Lake Annecy and its surrounding villages attract between 2.5 and 3 million visitors every year. Among them are certainly paragliders and tourists in search of breathtaking landscapes. But also in search of information on an almost unavoidable practice: paragliding over Lake Annecy!
So take note, here are the basics to know about paragliding in Annecy. Whether you are looking for a tandem flight to discover Lake Annecy from the air or a (future) paraglider wishing to indulge his passion on one of the most beautiful spots in France, you will find the information you need!
Paragliding tandem flights over Lake Annecy
All the different tandem flights over Annecy Lake and their price
First of all, what is the principle of a paragliding tandem fligh? Well, you’ll take off with a certified pilot (I hope for you :D) to discover this exceptional sensation that is free flight!
I did an article on the subject if you want to know more (program, average price, etc.): it’s here.
In summary you will have the choice between different types of flights where the 2 main criteria are the duration and the price. Here are the main tandem flights offered in Annecy :
Kids flight (on morning time)
- From 3 to 14 years old depending on the structure
- Average duration : 10 minutes
- Average price : 75€ (€
Discover flight (on morning time with quiet conditions)
- From 14 years old
- Average duration : 10/15 minutes
- Average price : 90€ (€)
Thermal flight (on afternoon time, with thermal conditions)
- From 14 years old
- Average duration : 20/30 minutes
- Average Price : 110€
Be careful if you have motion sickness, opt for a discovery flight, this flight may shake you up slightly.
Sensational flight with acrobatics with acrobatics tricks. Late morning and afternoon, also in thermal conditions. You have to like strong sensations and have a good heart!
- From 14 years old
- Average duration : 20/30 minutes
- Average price : 110€
Where to do your tandem flight around Annecy?
With about ten structures offering paragliding flights over Lake Annecy, it is difficult to find your way around. Indeed, on this very touristic spot, the competition is tough! What you need to know already is that by looking on the Internet, you have the choice to make your reservation with several types of structures:
- Paragliding schools or structures specialized in tandem flights only. There are about ten of them spread between the two main sites which are Doussard and Talloires (at the foot of Lake Annecy). Booking with them is the advantage of not having an intermediary and of managing the booking directly! (in case of cancellation for example)
- companies specialized in outdoor activities. These are companies like Takamaka which do not only offer paragliding in Annecy. They also offer other leisure activities (canyoning, rafting, skiing, mountain biking…) in Annecy and elsewhere in France. The advantage of working with them lies in their services for groups (EVG, EVJH, seminars, team building). Everything will be managed directly by them. Otherwise, as an individual, it is the same principle as with schools.
Here are the identified structure:
(Indicated prices based on 2021) :
- Flyeo : from 85€ for the kids flight / 95€ for the discovery flight
- Les passagers du vent : from 90€ for the kids flight / 90€ for the discovery flight
- Espace3D : from 80€ for the kids flight / 90€ for the discovery flight
- Libre envol : from 75€ for the kids flight / 85€ for the discovery flight
- Airmax : from 75€ for the kids flight / 85€ for the discovery flight
- K2 : from 80€ for the kids flight / 90€ for the discovery flight
- FBI Parapente : from 85€ for the kids flight / 95€ for the discovery flight
Specialized outdoor companies
- Takamaka : from 75€ for the kids flight / 95€ for the discovery flightaptême découverte
- Delta-évasion : from 80€ for the kids flight / 90€ for the discovery flight
- Aéroslide : from 80€ for the kids flight / 85€ for the discovery flight
Paragliding courses around Lake Annecy
All the different paragliding courses over Annecy Lake and their price
Tandem flight is the easiest and most efficient way to discover paragliding. Now, if you have the ambition to fly alone or if the first flight makes you want to know more, you must go through a paragliding course!
I did an article on the subject if you want to know more (program, average price, etc.): it’s here.
In summary, you will have the choice between different types of courses as detailed below.
Initition course
- From 14 years old / For beginners who have never paraglided before.
- Discovery of the material / theory lessons / school slope / first solo flights!
- Price : 450€ – 700€ between 3 to 5 days
Progression course
- After having done a course for beginners / For pilots who are a bit rusty
- Flying on a known site / repeating flights / knowing how to analyze the conditions / becoming AUTONOMOUS!
