The Best Paragliding Sites in Annecy

Whether you're an independent pilot or simply a curious tourist keen on a paragliding flight above Lake Annecy, discover right away the finest paragliding sites in the area, their advantages, and how accessible they are.

The Planfait site, with landing at Perroix / Talloires

The Planfait paragliding site is one of the two major sites on Lake Annecy. Located in the forest on the edge of a cliff, 400 meters above the Perroix landing zone, the Planfait launch is an ideal training site. Fairly low in altitude (the takeoff sits at 916 meters), this site is fairly well sheltered from the weather and clouds. The launch is wide and fully turfed. It lets several wings take off side by side. Once airborne, you can stay in soaring flight, going back and forth along the cliffs of the Rochers des Moillats, or make use of thermals to climb up to the Dents de Lanfon, and why not attempt the crossing to Roc des Boeufs for a little tour of the lake. The landing area, 400 meters below, is really wide and easy. Do still be careful to fly a clean approach, as some inhabited areas are off limits to overflight.Find all the information on this site on our dedicated page for the Planfait paragliding site.

The Col de la Forclaz site, with landing at Doussard

The second must-fly site in the region is Col de La Forclaz - Montmin. Sitting at an altitude of 1,257 meters, it's the biggest flying site in Annecy, if not in France, with attendance exceeding 2,500 takeoffs a day in peak season! Fully turfed, this site lets pilots prepare off to the side and then take off several at a time. To manage the crowds in summer, the site relies on a launch marshal, someone who manages the many takeoffs and keeps all the activity in the area running smoothly. The Col de La Forclaz launch is THE legendary spot for a first paragliding flight. From this takeoff, it's possible to core thermals to head off cross country, tour Lake Annecy, or simply enjoy a discovery flight. Depending on the wind direction and the day's weather conditions, you'll be able to land either at Doussard or Talloires. Note: access to the launch area is on foot only, except for taking one of the private shuttles from Doussard for independent pilots, or a school shuttle for a first flight experience.Find all the information on this site on our dedicated page for the Col de La Forclaz paragliding site.

The Grand Bornand - Mont-Lachat site

This major site is located east of Lake Annecy and requires going through Thônes and following the St Jean de Sixt valley. The launch sits right at the top of the ski lifts, at an altitude of 2,020 meters. Depending on the aerology, takeoff is possible facing either south or northeast. The flight facing the Aravis range is simply magnificent. When conditions are generous, it's entirely possible to link up with the Aravis chain and follow it up to the Pointe Percée. You can also head off cross country much further afield. The official landing is located between the chalets in the valley, so it's important to be well acquainted with the approach and overflight rules.FFVL info: Grand Bornand launch / landing at Les Potais

The Semnoz site

The Semnoz launch is a magical west facing takeoff in the evening. It's ideal for enjoying the last rays of sunshine and for some relaxed soaring. The launch sits at around 1,600 meters, just 200 meters from the car access and parking. Once airborne, you can fly the whole ridge up to the Crêt de l'Aigle, or even hop further south to the Chalet de la Revêche, heading toward the Revard. Do be careful, though, to respect the model aircraft flying zone, which makes use of a very good thermal, and not to drift too far east above their reserved airspace.FFVL info: The Semnoz site and its landing at Gruffy

The La Sambuy launch

A former ski resort near Annecy, La Sambuy closed in 2023. The north facing launch site remains accessible, however, and is still a great cross country starting point at an altitude of 1,827 meters. Right out of launch, you just need to head to the east face to reach Parc du Mouton. Once you've topped up on altitude, you can tour the Bauges range and much more. Watch out for the restrictions in place on the Bauges nature reserve. All the information is here: regulated airspace. The official landing, located just before Col de Tamié, is very easy to approach. Don't hesitate to go grab some local ice cream from the self-service farm shop Glaces & Cows at Malapalud, you won't be disappointed!FFVL info: The La Sambuy site and the Pre Bollay landing

The Marlens site: a great cross country starting point

With its southeast facing launch, the Marlens site is also a great option for distance flying enthusiasts. The launch area sits at only 979 meters, but that's often enough to link up with the east faces of the Bauges. A safe bet for cross country flying away from the crowds.FFVL info: The Marlens site and its landing.

Airspace regulations in Annecy, Savoie, and Haute-Savoie

Flying a paraglider around Annecy requires knowing the various restrictions in place, both around the Bauges nature reserve and certain zones in the Aravis, Sixt, and Bargy areas concerning the bearded vulture. And of course, respecting the Annecy airport CTR.https://grandsespaces.com/ecole-parapente-annecy/infos-pratiques-sites-de-vol/reglementation-zones-de-vol/

A rich range of first flight options for a tandem flight above Lake Annecy

If you'd like to have a first paragliding flight in Annecy, feel free to contact us, we'll offer you the best possible time slot, either from Planfait or Col de La Forclaz depending on the day's weather conditions, so you can experience this unique adventure with one of our instructors.