8 places to make paragliding in the Pyrenees

The Pyrenean massif is a suitable place for paragliding. What are the best places for paragliding in the Pyrenees?

♪ Pyrenees form the mountain chain marking the border of France with Spain. Geographical rear, they extend over 430 kilometers and peak over 3400 meters. Make paragliding in the Pyrenees is thus a way to discover the mountains, the valleys and the peaks that jalign the massif. Whether you are staying or living on the Atlantic coast, in the heart of Ariège or on the crussillonne coast, we have selected the best sports to make paragliding in the Pyrenees.

Derived from the parachute, the practice of paragliding offers freedom of flight and contemplation time. It’s about letting you be guided by the air currents and enjoying the view that will offer you. If you are subject to fear of vacuum or vertigo, ask for advice from a professional or talk about it before you sign up for a paragliding flight session. There are many ways to make paragliding in the Pyrenees, as elsewhere, there is necessarily one that matches you!

1. The Azun Valley

The Azun Valley will allow you to fly over the distance. The flight is made by gently slipping on the mountain's denial, as it protects the valley from strong winds. Takeoffs often take place at the Col de Couraduque. You will fly to the Basque Country, above many peaks, valleys and hills. The region is very sunny, and therefore very green, for a complete connection with nature. Site accessible to beginners and experienced, it is ideal for a paragliding baptism or an initiation to practice.

2. The Louron val

Discover the Val du Louron, one of the most famous domains to make paragliding in the Pyrenees. Located in the heart of the mountain range, the valley with rounded and green hills offers many take-off sites at different altitudes. You will fly along the entire valley and go to the shores of Lake Génos. It is a very recommended area for people who want to discover the activity in order, eventually, to make it more regular, and why not amateur.

3. Jara

Located in Anhaux, in the Basque Country, not far from the city of Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, this site allows free flight in paragliding. It allows you to discover a valley slope from the heights. Take off at nearly 1000 meters of altitude and gently descend to the ground, between Irouléguy and Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port. Face the France-Spain border and enjoy the breathtaking view.

4. Esplas ridge

Paragliding in the Pyrenees sometimes includes having to do a little hike before joining the take-off site. This is the case of the Esplas ridge, which requires a small physical effort before arriving at the take-off station, near Goulier, a small commune on the mountainside. This area of the Pyrenees offers several places to take off, to you to see with the club. In any case, there are chances that you land in the same place. The Esplas peak allows you to discover a panorama of the National Park of the Ariegean Pyrenees, on the border of Spain, and close to Andorra. So much to tell you that the landscapes are breathtaking.

5. The Pic du Canigó

In the east of the mountain range of the Pyrenees and the National Park of the Catalan Pyrenees, the Pic du Canigó offers an incredible view of its valley and the Perpignan countryside. Featuring both French and Spanish, the Pic du Canigó offers two versions for paragliding. One allows access to a shelter in 4×4 and then take off from the site planned for this purpose, culminating in 2600 meters of altitude. This is the Pic Joffre. The other version offers a “merity” flight, i.e., the climb of a part of the mountain on a hike allows access to the take-off site. Two opportunities at all levels, however, must be suitable for mountain hiking in the second case.

6. The valley of Luchon

The Luchonnais is also a very well-known area to make paragliding in the Pyrenees. The Luchonnaise valley offers a panoramic view of Bagnères-de-Luchon with a flight of the largest in France (1200 metres). Take-off is most often done in Superbagnères, on the side of the Pic d’Aspe, not far from the Larboust valley. Once again at the edge between France and Spain, this aerial ride will make you discover sublime Pyrenean landscapes.

7. The Massif des Albères

The Massif des Albères is located south of the city of Perpignan, itself at the eastern tip of the Pyrenees. The paragliding take-off from this site offers a breathtaking view of a mountain, urban and maritime panorama. From the top of its 1080 meters you will descend while flying, you will have the chance to observe the Pyrenees and their many valleys and peaks on one side. On the other, the Mediterranean horizon offers itself to you, from Argèles-Plage and Perpignan. Making paragliding in the Pyrenees is also the opportunity to discover something other than the mountain!

8. Le Pic du Midi de Bigorre

With its altitude of almost 2,900 metres, the Pic du Midi de Bigorre is unratable in the Pyrenean horizon. It is not possible to take off in paragliding, but on the other hand, some clubs offer its overflight on a denial of more than 1000 meters. Its size and prominence will make you feel small in front of this mastodon of shale and limestone. The peak overflight allows, among other things, to see the astronomical and meteorological Observatory, located at the top of the peak; the pass of the Tourmalet, the French road pass (2115 meters) the highest. You will also have an incredible view of the far Tarbes and Pau valley. Making paragliding in the Pyrenees is also looking for strong sensations, right? Be assured, with the flight of the Pic du Midi du Bigorre, you leave for a sensational flight!

Rates and practical information

Rates

No price can be indicated for paragliding practice. Indeed, although there is an average, prices change according to clubs, location, chosen service and, sometimes, depending on the season! In most cases, it is a paragliding baptism, so you will be accompanied by a professional instructor, a graduate of state. Generally speaking, however:

• include a base between 70 and 100 € for a classic baptism,
• If you want a video of your flight, plan a supplement of a minimum of € 50, it is the clubs that manage this,
• In fact, the price of the service increases if it is specific: long-term, thermal, or autonomous (reserved to experienced practitioners).

Practical information

Here are some information before you decide to make paragliding in the Pyrenees:

• in summer and winter, to make paragliding in the Pyrenees, plan equipment that is warm and that protects from sunlight: pants, hiking shoes or sneakers and sunglasses,
• since paragliding is an outdoor activity, it is subject to the weather. So take the time to watch the weather. And if finally, the rain comes, call the club you booked your flight, don’t wait for him to call you,
• the practice of paragliding is sometimes limited by age and weight: if it is most often practiced from 4 years and up to 90 years, some clubs impose a limit of 90 kg depending on the starting point: ask for information before booking!
• the duration of the flights depends on your trajectory, winds but also on your altitude and location specificities. However, have a minimum of 15 minutes of descent!