- Price : 400€ – 800€ between 2 to 5 days
Improvement course
- After the progression course / for pilots who wish to discover new sites while being supervised
- Fly on new sites / improve your analysis (aerology, terrain typology) / perfect your piloting with flight and ground exercises / fly in thermals / pass the initial pilot’s license
- Price : 300€ – 800€ between 2 to 5 days
Cross country course
- For pilots who want to push their limits (flight time / distance)
- Improve pre-flight and in-flight analysis (aerology, site selection analysis / airspace information) / fly in thermals / work on positioning, speed, transitions
- Price: 130€/day on average.
Single surface course
- For mountain enthusiasts / sporty people
- pre-flight analysis (choosing the right summit, the right orientation according to the weather) / analysis on site / learning the necessary gestures for take-off and landing
- Price: from 550€ for 4 days.
Where to do your paragliding course around Annecy?
Paragliding schools as well as independent trainers are the main structures to realize a paragliding course in Annecy. Here are the schools identified below with the types of courses they offer :
- Flyeo : All courses are accessible except the single surface course. They offer a bivouac course instead (progression level course -cycle 2 – mandatory)
- Les passagers du vent : all courses available except the single surface course
- Libre Envol : all courses available
- Espace3D : all courses available
- Annecy vol libre : only cross country courses
Do not hesitate to contact them for availability and rates. Please note that the courses fill up quickly between May and July, so you will have to book a little earlier.
Annecy flying spots
In Annecy, you will not be disappointed by the flying sites. Indeed, just with the view on the lake, the spots are among the most famous in France. Moreover, the aerology is often generous! The only drawback is the crowds which make the practice less obvious between the regulation at the set up and the particular attention to be had in the air. Annecy is a well-oiled machine in terms of paragliding business but it is also a must in the life of a paraglider. Let’s discover together the different flight sites above Lake Annecy and its surroundings.
Take off from Col de la Forclaz – Montmin / Landing in Doussard
It is THE most famous spot to fly over Lake Annecy. Who says the most known, says also the most frequented.
Take off from Col de la Forclaz – Montmin
Information take off Col de la Forclaz :
| Orientations OK | WEST / NORTH WEST |
| Orientations NOK | STRONG NORTH / SOUTH / SOUTH EAST |
| Level to take off | EASY but be careful on thermals during spring and summer |
| Types of flight | THERMALS / CROSS COUNTRY DEPARTURE / RESTITUTION |
| Take off altitude | 1250m |
| Altitude difference with landing | 790m |
Take off Col de la Forclaz access :
- From Waze : “Décollage col de la Forclaz”
- From Annecy : direction Doussard via the D1508. Once in Doussard, take the direction of Montmin, on the left or Col de la Forclaz. Parking lots are located at the Col de la Forclaz. From the parking lot, the end of the itinerary is a 10-minute walk to the “carpet” take off.
- From Albertville : take the D1212 to Ugine, then the D1508, direction Faverges. Then take the direction of Col de la Forclaz until the parking and finish the ascent on foot (about 10 minutes) until the carpeted take off.
- Shuttle bus from landing in Doussard : For those who want to avoid burping after their flight session, there are shuttles from the landing.
- Open from July 1st to August 31st
- From 10:30 am, rotations every 30 to 50 minutes
- Rates : 7€ per ride / 60€ for 10 rides
GOOD TO KNOW :
- The preparation of the wing is done behind the deco
- The space on the left is reserved for schools and tandem pilots
- The space on the right is reserved for autonomous pilots. In the summer, during the busy season, there is even a regulator.
- Resting on the runway is forbidden
- Be aware of the rules of priority and remain vigilant because of the high traffic
- The airspace in front of the takeoff must be cleared quickly enough
Landing from Col de la Forclaz – Doussard
Landing access :
- From Waze : FFVL Atterrissage Parapente Doussard
- From Annecy : direction Doussard via the D1508. Then take the D281 to the town’s gym. A large parking lot is located in front of the gym, you can’t miss it!
- From Albertville : take the D1212 to Ugine, then the D1508, direction Faverges. Then take the D281 to the town’s gym.
GOOD TO KNOW :
If you want to go inflating around Annecy, the large field at Doussard landing is perfect for the activity. Once the breeze has settled, you can enjoy it for hours!
Take off at Planfait / Landing in Perroix
Another flight site in Annecy, with a view just as pleasant, the Planfait takeoff! This spot is less crowded than the one of the Col de la Forclaz (less difference in altitude) but still remains affluent. In thermal conditions, Planfait is the fastest way to reach the Dents de Lanfon.
