Massif Central Mountain Paragliding Trip

The mountains of the Massif Central are wilder and less high than the Alps - making them an ideal playground for XC adventures for all abilities. Valley winds are manageable, and launches are generally grassy and friendly - although some of them can be a bit more intimidating with steep slopes and rocks. One of the most popular sites, Puy de Dome, has a mountain railway with regular trains. This means if you bomb out, you can be back on launch within 30 minutes, giving you plenty of chances to get in an epic flight.

We’ll be staying closest to the site of Puy de Dome – grassy launches and all wind directions catered for. According to the wishes of the group, we'll explore wilder sites towards Le Mont Dore, such as Puy Gros, Puy de L'Angle, and Puy de Sancy.

You will need to book your own transport from the UK to France. We can  offer you a lift in the car there and back for an additional fee of £175. Otherwise, we can collect you from Clermont Ferrand train station or airport. Local travel to flying sites is included.

This trip is organised by a BHPA registered Air Experience School. The Chief Instructor is Dave, assisted by the very experienced Michel. Please note our instructor qualifications are for tandem flying rather than teaching newbie solo pilots.

We will not be offering guiding or instuction on this trip. Rather, we will be flying as a group of friends – sharing information and making decisions together. We speak French, and so we’ll liaise with local schools and pilots, and share what they tell us. Making decisions together leads to better safety and learning.

We request that XC pilots attempt to make their own way back (or nearer) by hitching or public transport (but not expensive taxis). We find that hitching works very well in the mountains especially with a paraglider-shaped rucksack. At the end of the flying day we will collect anyone who is still not back. Extra points if you can fly straight back to the holiday house!

Yes. This trip is for CP or above qualified pilots including lower air timers looking to grow their confidence in a mountain environment. The opportunities will range from gentle top-to-bottoms to challenging XC flights. You must be confident in your launching technique and ground handling – we can give you coaching on this before the trip – please make use of this if you are in any doubt. You should be prepared to walk up to half an hour with your glider. These skills can easily be perfected on our local sites. Please talk to us before booking if you’re not sure if you’re ready for this trip.

Please check that the following sounds like you:

• Qualified to Club Pilot level or above
• Capable of unassisted launching, landing, and making own flying decisions
• Have your own paragliding equipment in good condition, including wing, harness, and reserve
• Have your own insurance covering paragliding accidents and any associated search and rescue, medical expenses, and repatriation costs

• Breakfast: Tea, coffee, granola, cornflakes, fruit, yoghurt, pancakes, maple syrup, and (if we’re not having an early start) english breakfast or croissants.
• Lunch: we provide fresh bread, sandwich fillings, and fruit for you to assemble your own packed lunches.
• Dinner: simple home-cooked food such as roast chicken with mash and greens, mushroom risotto, pasta carbonara, steak and chips, etc. Local cheeses and saucisson.

We’ll be staying at a holiday home close to Puy de Dome, one of the main flying sites. You may need to share a room. 

We'll check the forecast on the Thursday before departure - we may change the destination at that point if the weather in the Massif Central is bad. Otherwise, we will arrange alternative activities on the odd non-flyable day, such as visiting Roman mountain top ruins, or bathing in wild hot springs.