All you need to know about paragliding in the Alpes-Maritimes
Between the sea and the mountains, discover everything you need to know for an unforgettable first paragliding experience in the Alpes-Maritimes, one of France's most beautiful departments.
With its breathtaking panoramas between the Mediterranean and the Alpine peaks, the Alpes-Maritimes department is one of the most beautiful places in France to discover paragliding. Whether you're close to Nice, Cannes or Monaco, or enjoying a break in the hinterland, there are plenty of opportunities to take to the skies in complete freedom. From the charming village of Gourdon to the peaks of the Préalpes d'Azur Regional Nature Park, via the wild valleys of the Mercantour National Park, the region is packed with exceptional spots to soar.
Contemplative flights over hilltop villages, descents facing the sea, or flights over majestic canyons: each paragliding flight is an invitation to rediscover the Côte d'Azur from the sky, between sea and mountains.
In this article, you'll find all the answers to your questions about paragliding in the Alpes-Maritimes: what to expect during a flight, where to fly, who can take part, which season to choose... And as a bonus, you'll also find advice from enthusiasts like theAiléments team, who have been paragliding professionals for over 20 years.
Why paragliding in the Alpes-Maritimes?
Because it's one of the few places in France where you can take off from a peak 1,400 metres above sea level and see the city of Nice and the Mediterranean sparkle in the distance! Thanks to the diversity of its terrain and its mild climate, this département is ideal for a first paragliding experience in all seasons. You'll be flying as much for the thrills as for the beauty of the scenery: limestone cliffs, medieval villages, forests and rivers, it's all here.
It's also a region where paragliding is very well supervised, with many passionate professionals on hand to help you discover the activity in complete safety.
Where to paraglide in the Alpes-Maritimes? The best spots
Here are some of the most famous sites:
- Gréolières-les-Neiges: at an altitude of 1800 metres, in a wild and natural setting. You can take off facing the Côte d'Azur, with a breathtaking view of the Mediterranean. It's a spot that's accessible all year round and away from the crowds, ideal for a first flight in the heart of nature.
- Gourdon: this emblematic hilltop village offers flights over the Cavillore plateau, with views of the Côte d'Azur just 45 minutes from Cannes and 1 hour from Nice.
- Col de Bleyne: a wild site with a 360° panorama, very popular with lovers of thermal flying.
- Roquebrune-Cap-Martin: for flights facing the sea, over the Bay of Menton, 20 minutes from Monaco and 40 minutes from Nice.
- Sospel or Tende: perfect for more confidential flights, in the Mercantour National Park.
Note: some spots are accessible all year round, others only in summer, depending on the weather.
What is a paragliding flight like?
Most beginner flights are in tandem, accompanied by a certified instructor. After a short briefing on the ground (5-10 min), you put on your helmet and harness, and take a few steps on a gentle slope before finding yourself in the air... without jumping or sudden vacuum.
The flight generally lasts between 10 and 30 minutes, depending on the package, and can be very gentle or more dynamic if you wish. The instructor adapts the flight to your wishes: contemplative, fun or sensational (360°, spirals, etc.).
The landing is just as gradual: you land gently on a special area, often at the bottom of the valley.
Do I need to be in any particular physical condition?
No, paragliding is accessible to everyone, as long as you can walk a few metres on the slope. No experience is required, and you don't need to be particularly fit.
The activity is open to children from 4 or 5 years old, depending on the instructor, right up to over 80! All you need to do is mention any limitations or health problems when booking, so that the instructor can adapt the flight if necessary.
When is the right season to go paragliding in the Alpes-Maritimes?
The good news is that you can paraglide almost all year round in the Alpes-Maritimes! Thanks to its Mediterranean climate, the region enjoys favourable conditions from spring through to autumn.
- Spring & autumn: ideal conditions for gentle flights, with pleasant temperatures and colourful landscapes.
- Summer: high-altitude sites such as Gréolières and the Col de Bleyne take over, with thermal conditions that are sometimes more dynamic.