Take off at Planfait
Informations Take off Planfait
| Orientations OK | WEST / SOUTH WEST |
| ++++ | PROTECTED FROM THE NORTH |
| Level to take off | FACILE |
| Type of flight | THERMALS / CROSS COUNTRY DEPARTURE / RESTITUTION |
| Take off altitude | 960m |
| Altitude difference with landing | 410m |
Take off access :
- From Waze : “Site Vol Libre : Planfait (Décollage)”
- From Annecy : direction Talloires via the D909A. Once in Talloires, take the Col de la Forclaz road then turn left at the village of Verel. From there, follow the signs ” Acro Aventure ” until the end of the road. You can’t miss the parking lot next to the take off.
- From Albertville : take the D1212 to Ugine, then the D1508, direction Faverges. Then take the direction of Col de la Forclaz and continue to the village of Verel. From there, follow the signs “Forêt Aventure” or “Accrobranche” until the end of the road. You can’t miss the parking lot next to the take off.
- Shuttle bus from landing in Perroix : it’s FREE! In summer, an eco-shuttle will take you to the deco for free, twice a day, between July and September.
- By feet : If you have the legs and the motivation, you can go up to the deco from the landing stage via a path. Ask for your route from the parking of the landing and they will explain the way.
GOOD TO KNOW :
- It is a carpeted take off with a refreshment bar open in summer
- Resting at the deco is forbidden
- Be aware of the rules of priority and remain vigilant because of the large number of people
- The airspace in front of the takeoff must be cleared quickly enough
Landing in Planfait – Perroix
Landing access :
- From Waze : Site Vol Libre – Planfait (Atterrissage)
- From Annecy : direction Talloires via the D909A. Once in Talloires, take the direction of the ZAC of Perroix. The landing is located next to refreshment stands and stores (Passagers du Vent, Rip’air).
- From Albertville : prendre la D1212 jusqu’à Ugine, puis la D1508, direction Faverges. direction Talloires via the D909A. Once in Talloires, take the direction of the ZAC of Perroix. The landing is located next to refreshment stands and stores (Passagers du Vent, Rip’air).
GOOD TO KNOW :
- A no-fly zone (at less than 150m/ground) is in place near the houses located to the south-east of the site. See photo below.
- Landing direction to be respected : PTU left hand over the ZAC
- Respect the exit zones (see photo).
Aerology and restrictions in Annecy
In Annecy, the aerology depends mainly on the breeze coming from the lake. The air flow goes mainly from Annecy to Doussard. The breeze also comes to hit the Roc des Bœufs where there is generally dynamic support. The breeze then continues towards the Faverges valley or the Bauges valley. This map below represents well the breeze flows, with some additional information.
Find the detailed map to download here : download
Concerning the aerial regulation, we can also see on the map that the overflight of the city of Annecy is forbidden because in the CTR of Annecy. You can also find in the section “spots“, the restrictions concerning take off and landings around Annecy.
The different paragliding clubs in Annecy and surroundings
There are several paragliding clubs in Annecy and its surroundings. Here is a listing of the FFVL listed clubs with the information I got from the internet. I made you a small compilation. It’s up to you to listen to your heart and choose the one that suits you.
- Les chamois volants
- Annecy Vol de Pente
- ASPTT Parapente Annecy
- L’interclub Annecy Handi Bi
- Virage Annecy
Les Chamois volants
It is one of the oldest clubs in France. Founded in 1988 and counting about 400 members. It is also the biggest club in the Annecy area.
Very active club which manages, among others, the site of Planfait – Perroix.
The activities proposed by the club (non exhaustive list) :
- Hiking and flying trips
- Trips over several days
- Training BP, BPC
- Rescue packing
- Themed evenings / conferences: safety, red bull X Alps, etc.
- …
Here are the club’s coordinates :
Website : https://www.chamoisvolants.fr/
Annecy Vol de Pente
It is THE oldest club in the Annecy area: founded in 1985! In addition to being a club, it is also a school where you can learn paragliding with qualified instructors.
The club manages the Semnoz site and also offers various activities :
- Discovery of sites and paramountaine outings
- Evening aperitifs
- Discovery of other sports: skiing and snowshoeing
- Discovery days and tandem flights
- …
Here are the club’s coordinates :
Website : http://www.annecyvoldepente.fr/
Address : 6 rue de la cité, 74 000 Annecy
ASPTT Annecy Parapente
Club affiliated to the ASPTT of Annecy. You must first join the ASPTT of Annecy before joining the club. A very friendly club which also offers different types of outings :
- Trekking and flying trips
- Discovery trips
- Tandem days
- Handi bi days in association with the Chamois Volants
- …
Here are the club’s coordinates : :
Website : https://asptt-parapente-annecy.fr/
Addres : 1 Allée des Cyclades, 74960 Annecy
Tél. : 04 50 66 11 55
L’interclub Annecy Handi-Bi
This club is managed by the ASPTT and the Chamois Volants. Volunteers from each club offer to fly people with reduced mobility via two-seater wheelchairs. Since September 2021, already 1000 handi flights in the counter of the club: hats off! !
