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The Arcachon Basin: the spot where to make paragliding around the Pilat Dune

Are you leaving for a sports holiday in New Aquitaine? Here are the places to do paragliding around the Arcachon Basin!

Do you want to do paragliding around the Arcachon basin? The Arcachon basin, in Gironde, is one of the most popular natural sites in France. The lagoon forms a small interior sea between Cap Ferret and Parc des Landes de Gascogne. The Bassin d’Arcachon is especially renowned for the Pilat Dune , the highest natural dune in Europe, peaking at 106.6 meters. This region covered by western winds is conducive to an activity rich in strong sensations: paragliding. Do you want to fill adrenaline during a baptism of air and take height? It is especially at the Dune du Pilat that you will find the departures. Here are the places to do paragliding around the Arcachon Basin!

The spot around the Pilat Dune

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Photo credit: Shutterstock – JP Chretien

The Pilat Dune in a few words

We don't show it anymore France : the Dune du Pilat, on the commune of The Teste-de-Buch (Gironde) is the highest in Europe. It extends over 616 meters wide and almost 3 kilometers from the north to the south, and peaks at 106.6 meters high. This sand cord is the result of a natural accumulation of sand from the Arguin bench. In fact, the western winds remove the sand grains from the latter during the low tide. These are deposited continuously on the shore, forming the dune. It is estimated that the Pilat Dune moves from one to five metres per year to the east. She thus quickly buried the trees of the Landes forest.

Baptism of the air

For an air baptism accompanied by a monitor, you will fly the dune safely. During this paragliding flight, you can admire from the air the Dune du Pilat, but also the bench of Arguin, the oyster parks of the Arcachon basin, Cap Ferret and the Landes forest.

You can choose several types of flights: a discovery flight, a sensation flight and a solo flight.

  • The first one takes place in tandem with the monitor. Driven by the upward winds, you will only have to contemplate the landscape.
  • The sensation flight, also in tandem, is more sporty, with more strong sensations (speed, shave flight). At the end of the flight, you will even have the opportunity to take commands.
  • Are you already experienced? As a solo, you will fly in full autonomy, provided you already know the rules in force on paragliding.

You will find two spots where to make paragliding on the dune. One at Corniche relief station north of the dune and the second at the level of the beach of « Petit Nice » (to the south of the dune).

Rates and practical information

Rates

Subject to good weather conditions, paragliding around the Arcachon basin is possible all year round. Here are some rates for the 2020 season:

  • Discovery flight: 50€ 10 minutes, 80€ 20 minutes,
  • Vol sensation : 60€ 10 minutes, 100€ 20 minutes,
  • HD video option: 30€.

As an HD video option, the video of your flight, with a GoPro on a perch, placed on a Micro SD card.

Practical information

The monitor will provide you with all the technical equipment necessary for a safe flight: paragliding, helmet, saddle, etc. Remember to bring you appropriate clothing to the activity:

  • Clothing suitable for the season (window, long or short sleeves),
  • Wind-breaking, waterproof or short pants (summer),
  • Closed shoes (basket, hiking shoes),
  • Sunglasses,
  • Solar cream,
  • Seal, scarf (in winter).

Whose air liability insurance? This is included in the booking for a tandem flight with monitor. Soon, you'll have to think of subscribing.

Olivia Johnson

Olivia Johnson

I'm Olivia Johnson, an avid explorer and storyteller. My world is a tapestry of adventures, from hiking ancient trails to uncovering hidden gems. With every journey, I find inspiration in the colors, flavors, and people of our planet. Through my travel tales, I invite you to wander alongside me, to discover new horizons and create your own vibrant memories. Let's embark on this incredible journey together, celebrating the beauty and diversity of our world, one adventure at a time.

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