Paragliding Mont Lachens

Paragliding at Mont Lachens : flight from the roof of the Var

Mount Lachens, Peak of Var at 1,714 m, is a legendary paragliding site. With Ailéments, enjoy your first tandem flight under the supervision of state-qualified instructors in the neighbouring Gréolières mountain range. From 100 €.

  • From €100
  • Toit du Var · 1,714 m
  • March - October
  • +1070 reviews ★★★★★
Mont Lachens, the highest peak in the Var at 1,714 m – a legendary paragliding spot Mount Lachens · 83
  • Summit1,714 m · roof of the Var
  • ChristeningsGréolières · 45 mins
  • Season 1, Episode 10October
  • Flight from100 € · Child Fare
  • AgeFrom 4 years · max 90 kg

Le Mount Lachens, Le Mont Aigoual, highest point in the Var, is a legendary free-flight site. Located in the communes of La Roque Esclapon and La Bastide, this National free flight centre offers unique aerological conditions, popular with recreational pilots and for training.

For a Tandem baptism supervision, towards our main site at Gréolières In the Azur Prealps, 30-45 minutes away: more regular conditions, school at the foot of the landing area, and 360° panoramas between the Mediterranean and the Alps.

The summit of Lachens can be reached via a tarmac road from the Col de Clavel (D21), crossing the listed village of Mons. And the Gorges du Verdon are all close to extending the adventure.

Mount Lachens, Peak of Var at 1,714 m, is a mythical hang gliding and paragliding site, popular with autonomous pilots. For a tandem paragliding experience with an instructor, it's at Gréolières, at 45 minutes, that it is happening — with over 1,000m of elevation gain and flights of 10 to 60 minutes above the Azorean Prealps.

This guide The legendary site, where to do your baptism, the packages, the procedure and the complete FAQ.

Tandem paragliding flight over the Pre-Alps between Mont Lachens and Gréolières
Takeoffs

Where to fly from Mont Lachens?

The Lachens for solo pilots, the Gréolières and Gourdon for supervised tandem flights — here’s a clear guide to help you choose.

Christenings · 45 min

Gréolières site (1,800 m)

Our main site for paragliding, on the ridges of Cheiron: ideal conditions for Contemplative flights like thermal flights, 360° panoramas.

Authentic village, school by the runway. Gourdon As an alternative to 35 minutes.

Legendary site · autonomous drivers

Mont Lachens (1,714 m)

Le roof of the Var, national free-flight centre with unique aerology – a playground for autonomous pilots and training (UCPA in particular).

Flying season of March to October. Access via Col de Clavel (D21) via Mons.

  • Panorama to 360° the Mediterranean on one side, the Alps on the other
  • The Gorges du Verdon all nearby, Haut-Var side
  • The hilltop villages of the Pre-Alps : Gourdon, Coursegoules, Cipières
  • The listed village of Mons and the Canjuers plateau en route

Why choose Gréolières rather than Lachens for a first flight? Because our main site offers more consistent wind conditions, an official landing area and a flying school right next to the take-off point. South-facing, reliable breezes and over 250 flyable days per year making it an ideal ground, from the first flight to learning to fly.

The Haut-Var, around the Lachens, is the perfect place for a day out in the countryside: the listed village of Mons, the Canjuers plateau, the nearby Gorges du Verdon, or canyoning to prolong the thrill. The neighbours are not to be outdone: people also come to fly from Draguignan.

Once in the air, the view stretches far and wide: from the snow-covered Mercantour to the Mediterranean, taking in the limestone ridges of the Cheiron and the villages clinging to the mountainside. It is one of the few places where, in a single flight, you can take in both the sea and the mountain peaks. Many people make the most of it by turning the trip into a full day out: a stop in a hilltop village, a picnic by the water’s edge, or an outdoor activity.

In flight

The Haut-Var from the sky

From the roof of the Var to the peaks of Cheiron: an overview of what awaits you at your baptism. Souvenir video option available (+€30), included in the Prestige flight.

From the rooftops of the Var to the peaks of Cheiron: as soon as you take off, the Haut-Var and the Prealps unfold beneath your feet. The onboard camera, held by your instructor, captures the big jump, the turns, and the smooth landing. HD footage to relive and share once you're back.

Our formulas

Our paragliding packages at Mont Lachens

From gentle child fares to long-haul premium flights, a formula for baptism For every desire. All-inclusive prices: equipment, instructor, insurance.

Child flight

10-15 mins · Ages 4+

100 €
Book

Ascending flight

20-30 min · All audiences

140 €
Book

Para and Canyon Combo

A day · 2 activities

190 € /pers
Book

Prestige flight

45-60 min · Video included

250 €
Book
Walk & Fly 200 € Educational flight 250 € Paragliding on skis 100 € Video option +30 €

Each formula targets a desire: the Child flight (morning, from 4 years) gently, the Ascending flight best-seller for the ascendancies, the Educational flight and the Walk & Fly to give piloting a try, the Paragliding on skis winter since Gréolières 1400, and the Prestige flight Long-term hire with 4K video. Everything is included - certified equipment, state-certified instructor, insurance.

