Paragliding FLYING Sites in the Chamonix Valley
A guide to the best tandem paragliding flying sites around Chamonix-Mont-Blanc
One of the great things about tandem paragliding in Chamonix is the variety of landscapes you can experience from the air. From a gentle grassy launch at around 2,000 metres to spectacular high-mountain take-offs above 3,800 metres, the Chamonix Valley offers some of the most impressive paragliding scenery in the Alps.
For tandem passengers, the take-off site is chosen by your pilot according to the weather, wind, aerology, season, lift availability and your personal circumstances. You do not need to choose the launch site yourself, and you should never assume that a particular site will be possible on the day of your flight.
The four main take-off areas covered in this guide are:
-
Aiguille du Midi (ADM)
-
La Flégère (FLG)
Each offers a very different flying experience.
The two main landing areas covered in this guide are:
-
Le Savoy (SVY)
-
Bois de Bouchet (BDB)
Altitude: 2,000 m
Vertical descent : 1000M
Access: Brévent–Planpraz gondola
Flights: Discovery tandem Flight, Kids Tandem Flight, Freestyle Tandem Flight, XXL Tandem Flight
Seasons : Summer (mid june to mid September) Winter (mid December to mi April)
Landings : Le Savoy (SVY) Bois de bouchet (BDB)
Best for: first-time passengers and classic Chamonix views
Planpraz is the best-known and most popular tandem paragliding take-off site in Chamonix. Located above the town on the Brévent side of the valley, the launch is 2,000 metres above sea level and with 1000m of vertical descent.
Planpraz provides spectacular views directly across to Mont Blanc and the surrounding glaciers. Planpraz is the valley's principal paragliding launch site.
For passengers, Planpraz is an excellent introduction to tandem paragliding. With two take off areas for different wind directions Planpraz is the most reliable and easy take off in Chamonix. The take-offs are on a grassy slope (snow in the winter)
From the air, you can enjoy a spectacular panorama of Mont Blanc, the Aiguille du Midi, the Chamonix Valley and the surrounding glaciers. Depending on the conditions we can climb up above the take off using the mountain's thermal air currents.
Getting to Planpraz
The Planpraz gondola departs from Chamonix and takes you within 100m of the take-off.
We typically meet at the bottom of the gondola and will accompany you in the gondola and for the short walk to the take-off.
Meeting point:
Planpraz paragliding meeting point (cash desks)
Take Off Location:
Planpraz Paragliding take-off (North)
Planpraz Paragliding take-off (South)
Why passengers love Planpraz:
It is relatively easy to access, offers a straightforward take-off and provides an exceptional classic view of Mont Blanc.
Altitude: 2,300 m
Vertical descent : 1300 m
Access: Aiguille du Midi cable car – intermediate station
Flights: Discovery tandem Flight, Freestyle Tandem Flight, XXL Tandem Flight
Seasons : Spring (mid April to end of June) Autumn (September to early November)
Landings : Le Savoy (SVY) Bois de bouchet (BDB)
Best for: fpassengers looking for dramatic glacier and mountain scenery
This take off is strictly forbidden due to restriced airspace in July and August
The Plan de l’Aiguille is located high above Chamonix at 2,300 metres, situated beneath the dramatic north face of the Aiguille du Midi.
For a tandem passenger, this is a spectacular place to begin a flight. The take-off is at 2,300 metres and has exceptional views over the Bossons Glacier and the Mont Blanc massif.
The landscape feels much more like high mountain terrain than the launch at Planpraz. Looking around from the take-off, you are surrounded by huge Alpine peaks and glaciers. Once airborne, the view opens dramatically towards the Bossons Glacier, Mont Blanc, the Aiguilles de Chamonix and the Chamonix Valley.
Is Plan de l’Aiguille suitable for first-time passengers?
Yes, tandem flights from Plan de l’Aiguille are offered to passengers without previous paragliding experience. Your pilot takes responsibility for the flying while you simply follow the take-off instructions and enjoy the view.
Getting to Plan de l'aiguille
The launch is reached using the first section of the Aiguille du Midi cable car, which departs from Chamonix, followed by a short walk down from the intermediate station. We typically meet at the bottom of the cable car and will accompany you in the lift and for the short walk to the take-off. This take off can combine perfectly with a visit to summit of the Aiguille Midi, please contact us in advance to organise the meeting dirctly at the mis station after you descend from th summit. Plesae also allow ample time for your visit, typically 2-3 hours is sufficient.
Meeting point:
Paragliding meeting point - Aiguille du Midi
Take Off Location:
Plan de l'Aiguille paragliding take-off
What should passengers wear?
Wear good walking or hiking shoes, warm clothing and a windproof jacket. Conditions can be significantly colder at 2,300 metres than in the valley. In the spring the take off is often covered in snow so waterproof boots are advised. Please contact us before your flight for the latest conditions
Why passengers love Plan de l’Aiguille:
The combination of altitude, glaciers and the enormous north face of the Aiguille du Midi makes this one of the most spectacular classic tandem flights in Chamonix.