Introductory sessions, beginner courses, pilot’s licence: a step-by-step programme with no prerequisites, led by state-certified instructors at Gréolières, at an altitude of 1,800 metres on the ridges of the Cheiron. Equipment provided from day one.
School · GréolièresYou want to learn paragliding, but you don't know where to start. Introductory flights, beginner courses, pilot licences: the steps exist, they are accessible, and they require no prior experience. Paragliding is learnt progressively, supervised by state-certified instructors, with equipment provided from the very first day.
The complete training takes place in several stages. Most students complete their first solo flights from Introductory course (5 days). Le Pilot's licence is generally obtained after two to three internships. The total budget for a full course varies between €1,500 and €2,500, not including materials.
At the'Ailéments paragliding school, Based in Gréolières in the Alpes-Maritimes, the courses take place at an altitude of 1,800 metres on the Cheiron ridges, with views of the Mediterranean and the peaks of Mercantour. The instructors know every air current in the region — and that makes all the difference when you’re just starting out.
Is paragliding only for seasoned athletes? The reality is quite different. It's a sport of free flight accessible to the vast majority of people in general good health – you don't need to be an athlete. During the course, everything is progressive: ground training, inflation, first low-altitude flights, always supervised with a helmet and radio.
None. Neither flying experience nor prior theoretical training. You just need to be Healthy, not to have any major medical contraindications, and to have the desire to learn. Everything else can be acquired during the internship, under the guidance of the instructor.
Paragliding can be learned from 14-15 years old for solo internships, with parental consent. For the tandem paragliding experience, This is possible from the age of 6. There is no upper age limit: the most important thing is a physical condition compatible with the activity.
The training follows a structured path, validated by the French Federation of Free Flight (FFVL). Each stage has its own specific objectives and practically prepares you for the next.
Many start with a Tandem flight baptism : you fly in tandem with an instructor, without any piloting action. The opportunity to test the sensations and confirm that paragliding is for you. From a discovery flight of 15-20 mins to prestige flight 45-60 min.
The heart of learning. Over 5 days: inflate the wing, control its direction on the ground, take off and land safely, then carry out your first big solo flights. The programme alternates theory (weather, aerology, equipment) and practical. Afterwards, most carried out between 20 and 40 flights.
This second 5-day course deepens techniques: managing thermals, piloting in varied conditions, and precision landings. This is the stage that transforms a beginner into a pilot who starts to fly with ease on varied sites.
Le Initial pilot's licence (FFVL) validates that you can fly alone, safely, at approved sites. It is generally obtained after the progression course. It is not an end in itself: it is the starting point for your autonomous practice.
The budget for complete training, from your first dive to your initial certification, is generally between £1,500 and £2,500, excluding equipment. It varies depending on the number of placements, the region and the options chosen. Here are the specific figures for the Ailéments School.
The prices include supervision by a state-qualified instructor and the loan of flying equipment (wing, harness, radio helmet, reserve parachute). No personal equipment required to get started. The full detail is on the price page from the site, and the programmes on the page of paragliding courses.
No. During the internships, everything is provided by the school. Purchasing your own wing is only justified'after the GCSEs, once your flight preferences are set. Budget €2,500 to €5,000 for new equipment, less for second-hand – a subject on which our partner Aerotech, a specialist in revision, has been providing advice since Gréolières.
The choice of school and location profoundly changes the quality of learning. A well-exposed location, regular conditions, instructors who know the terrain: all factors that speed up progress and enhance safety.
The school is based in Gréolières, on the verge of landing, on the Cheiron massif. Take-off at 1 800 m, stable weather conditions, plenty of thermals for much of the year, views stretching as far as the Mediterranean and the Mercantour. Everything is based on site: briefings, equipment hire, and lift services. Discover the other flight sites.
Ailéments operates on a small scale, offering a personalised approach: small groups, individual support for each trainee, and a programme tailored to the conditions of the day. This is confirmed by our over 1,070 reviews Google and TripAdvisor at 5/5, which you can check on the Page reviews. «Reassuring, attentive, kind» comes up most often.
The question always comes up before the first internship: should I buy equipment? The answer is clear – no, not at the start. Here's what you need to know.
