Take the veils to fly over this small tip of the Atlantic Pyrenees with these 4 places where to make paragliding in the French Basque Country!
The Netherlands is more famous for the ocean and its surf spots than for its sky. But the connoisseurs know that if there are some reliefs and good weather conditions, there is a way to find some sites where to fly.
And it would be a shame to deprive yourself of it because, here, the paragliding allows you both to fly over the summits but also the coast. It is the unique opportunity to contemplate, as few people can, the mountains of the Pyrenees and the Basque cornice until Biarritz .
If it tells you to try the adventure, you only have to discover this selection of 4 places where to make paragliding in the Netherlands.
Also read:
The 20 things to do in the French Basque Country
1. Baïgura
Photo credit: Shutterstock – jennyt
Let's start with the most famous spots to make paragliding in the Netherlands. Mount Baïgura and its 897 metres of altitude are indeed conducive to the practice of free flight. After having been exploited for its resources for centuries, the mountain is now classified as Natura 2000, which allows to admire its beautiful landscapes from the clouds.
When conditions are good, you can practice dynamic flight and even go in cross if the heart tells you. The site is usable west, east and north.
Attention, the practice is dangerous by south wind and takeoff to southeast is recommended only for experienced pilots. From above, you have a 360° view of the summits of the Netherlands but also on the Adour valley further. In short, impossible to be disappointed!
The take-off site is managed by the Haize Hegoa club but autonomous flights are allowed. To take off, you can go from the leisure base with a shuttle or go on foot. It is located in front of the Gaita bar. The landing is done at the recreation base in a well-appointed premise.
2. Urrugne
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Alexander Demyanenko
Here is a small variant for this paragliding site in the Netherlands where you actually practice paramotor. In other words, it is a paragliding equipped with an engine. The Urrugne spot is between Hendaye and Saint-Jean-de-Luz and this process allows to fly over the coast and the Urrugne cornice but not that.
Indeed, there are many possibilities for itineraries. In addition to the coast you can fly over the Ibardin Pass at the border and Xoldokogaina Lake. You can also choose to go to the side of the mountains and admire from the sky the mountain of the Rhune and the nearby summits.
Finally, there is the option to only fly over the coast to Bidart.
3. Sames
Photo credit: Shutterstock – BalkansCat
This is the second paramotor site. Its advantage is that you can take off by any direction of the wind. This time, it is the landscapes of the hinterland that you will admire.
Among these, the valleys of the Adour and the Bidouze but also the Gaves, that is, the land of the rivers. You also have a beautiful view of kiwis fields in large numbers.
4. Jara
Photo credit : flickr – yvon zill
Here is a small confidential paragliding spot in the Netherlands that is located in the commune of Irouleguy . The Jara Pic is 812 metres high. Flying away allows you to contemplate the valleys of the Nive as well as the summits of the Basse-Navare.
The favourable winds are those of the north, south and south-west. You still have to be careful with the South wind that can create turbulence.
The path that goes up is right in front of the campsite de la Truite in Ascarat near Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port.
Rates and practical information
Rates
- We have to count about 80 euros for a discovery flight. Rates and duration of flights may vary according to the selected clubs;
- Discovery flights rarely exceed 20 minutes ;
- For paramotor flights, prices are a little higher. It will be necessary to anticipate 99 euros initiation flight for about 20 minutes in the air;
- The longer the chosen flights last, the higher the rates. Prices approach 200 euros flights from one hour to one hour and a half.
Practical information
- Provide an outfit adapted to the mountain and good sneakers;
- If you practice free flight, Get closer to clubs who manage the sites. It is essential to know the difficulties of take-off and landing sites. For example, high-speed lines border the Jara landing site;
- Weather monitoring and take off only in case of favourable winds;
- Respect fauna and flora natural sites protected on the Baïgura.
And you, in what corner would you like to make paragliding in the French Basque Country?
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