- Winter: some spots remain accessible depending on the weather, particularly around Gréolières-les-Neiges. All you need to do is wrap up warm! It's even possible to paraglide in winter, especially at Pra Loup, just above the Alpes-Maritimes.
The best time to book is in the morning or late afternoon for more stable conditions and superb light.
Is vertigo a problem when paragliding?
It's one of the most frequently asked questions! And the answer is reassuring: no, you don't feel vertigo when paragliding.
Vertigo comes from a link between your body and the ground (balcony, ladder, cliff). In paragliding, you sit comfortably in the harness, carried by the air, with no direct reference point under your feet. The sensation is closer to a gentle flight or a daydream.
Many passengers are discovering that they are comfortable in the air, even if they don't dare get on a chair!
How do I choose a good instructor or school in the Alpes-Maritimes?
At Manawa, we select passionate and certified professionals to guarantee an unforgettable and safe experience. Here are a few useful pointers if you want to find out more about our quality criteria:
Qualified professionals: give preference to instructors with a Brevet d'État or BPJEPS paragliding diploma. This is a guarantee of seriousness and compliance with legal and safety standards.
A clear and friendly discussion: a good instructor will take the time to answer your questions, explain how the flight will be carried out and adapt the experience to your expectations (first flight, apprehension, desire for new sensations...).
Recent, well-maintained equipment: checked sails, approved helmets, comfortable harnesses... so many details that make all the difference once you're in the air!
In Gourdon, for example, theAiléments team offers first flights all year round, with a fun, educational approach that gives everyone confidence.
What's the difference between a discovery flight, a sensational flight or a long-distance flight?
Each school may use different names or terms for its formulas, but the broad outlines are often as follows:
- Discovery flight: ideal for a first contact. Approximately 10-15 minutes, very gently, to enjoy the panorama.
- Classic flight: around 20 to 30 minutes, with the possibility of playing a little with the currents if you're comfortable.
- Sensation flight: more dynamic, with acrobatic manoeuvres (spirals, wing-overs, etc.). To be requested expressly!
- Thermal or long-duration flight: use the lift to stay in the air for longer (30 to 45 minutes, or even longer, depending on the conditions).
Good to know: in 99% of cases, you can indicate your preferences to the instructor, who will adapt to your wishes and the weather.
Is paragliding environmentally friendly?
Paragliding is one of the most environmentally-friendly aerial activities. With no engine, it generates neither noise nor direct CO₂ emissions. Take-offs are made on foot from natural slopes, without heavy equipment.
That said, most flights include a motorised shuttle to get to the take-off site, which is not entirely environmentally neutral. But new, more sustainable practices are being developed, such as paralpinism, which involves hiking to the summit before descending by paraglider. This zero-emission alternative is becoming increasingly popular, and some instructors may soon be offering it as an optional extra!
Flying a paraglider is a great way of raising awareness of the beauty of the countryside and preserving nature. By choosing a professional who is committed to a sustainable approach, you are contributing to more responsible tourism.
What equipment do you need for paragliding in the Alpes-Maritimes?
You don't need any technical equipment for a first flight: everything is provided by the instructor (helmet, harness, glider). Just bring :
- Closed-toe sports shoes
- Long trousers (even in summer, for comfort on take-off and landing)
- A small windproof jacket (it's cooler at altitude)
- Sunglasses (with drawstring if possible)
Photos or videos of the flight are often offered as an option by the school: remember to ask when you book!
Don't hesitate: come and fly a paraglider in the Alpes-Maritimes!
Whether you're dreaming of a gentle first flight or a sensational flight over the Mediterranean or the peaks of the Mercantour, paragliding in the Alpes-Maritimes is a unique experience that should be enjoyed at least once in your life. Accessible to all, this activity lets you discover the region in a different way, between heaven and earth, from remarkable natural sites just a few kilometres from Nice, Grasse, Cannes, Antibes or Monaco.
Discover paragliding flights with our partner Ailéments and all our other activities near Nice in the Alpes-Maritimes on Manawa.