D-Day

How does a paragliding flight work?

A straightforward and reassuring course, supervised from start to finish by your state-qualified instructor. A shuttle service can be arranged on request from the Lachens area.

Confirmation the day before

SMS with the GPS point for the appointment and the time according to the weather.

45 min journey

From La Roque Esclapon to Gréolières, heading towards Grasse via the Pre-Alps. Shuttle service available.

Briefing & equipment

Safety instructions, harness, helmet. A few running steps into the wind and you are flying.

Take-off & landing

Contemplative or thermal according to your wishes, then gently placed by the side of the school.

In flight, nothing is mandatory: one can take control a few turns, request some stunts, or simply enjoy the peace and quiet. Upon landing, the instructor takes time for a debrief and gives you the video if you've ordered it. No physical fitness is required: a short run is all that's needed, and the flight is tailored to your mood on the day.

Gréolières is flown almost all year round, with optimal conditions in spring and autumn, early-morning flights in summer and lovely clear days in winter. As with Mont Lachens, the flight is confirmed the day before by text message depending on the weather, and rescheduling is free — you only pay once you’re back on the ground.

The taster session is truly for everyone: families with children as young as 4, couples, groups of friends, or for birthday celebrations or hen parties, with dedicated time slots. No physical preparation is needed — the instructor pilots, you enjoy — and everyone sets their own pace, from smooth flying to stunts for thrill-seekers. Many leave wanting to do it again, and some take the leap into a training course to become independent flyers. All with no commitment: we confirm the day before depending on the weather, and you only pay once you've landed.

In short, the Mont Lachens is a pilot’s dream, but your first flight takes place on the Gréolières, lasting 45 minutes: long flights over the Préalpes d’Azur, supervised by state-qualified instructors. All that remains is to choose your package and book your date.

Our expertise

A family school, expert in websites since 2013

Not a tourist trap Family school certified by the FFVL, based at Gréolières on the edge of the landing area. Local safety regulations are strictly adhered to, and the equipment is inspected every season at the'workshop.

Over 6,000 volumes completed without serious accident, +1070 5/5 reviews. Free weather report, payment on-site after the activity, no upfront fees.

Do you have a question? Contact us you call the 06 87 68 71 90.

Book my flight
DEJEPS Ailéments instructor on a tandem paragliding flight in the Haut-Var Pre-Alps
Offer

The paragliding gift voucher at Mont Lachens

Offer a paragliding gift voucher Valid for 12 months, the recipient chooses their date during the season, usable on all packages. Ideal for a birthday, Christmas or a EVJF/EVG.

Do you have a question? Contact us.

Order a gift voucher
Paragliding introductory experience gift voucher Mont Lachens Ailéments
FAQ

Frequently asked questions about paragliding at Mont Lachens

Location, difference between Lachens and Gréolières, season, access, beginners, weight, clothing, weather, video, training.

Where is the take-off site from Mont Lachens?

Baptisms are performed at Gréolières, to 45 minutes from La Roque Esclapon. The route to the summit of Lachens is via the Col de Clavel (D21) through the village of Mons.

From Nice: approximately 1 hour 15 minutes.

What's the difference between Mont Lachens and Gréolières?

Le Lachens (1,714 m) Mythical site with unique aerology, for experienced pilots and training (UCPA in particular).

Gréolières (1,800 m) Our main site, more regular conditions, suitable for supervised tandem flights. Same Préalpes massif.

When is the best time to visit Mont Lachens?

Season of March to October. Spring: powerful thermal winds. Summer: early morning flights. Autumn: perfect visibility, 360° panoramas of the Mediterranean and the Alps.

How long is the journey from Mont Lachens?

45 minutes from La Roque Esclapon at Gréolières, heading towards Grasse. Shuttle service available on request. Free parking, SMS GPS the day before.

Can I combine paragliding with a visit to Mont Lachens?

Yes canyoning in the Gorges du Loup, a hike to the summit of Lachens (360°), the listed village of Mons, or excursion to Gorges du Verdon very close.

Is paragliding accessible to beginners?

Yes, perfectly: experienced monitors from briefing to landing, from 4 years in contemplative flightChild flightNo particular physical condition required.

What is the maximum authorised weight for flying?

90 kg (Two-seater equipment certification). Close to the limit? Contact us to discuss it.

What should I wear for a paragliding flight?

Even in summer, it's cooler at altitude: closed shoes, long trousers, windbreaker jacket. In winter, hat and gloves. Helmet and saddle provided.

What happens if the weather doesn't cooperate?

Free deferral On the date of your choice, local safety regulations strictly observed. Nothing to pay until the flight has taken place. SMS the day before.

Can I give a paragliding gift voucher?

Yes gift card Valid for one year, the beneficiary chooses their date during the season, all packages.

Can I film my paragliding flight?

Yes, option GoPro video + €30 (Included in the Prestige Flight): Take-off, 360° ridge flight, landing. Transferred to your phone.

Can I take a paragliding course after my first flight?

