Paragliding in Annecy: an unforgettable outdoor activity

Paragliding in Annecy: an outdoor activity between lake and mountains

Looking to discover an outdoor activity in Annecy that combines thrills and scenery?

Paragliding offers a unique way to take to the skies and admire Lake Annecy and the surrounding mountains.

Thanks to tandem flights, this activity is also accessible to beginners: accompanied by a professional instructor, the passenger can fully enjoy the scenery while the pilot handles the glider. From the Col de la Forclaz to Planfait, discover where to go paragliding in Annecy and what a first flight is like.

Why go paragliding in Annecy?

Nestled between the lake and the mountains, the Annecy area offers an environment perfectly suited to outdoor activities. From the air, the landscape takes on a whole new dimension. The lake reveals itself below, framed by Alpine peaks, forests, and the villages dotting its shores. Paragliding allows you to discover this scenery from a unique perspective while experiencing the thrill of free flight. Depending on the type of introductory flight chosen and the day’s conditions, the experience can be gentle and contemplative or offer a more adrenaline-filled ride. No prior paragliding experience is necessary. During a tandem flight, the professional pilot handles the takeoff, flight path, and landing. Where can you go paragliding around Lake Annecy? The two most famous takeoff sites around Lake Annecy are Col de la Forclaz and Planfait, both located in the Talloires-Montmin area. The specific site used depends on factors such as the chosen professional, the type of flight, and weather conditions.

Col de la Forclaz

The Col de la Forclaz is one of the iconic paragliding spots around Lake Annecy. Situated in the heights above Talloires-Montmin, it offers a spectacular view of the lake and the surrounding mountains. When conditions are favorable, paragliders fill the sky one after another, turning the launch site itself into a spectacle for visitors remaining on the ground. Several professionals use this site for tandem introductory flights. Planfait The Planfait site, also located in Talloires-Montmin, is the other major launch point for first-time flights around the lake. As with the Col de la Forclaz, the choice of site depends on the day’s conditions and the professional’s arrangements. Therefore, when booking, always check the specified meeting point; it does not necessarily correspond directly to the launch area.

Is paragliding in Annecy suitable for beginners?

Yes. To experience paragliding without prior experience, you can book a tandem flight. The passenger is accompanied by a professional pilot who handles the glider throughout the flight. Before setting off, a few instructions are given to prepare for takeoff and landing. You need to be able to follow the pilot’s directions and generally take a few steps or run briefly during takeoff. Age and weight requirements may vary depending on the service provider and the specific packages offered. It is therefore important to check these details before booking.

What happens during a paragliding introductory flight in Annecy?

Although every professional has their own way of doing things, an introductory paragliding flight generally follows several stages. Arrival and preparation Before the flight, the professional checks the weather and air conditions to determine whether takeoff is possible and which site will be used. The pilot then outlines how the activity will unfold and explains the key safety instructions. This is also the time to ask questions and mention any apprehension before taking off. Equipment The passenger is fitted into a harness and given a helmet. The pilot then prepares the wing and checks all the equipment before departure. The passenger and the instructor are connected to the same wing for the tandem flight. Once the equipment has been checked, the pilot explains the few movements needed for takeoff.

Takeoff

There is no need to jump into the void. When conditions are favorable, the passenger and pilot move forward together across the takeoff area. The wing gradually inflates above them before lifting them into the air. All you have to do is follow the instructor’s directions and keep moving forward until your feet naturally leave the ground.

Flying over Lake Annecy
Once airborne, the passenger settles into the harness while the pilot steers the wing. This is the moment to fully enjoy the view. Lake Annecy unfolds below, while the mountains frame the horizon. Flight duration varies depending on the chosen package and weather conditions. Professionals generally offer several experiences, ranging from an introductory flight to longer flights that utilize thermal updrafts. Some packages may also offer a more thrilling experience. Paragliding is an activity dependent on natural conditions; therefore, the duration and flight path can vary from one flight to the next.

Landing
As the landing zone approaches, the pilot explains the correct body position to the passenger. Depending on conditions, a few steps may be required upon touching down. The instructor remains in control until the maneuver is complete. After a few minutes in the air, the experience comes to a gentle end, offering a final view of the Lake Annecy landscape.

Want to discover paragliding at Mont Salève?
Lake Annecy isn’t the only place in Haute-Savoie where free-flying is part of the landscape. Located near Geneva, Le Salève is also closely linked to the history and practice of paragliding. From its heights, pilots can fly over the Geneva basin, with the city of Geneva, Lake Geneva, and the Jura Mountains serving as a backdrop. The Salève Cable Car allows you to reach the summit in just a few minutes. The ride up takes about four minutes. To continue exploring free-flying, find all the relevant information on our “Paragliding baptism at Salève” page.