Whether you're an autonomous pilot or just a tourist who's curious and motivated by a paragliding flight over Lake Annecy, find out more about the most beautiful paragliding sites in the area, their advantages and their accessibility.
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 the cliff, 400 metres above the Perroix landing, the Planfait take-off is an ideal training site. At a rather low altitude (916 metres), the site is fairly well protected from the wind and clouds. The take-off is wide and carpeted. It allows several wings to take off in parallel. Once in the air, you can stay soaring and wipe the ice on the cliffs of the Moillats rocks or take advantage of the thermals to climb back up to the Dents de Lanfon and why not try crossing over to the Roc des Boeufs for a little tour of the lake. The landing 400 metres below is really wide and easy. Be careful though take care with your approach because certain populated areas are forbidden to overfly.
Find out all about this site on our page dedicated to the Planfait paragliding site.
The Col de la Forclaz site, landing at Doussard
The second must-see site in the region is the Col de La Forclaz - Montmin. Located at an altitude of 1257 metres, it is the largest flying site in Annecy, and indeed in France, with over 2,500 take-offs a day in low season! The site is carpeted, so you can prepare for take-off separately and then take off together. To cope with the crowds during the summer months, the site employs a regulator, a person who manages the numerous take-offs and gives rhythm and order to all the activity in the area. The Col de La Forclaz take-off is THE legendary spot for a first paragliding experience. From here, you can take off in thermals for cross-country flights, circumnavigate Lake Annecy or simply enjoy a discovery flight. Depending on the direction of the wind and the day's weather conditions, you can land either in Doussard or Talloires. Please note: access to the take-off area is on foot only, with the exception of one of the private shuttles from Doussard for self-sufficient pilots or a school shuttle for a first flight.
Find out all the information about this site on our page dedicated to the Col de La Forclaz paragliding site.
Le Grand Bornand - Mont-Lachat site
This major site lies to the east of Lake Annecy and requires you to pass through ThÎnes and follow the St Jean de Sixt valley. Take-off is at the very top of the ski lifts, at an altitude of 2020 metres. Depending on the air conditions, it is possible to take off either from the south or the north-east. The flight facing the Aravis massif is quite simply magnificent. If the conditions are right, it's possible to link up with the Aravis range and climb up to the Pointe Percée. You can also cross-country ski much further. The official landing is between the chalets in the valley. So make sure you are aware of the approach and overflight rules.
FFVL news : Le Grand Bornand decor / atterro Les Potais
The Semnoz site
The Semnoz take-off is a magical western setting in the evening. It's ideal for enjoying the last rays of sunshine and soaring in peace and quiet. The take-off is located at around 1600 metres and 200 metres from the car access and car parks. Once in the air, you can do the whole ridge up to the CrĂȘt de l'Aigle or even jump further south over the Chalet de la RevĂȘche towards the Revard. Be careful, however, to respect the aeromodelling zone, which uses a very good thermal, and not to let yourself drift too far east over their reserved area.
FFVL information: The Semnoz site and its landing in Gruffy
Take-off from La Sambuy
A former ski resort close to Annecy, La Sambuy was closed in 2023. The north-facing take-off site remains accessible, however, and is still a popular destination for skiers and snowboarders. very good start to cross-country with its altitude of 1827 metres. All you have to do is leave the deco and head for the Parc du Mouton on the east face. Once you've had your fill, you can tour the Bauges and much more. Please note the restrictions in force in the Bauges nature reserve. For more information, click here: restricted areas. The official landing site, just before the Col de Tamié, is very easy to get to. Don't hesitate to go and eat a local ice cream from Glaces & Cows at the farm in Malapalud - you won't be disappointed!
FFVL information: The La Sambuy site and thePre Bollay landing
The Marlens site: a very good start to the cross-country race
With its south-east-facing setting, the Marlens site is also a very good option for lovers of distance flight. The take-off area is only 979 metres high, but that's often enough to get you up to the east face of the Bauges. A safe bet for cross-country skiing away from the crowds.
FFVL information: The Marlens site and its landing.
Airspace regulations Annecy, Savoie and Haute-Savoie
To fly a paraglider around Annecy, you need to be aware of the various restrictions in force in the Bauges nature reserve and in certain areas of the Aravis, Sixt and Bargy concerning the Bearded Vulture. And, of course, respect the CTR at Annecy airport.
A wide range of tandem flights over Lake Annecy
If you wish to take a first paragliding experience in AnnecyIf you would like to take part in this unique experience with one of our instructors, please don't hesitate to contact us and we'll find you the best possible time either from the Planfait or from the Col de La Forclaz, depending on the day's weather conditions.