Yes Discovery course (1 day, €260), Initiation (5 days, €700), Further training (5 days, €750), up to certification. See our paragliding school for residents of the Var.

In summary

The essentials of paragliding at Mont Lachens

4 key points about the roof of the Var.

  1. 1

    The roof of the Var · 1,714 m

    Mythical site and National free flight centre (La Roque Esclapon / La Bastide), March-October season, access via Col de Clavel through Mons.

  2. 2

    Tandem flights: Gréolières, 45 mins

    More regular aerology, school at the foot of the landing area. Gréolières (1,800 m) or Gourdon 35 min away. Shuttle possible.

  3. 3

    From €100 · accessible from 4 years

    Child flight 100 €, Ascendant 140 € ★, Prestige 250 €, combo 190 €/person. Max 90 kg.

  4. 4

    Verdon and the Pre-Alps on the agenda

    Hike to the summit, classified village of Mons, canyon du Loup The Verdon Gorges: a full day in the Haut-Var.

OUR TESTIMONIALS

Real experiences, real memories, real adventures

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Harley Hillier
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Would recommend, was good fun and the instructor was very funny.
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Laurent Roussel
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Une très bonne agréable surprise pour mon enfant de 13 ans qui a kiffé son vol. Encadrement et prestation au top. Je recommande
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Delphine Pillon profile picture
Delphine Pillon
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Une expérience absolument inoubliable ! 🪂✨ J’ai réalisé mon tout premier vol en parapente à Gréolières avec Ailéments, et je ne pouvais pas rêver d’une plus belle découverte. J’avais un peu d’appréhension avant de décoller, mais tout a été fait avec énormément de bienveillance, de professionnalisme et de pédagogie. Je me suis sentie en confiance dès les premières minutes. Le vol Prestige a été tout simplement magique : décollage depuis les crêtes du Cheiron, vol au-dessus des montagnes, ascendance dans les thermiques, et surtout cette sensation indescriptible de liberté et de calme, suspendue dans le ciel avec un paysage absolument incroyable sous les yeux. J’ai été particulièrement touchée par la douceur du vol. Je m’attendais à quelque chose de très impressionnant et finalement, j’ai découvert une expérience profondément paisible et contemplative. Un immense merci à l’équipe pour cette parenthèse hors du temps, et tout particulièrement à Pierre-Yves pour sa gentillesse, ses explications et sa capacité à mettre immédiatement en confiance. Pour un premier vol, je ne pouvais pas rêver mieux. Je reviendrai sans hésiter pour découvrir d’autres sites et d’autres sensations ! ❤️
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Vincent Cesaro
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Une équipe vraiment formidable ! Les trois moniteurs ont été très sympathiques, très professionnels et particulièrement rassurants. Ils prennent le temps de tout expliquer clairement et savent immédiatement mettre en confiance. Tout était parfaitement organisé et le vol était absolument génial : une expérience beaucoup plus douce que je ne l’imaginais, avec des sensations magnifiques. J’ai vraiment adoré ce baptême en parapente et je les recommande sans hésitation !
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Melanie Tydlitat
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Mon fils de 13 ans a fait son baptême de parapente, et nous en sommes ravis! Très chouette équipe sympa et dynamique. Un grand merci a vous! Je recommande avec plaisir!
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Chloé DESBOIS
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Une expérience inoubliable avec une équipe incroyable !
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Valentin Vermeirsche
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Une super journée du début à la fin ! Une équipe au top, professionnelle, accueillante et vraiment sympathique. On se sent rapidement en confiance, que ce soit pour le canyoning ou le parapente. Un grand merci à toute l’équipe pour cette superbe expérience, et tout particulièrement à Pierrot pour sa gentillesse, sa bonne humeur et sa pédagogie. Il a su nous mettre à l’aise, nous accompagner parfaitement et rendre cette journée encore plus mémorable. Une expérience que je recommande sans hésiter ! Merci encore à toute l’équipe et à très bientôt peut-être pour une nouvelle aventure ! 🪂🌊
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Alexandre Dnf profile picture
Alexandre Dnf
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Un grand merci à Pierrot et Pierre-Yves qui ont été au top du début à la fin. Leur professionnalisme et leur bienveillance mettent immédiatement en confiance. Expérience incroyable, que du kiff, à faire au moins une fois dans sa vie ! Vous pouvez y aller les yeux fermés, je recommande à 100 % !
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jcg profile picture
jcg
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Une très belle expérience de vol libre le long des crêtes du Cheiron. Une équipe de professionnels d’une grande gentillesse attentive à gérer la moindre pointe d’appréhension. Respect des horaires et des informations fournies. Nos petites filles et nous même grands parents avons adoré. À recommander vivement. jcg.
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John Bee profile picture
John Bee
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Super accueil et chouette moment avec Pierrot et Pierre-Yves. Equipe à l'écoute, très pédagogue et très professionnelle tout en étant sympathique ! Merci pour le vol ✌️
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THE SITES

Where can I go paragliding around Mont Lachens?

  • Alpes-Maritimes (06)