Blog Visits, Paragliding & Canyoning - Guides and Advice
Are you looking for a reliable paragliding guide to help you get started, progress or simply understand this discipline? With 19 years' experience and over 10,000 flights in the Alpes-Maritimes, our team of state-certified instructors shares the essence of his knowledge here.
This blog brings together our practical guides, advice and recommendations for living the paragliding and the canyoning with complete confidence. Whether you're preparing your first first paragliding experience, Whether you want to improve your skills or are looking for the best outdoor activities in the region, you'll find practical answers here, taken from the field and not from a manual.
Learn to paraglide: the complete beginner's guide
Introducing yourself to paragliding starts with a simple choice: experience your first flight in a two-seater or take a full course at a paragliding school. The two approaches are complementary and accessible to beginners in no particular physical condition.
Your first flight
The biplace baptism is the ideal gateway. No experience required; your instructor handles takeoff, flight, and landing. You experience the sensations of free flight in complete safety. For younger children, our children’s program is available from the age of 5. The baptism is also a perfect gift idea for a EVJF or EVG in Nice.
Training to fly solo
For those who want to go further, our FFVL school courses enable you to learn the basics of flying in just 5 days. From the discovery course to the autonomy course, each stage brings you closer to the pilot's licence issued by the Fédération Française de Vol Libre. Our school near Nice trains beginner pilots all year round at the Gréolières site.
Equipment, weather and driving techniques
Understanding your equipment and flying conditions is the basis for safe paragliding. Our technical guides give you the keys to progressing at your own pace.
Choosing the right paragliding equipment
The paraglider, harness, reserve parachute, helmet and variometer form the essential equipment of a paraglider pilot. Each item is important for safety and comfort in flight. Read our detailed tests of the Ozone Alta, the Ozone Delta 5 and the Ozone Delta 4.’Ozone Ultralite 5, written after hundreds of hours in the air. And for maintenance, our paragliding overhaul workshop in Gréolières checks and repairs all wings.
Reading the weather and progressing in flight
The weather conditions determine every flight. Learning to read the forecasts with Météoblue is an essential skill for any pilot. Understanding thermals, anticipating breezes and choosing the right flight window: that's what makes the difference between a flight you've had to endure and one you've mastered.
Where to fly and what to do in the Alpes-Maritimes
Paragliding is also about discovering a region. Our local guides will take you beyond the flight to explore the most beautiful corners of the PACA region.
Our paragliding sites
The Gréolières, on the crests of the Cheiron at an altitude of 1800 m, offers panoramic views from Monaco to Cannes, with the Mediterranean and the Mercantour in the background. This is our main playground. Depending on the weather, we also fly from Gourdon and Roquebrune-Cap-Martin, The only site where you can actually fly over the sea.
Outdoor activities and local guides
In between flights, the region has plenty to offer. Our «What to do» guides show you the best things to do in the region. Nice, in the Gorges du Loup or to Gréolières-les-Neiges. And to combine all these sensations, our paragliding + canyoning combo is the most complete experience on the Côte d'Azur.
Ready for adventure?
This blog is your on-the-ground resource for paragliding and canyoning in the Alpes-Maritimes. Each article is written by instructors who practise daily, not by writers behind a screen. Explore our guides, prepare for your next adventure, and don't hesitate to call us with any questions.
Want to take action? Book your first paragliding experience, offer a gift voucher or consult our rates.
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FAQ
Frequently asked questions about paragliding and canyoning
What's the best book for learning to paraglide?
The Manuel du Vol Libre (2025 edition) is the FFVL's official reference book. Parapente: s'initier et progresser« (Paragliding: getting started and progressing) is an excellent complement. But there's no substitute for in-school training with a qualified instructor.
How much does a first paragliding flight cost?
A tandem experience starts at €100, all inclusive (equipment, instructor, 4×4 transport). See our detailed rates for each formula.
Do I need a licence to fly a paraglider?
You don't need any qualifications for a first tandem flight. If you want to fly solo, you need to take a 5-day course at a FFVL paragliding school to obtain your initial pilot's licence.
What are the most beautiful paragliding sites in France?
Saint-Hilaire-du-Touvet (Isère), Annecy, the Puy-de-Dôme and of course Gréolières in the Alpes-Maritimes are among the most famous sites. Gréolières has the rare distinction of combining sea views with Alpine peaks.
How do you prepare for a paragliding flight?
Closed shoes, a windbreaker and sunglasses are all you need. We provide all the technical equipment. A weather report is drawn up the night before at 8pm and confirmed by text message. Consult our Météoblue guide to understand the forecasts.
Can you paraglide and canyoneer on the same day?
Yes, that's our speciality. The paragliding + canyoning combo allows you to fly in the morning and descend a canyon in the afternoon, all within 45 minutes of Nice.
What to do around Grasse
Between paragliding and canyoning, the region of Grasse is bursting with outdoor activities. The Gorges du Loup and the Pont du Loup are just a few minutes away, and take-off from Gréolières is 30 minutes away.
What to do around Fréjus and Le Lavandou?
From Fréjus or Le Lavandou, A first paragliding flight at Gréolières is the perfect way to combine a day at the beach or a visit to the Var hinterland.
Can paragliding be combined with a visit to the Monts d'Azur Reserve?
Yes, the Monts d'Azur Reserve is just a few kilometres from Gréolières. 4×4 safari in the morning, paragliding in the afternoon: a complete day out in nature.
Is paragliding available for an EVJF or EVG?
Absolutely, in fact it's one of our most popular packages. See our EVJF and EVG page for group rates and video options.
BOOK YOUR ADVENTURE
Ready to fly over the Côte d'Azur?
Treat yourself to an unforgettable experience between sky and sea. Our qualified instructors are waiting for you in Gréolières.
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