: a baptism in ULM
If you want to discover the beautiful landscapes of Verdon from the sky, you can also opt for a Baptism in ULM. This alternative will allow you to fly over the Verdon valley and to discover villages of character surrounded by lavender fields of rare beauty!
Paragliding around the Gorges du Verdon: our tips
To complete your paragliding flight in the Gorges du Verdon, you should read the following information:
- Paragliding flights are subject to age and weight limitations. Get in touch with the centre before you book activity. Generally, this information is available online;
- Otherwise, paragliding is a very accessible activity. It does not require any medical certificate or specific physical condition, and does not cause a sensation of vertigo. Handisport empowered monitors can even accompany people with reduced mobility (PMR);
- Day J, wear a casual outfit and closed sports shoes ;
- Feel free to communicate your fears or weaknesses to your instructor. He will reassure you and adapt the flight to your needs;
- Finally, remember that paragliding is a sport very dependent on weather conditions. In case of rain, wind, storm, your flight may be cancelled ! If you can, choose a date at the beginning of your holiday so that you can postpone the activity.
And of course, don’t forget the most important: enjoy it! The paragliding offers a real parenthesis out of time during your holidays...
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