7 places to make paragliding in Haute-Savoie

If the Haute-Savoie mainly evokes ski slopes and smoky raclettes, it should be noted that its peaks also allow for paragliding.

Paragliding is the most recent free flight activity, derived from parachute. Instead of jumping off a plane, you take off a mountainside and let yourself be guided. Guide by who? The wind itself. Sitting in a shoulder harness, with a bow-of-cicle sail above your head, you enjoy a perfectly stunning view. Making paragliding in Haute-Savoie allows you to discover this region in a different aspect, 360°. Find out what are the best sites to make paragliding in Haute-Savoie. Ready for takeoff?

Paragliding does not require a specific physical condition. However, some clubs impose a weight limit or size limit. The fear of the vacuum can become a brake on the idea of practicing paragliding. We advise you to contact professionals before registering. They will guide you to what best matches you, as the paragliding is practiced in several ways (altitude, duration, landscape, speed...).

1. Lac d’Annecy

Lake Annecy is one of the most famous sites where paragliding in Haute-Savoie. The beauty of the place in itself already attracts many tourists to the ground. What if you take height to see this beautiful lake and its surroundings differently? Because in addition to overflying the lake with turquoise waters, you can discover the ridge of the Bauges and part of the Aravis massif. You can take off from several altitudes, between 500 and 1250 meters, depending on your practice, your ease, and even your age. The town of Talloires-Montmin, located on the shores of the lake, regularly hosts paragliding competitions, including a stage of the paragliding world cup.

2. Le Grand Bornand

Take off from the Grand Bornand in paragliding allows you to enjoy the view on a denived of more than 1000 meters! Enjoy a magnificent landscape on the Aravis massif and the valley that opens in front of the Grand Bornand. Reputed internationally, it is ideally located in relation to the winds that, depending on the time of the day, prevails east, west, or south. An advantage that leaves the possibility of walking to Annecy or Chamonix!

3. La Clusaz

Overflying the village of La Clusaz (pronounced “clusa”) in paragliding is discovering its large spaces, and its many wooden chalets, between two valleys and other alpages. Access to the take-off track can be made, depending on the club or departure, via the chairlifts, even in the summer. During your flight, you can contemplate the famous Aravis Mountains, and have a glimpse of the Haute-Savoie in its entirety. Take-off is carried out at an altitude of 1900 metres. It’s still a question of clubs, which often have different starting points, but they always similar!

4. The Col de Forclaz

Located south of Lake Annecy, the Col de Forclaz peaks at more than 1140 metres above sea level. This makes it an ideal site to make paragliding in Haute-Savoie. Very accessible, it is one of the places that make paragliding practice very easy. Its proximity to the city of Annecy attracts many novices who then pass their baptism from the Col de Forclaz. It offers stunning views of all the surrounding mountains ( The Tournette , the Lanfon Dents), the valleys, and above all, Annecy.

5. Samoëns

Ski resort close to the Swiss border, Samoëns offers like the other sites where to make paragliding in Haute-Savoie, a panorama of the region. With this exception, that this time, you will be able to observe a small piece of Switzerland from your saddle, if the wind permits. Contemplate the river of the Giffre that crosses this part of the region from the Cluse. Each mountain side of Haute-Savoie offers its own view of the rest of the landscape. You will take off altitudes between 690 metres and 1750 metres. Just tell you that you will experience unique sensations!

6. Annemasse

Annemasse is a commune located on the border with Switzerland, Lake Geneva acting naturally as such. Paragliding from Annemasse allows you to discover the glacial lake with double nationality as well as the city of Geneva from the sky. Due to the region’s microclimate, paragliding is available throughout the year. In most cases, take-offs take place on the slopes of Mount Salève, known as “Balcon de Genève”, compared to the view it offers on the Swiss city. Take-off altitudes range from 1095 metres to 1270 metres.

7. Chamonix Mont-Blanc

The evocation of the Mont Blanc should immediately awaken the grandiose dreams of the child in you. Did you ever want to tame the iconic mountain? It is possible, with the paragliding spot in Chamonix Mont-Blanc. Indeed, several clubs offer the activity in the heart of the massif, allowing to observe the Aiguilles du Midi (which is just above the famous Tunnel du Mont-Blanc), the Argentière glacier, or among others many peaks, the Aiguille des Grands Montets. These peaks are all very high, in terms of altitudes, which is why to make paragliding in Chamonix-Mont Blanc, you must be able to expose yourself to important heights: from 2000 meters to 3800 m! The Aiguille du Midi, as beautiful as it is practicable in paragliding, turns out to be a starting point.

Rates and practical information

Rates

For a more regular baptism or practice of paragliding, prices fluctuate. Indeed, a baptism requires a professional monitor to accompany you. There are also a lot of parameters to take into account: selected club, chosen service, desired options... The paragliding clubs of Hautes-Savoie are numerous and you will necessarily find the one that matches you.

• Discovery packages range from €70 to €100, depending on whether it is baptism or discovery, and also depending on the age of the person,
• Baptism can cost up to €200 if you choose to get a video of your jump,
• Prices also increase if you opt for “long duration” or thermal flights, as some clubs offer,
• If you already have a paragliding experience, the clubs will also offer flights that require a certain ease, increasing the final price.

Practical information

Here are some information before you decide to make paragliding in Haute-Savoie:

• this is a weather-related activity, watch the weather! If bad weather is expected, do not wait for the club to call you, take the fronts,
• to make paragliding in Haute-Savoie, plan warm equipment, good shoes and sunglasses: sun exposure is stronger,
• flights last on average between 10 and 30 minutes, but may occasionally go up to 1 hour, depending on the service, area and take-off altitude,
• some clubs impose a weight limit that can sometimes be 75 kg, check out well before booking your flight in paragliding,
• Paragliding is an activity that can be practiced from the age of 4, to the extent of professional supervision. Take-off is then done at low altitudes. Conversely, she can practice up to 90 years!
• In winter, some clubs offer the option “skiing” for even more sensations (but you have to be able to ski 10 meters)