The school provides all the equipment: the sail adapted to your level and weight, the harnessthe Radio headset For in-flight instructions, the Emergency parachute and the basic equipment (altimeter). All you need are walking shoes, a windbreaker and sunglasses.
The purchase is justified once the patent has been obtained, when your flying style is established: a poor choice of wing at the start can hinder your progress. Our partner Aerotech (revision and sale, at Gréolières) supports this decision. The Ailéments boutique also offers equipment suitable for every level.
Obtaining your initial licence gives you the right to fly solo — but that’s where the real learning begins. Here’s how to navigate each stage with Ailéments, from your first flight to flying solo.
Before committing to an internship, the first two-seater flight allows you to discover sensations without piloting, from the age of 6. From discovery flights to prestige flights on the thermals of Cheiron.
See the christenings
Le Stage initiation, then progression leads you to your first solo flights and then to your licence. To explore multiple sites, the PACA school work experience placement Open the horizon.
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A unique offering in the region: a day of paragliding at Gréolières and an outing canyoning in the Gorges du Loup. Le combo brings the mountain to life through air and water.
See the comboFrom your first flight to your pilot’s licence, every stage is undertaken with a qualified instructor, using checked equipment, at a unique location: consistent conditions and views of the Mediterranean and the Mercantour. The school is situated right next to the landing area at Gréolières for over ten years.
A question about the right internship for your profile? The team answers directly by phone, 7 days a week. You can also offer the experience with a paragliding gift voucher, valid for 12 months.
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From introductory flights to a course leading to your first solo flights. State-certified instructors, equipment provided, one-to-one tuition.
Prerequisites, age, duration, safety, budget: answers to the most frequently asked questions before getting started.
Le baptism is a tandem flight with an instructor: you discover the sensations without any piloting actions, from 6 years old. The introductory course (5 days) is the start of solo flying training: ground school, first take-offs, and long solo flights. Upon completion, most trainees will have flown between 20 and 40 flights.
Le Initial pilot's licence The FFVL is generally obtained after two or three training courses: the initiation course followed by the progression course. The actual duration depends on the regularity of practice and the weather conditions. This is the starting point for your independent practice on approved sites.
Learning to paraglide is structured and progressive: ground training, first low-altitude flights, always under the guidance of a state-certified instructor, with Radio headset for real-time corrections. Equipment is checked and provided. At Gréolières, consistent conditions and the instructors’ knowledge of the site further enhance safety.
It is neither necessary nor advisable. During the training courses, the school provides all the equipment (wing adapted to your level and weight, harness, radio helmet, reserve parachute, variometer). Buying your own wing is only justified after obtaining your licence: a poor choice at the start can hinder your progress. Our partner Aerotech, at Gréolières, offers advice on this choice.
None: no flying experience, no prior theoretical training. You just need to be Healthy, with no major medical contraindications, and the desire to learn. Everything else can be acquired during the internship. Paragliding is accessible to the vast majority of people in good general physical condition.
Solo skill practice begins with 14-15 years old, with parental consent. For the Tandem paragliding, This is possible from the age of 6. There is no upper age limit: the most important thing is a physical condition compatible with the activity.
The full budget, from baptism to initial licence, generally sits between £1,500 and £2,500, Materials are not included. This varies depending on the number of stages and options. The introductory stage and the progression stage include state-certified supervision and full equipment hire. Details are on the price page.
Yes. Ailéments offers a unique approach in the region: combining a day’s paragliding from Gréolières with an outing canyoning in the Gorges du Loup, just a few kilometres away. The combo brings the mountains to life through air and water, with the same team and the same commitment to safety.
A progressive and accessible journey, from your first flight to autonomy, at one of France's most beautiful locations.
No need to be sporty: good health and desire are enough. Solo courses from 14-15 years old, Baptism from age 6. Everything is taught progressively with the instructor.
Baptism to test, introductory course 5 j, first solo flights, stage progression, then FFVL initial pilot licence who opens up autonomy. Patent after 2 to 3 internships.
All materials are loaned during the internships. Full training between £1,500 and £2,500. You should wait until after you've passed your licence to buy a wing (advice Aerotech).
Take-off at 1 800 m at Cheiron, regular conditions, sea views and Mercantour, with a school right next to the landing area. And the option to combine it with canyoning.