Here are the club’s coordinates :
Website : https://www.annecyhandibi.com/
If you want : use the contact form to make a donation, join the volunteer team or register for a handi-bi session.
Virage Annecy
This is the last one on the list, it was necessary to have one. Not only a club, it is also a school which gathers about forty members, passionate and voluntary! If you want to learn paragliding in the Annecy area, this is a good address. This club school allows young people from 11 to 15 years old to learn paragliding at a preferential rate! Isn’t that nice?
You can also participate in the life of the club :
- various outings
- S.I.V. courses
- weather courses
- photo contest,
- kiney-cup
Here are the club’s coordinates club :
Website : https://virage-annecy.fr/
Addres : 12 Rue Louis Boch – 74000 Annecy
Tél. : 04 50 57 92 95
Ideas for cross-country paragliding from the Col de la Forclaz
The sites of Annecy being located on the west side, I advise you to choose late decos. To be adapted according to the season and the weather of the day of course but generally, it is better to wait for noon / 1 pm before leaving.
“Le petit tour du Lac”
This is the most accessible cross-country from the Col de la Forclaz or Planfait. Attention I did not say easy, I said accessible. Depending on your starting point, you have to reach the Dents de Lanfon :
- Either directly from Planfait: it is just above
- Or by passing by the Roux rock and then the Lanfonnet if you start from the Col de la Forclaz
Once you arrive at the Dents de Lanfon, if you reach a minimum altitude of 1900m, you are good to transit to the Roc des Bœufs. If you hang up around 800m you are good. At the Roc des Boeufs, you will surely find dynamic support from the lake breeze. The thermal activity will do the rest. Then, from the Roc des Boeufs, you can go to the Bauges or complete the “petit tour du lac”: what interests us here.
- If you come from Planfait, make sure you have enough ceiling to go to the Col de la Forclaz . Then go to the Rocher du Roux, the Lanfonnet and you are in finesse of the landing. Nothing prevents you from returning to the Dents de Lanfon if you feel like it.
- If you come from the col de la Forclaz, make sure you go back over the Roc des Bœufs ridge. Take a little margin (to avoid being downwind of the breeze) and transit to the Doussard landing. That’s it!
Just to give you an idea…
I have compiled for you some traces that can help you :
From Planfait :
From le Col de la Forclaz :
Variation passing by the Tournette and entering the Bauges
The Pointe Percée in the Aravis
This one is a cross where you can see a lot of country! We start from the massif des Bornes to transit towards the massif des Aravis passing by the Tournette, to arrive at the Pointe Percée. The return can be done via the Bargy massif through the Jallouvre peak. A change of scenery guaranteed!
From Planfait by the Tournette
The main hike and fly around Annecy
A lake…mountains all around…the setting is set! Everything is gathered to offer to the mountain flight lovers, to the sportsmen or both, an unforgettable flight. Apart from the classic landing=> take off walk up, there are 2 unmissable hiking flights around Lake Annecy: the Col des Frettes and the Tournette.
| HIKE AND FLY COL DES FRETTES | |
| Departure | Either from the Perroix landing via Planfait, or from the Planfait parking lot. Once at the Planfait parking, follow the path that leads to the pass. It is indicated all along. |
| Altitude difference | 700m D+ from Planfait. 1h30 walk |
| Altitude take off | 1645m |
| Type of takeoff | Grassy with a nice slope facing the lake. Beginner friendly |
| Orientation | WEST / SOUTH WEST |
| Landing | Perroix |
| HIKE AND FLY LA TOURNETTE | |
| Departure | Take the direction of the col de la Forclaz then turn right once you arrive at Le Villard. Then follow the direction of Prés Ronds and Chalet de l’Aulp. Once you arrive at the parking lot, park your car and take the marked path to La Tournette. |
| Altitude difference | 720m D+ from the parking at Chalet de l’Aulp. 1h30 walk |
| Altitude takeoff | 2150m |
| Type of takeoff | Grassy with a nice slope facing the lake. Beginnerfriendly |
| Orientation | SOUTH / SOUTH WEST |
| Landing | Doussard orPerroix |