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★★★★★ 5 stars out of 676 reviews

Our paragliding school

Paragliding school in the Var

Ailéments is your FFVL-approved paragliding school in the Var. Paragliding baptisms, Our state-qualified instructors have been working with you since 2005 at the best hang-gliding sites in the Pre-Alps: Gréolières, Gourdon and Roquebrune Cap Martin.

WHO WE ARE

Ailéments: your paragliding school since 2005

Our story:

Founded over 10 years ago, Ailéments was born out of a passion for free flight. What started as an adventure between friends has become a paragliding school recognised in the PACA region, with hundreds of pilots trained and thousands of baptisms realised.

Our mission:

Passing on our passion for paragliding in complete safety. Whether you're coming from the Var for a discovery session or an intensive training course, we'll do everything we can to give you an unforgettable experience.

Our values:

  • Free flight safety first and foremost
  • Teaching methods tailored to each profile
  • Passion and sharing
  • Respect for the environment and the Préalpes d'Azur Regional Nature Park

Based in Gréolières in the Alpes-Maritimes, our team of qualified instructors is easily accessible from the Var. We welcome you to some of the best hang-gliding sites in the Southern Pre-Alps: Gréolières (our historic site), Gourdon and Roquebrune Cap Martin.

Where is it?

Where is our paragliding school?

Flying sites accessible from the Var

Our paragliding school is based in Gréolières in the Alpes-Maritimes, easily accessible from the Var. We welcome you to the best hang-gliding sites in the Southern Pre-Alps.

Access from the Var :

  • From Fréjus / Saint-Raphaël: 1h15
  • From Draguignan : 1h30
  • From Toulon: 1h45
  • From Hyères: 2h
  • Scenic routes through the hinterland
  • Free parking at launch sites

Flight sites from the Var :

  • Gréolières (1,800 m) - 1h15-1h30 from the Var ⭐ RECOMMENDED Our historic site, exceptional 700m vertical drop. Spectacular panoramic views of the Mediterranean and the Alps. Ideal flying conditions all year round. Perfect learning site.
  • Gourdon (1,080 m) - 1h15-1h30 from the Var A village classified as one of the «Most Beautiful Villages in France», with majestic views of the Gorges du Loup. Ascent 580m, south-facing. Panoramic views over the hinterland and the coast.
  • Roquebrune Cap Martin (780 m) - 1h-1h15 from the Var (East of the Var) Spectacular sea view, close to Monaco and Menton. Panoramic view of the Côte d'Azur. Perfect for first flights with a sea view. Difference in altitude 380m.

The site is chosen according to the sea-mountain weather conditions, the level of the pupils and the teaching objectives. From the Var, you have access to an exceptional diversity of sites in the Pre-Alps!

Need to have your equipment serviced? Our paragliding revision workshop is on site in Gréolières. Want to offer a course? Discover our gift vouchers.

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THE TEAM

Passionate state-certified instructors

Four options to suit your level and objectives. Whether you want to discover the thrill of flying or progress towards autonomy, we have the right course for you.

Pierrot - paragliding and canyoning instructor

pierrot

State-qualified instructor, pilot for over 25 years. Specialist in tandem flights and beginner training. His patience and teaching skills make him the ideal guide for your first flights.

Pierre-yves-paragliding-instructor

Pierre-Yves

State-qualified instructor, expert in aerological conditions and cross-country flights. He supervises advanced training courses and guides pilots towards autonomy.

Our teaching approach :

OUR SERVICES

Our courses: from beginner to autonomous pilot

Four options to suit your level and objectives. Whether you want to discover the thrill of flying or progress towards autonomy, we have the right course for you.

Baptism-Parenting-Gréolieres

Discovery course

200€

Who is it for?
Curious beginners who want to test before committing themselves

Duration 1 day

Programme :

  • Theory lessons: weather, safety, principles of flight
  • Familiarisation with paragliding equipment
  • Training slope exercises: inflation, take-off techniques, etc.
  • Tandem flight with an instructor to experience the thrill of flight
  • Personalised debriefing

Objective : Discover paragliding and decide if you want to go further

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Introductory course

700€

Who is it for?
Motivated beginners who want to learn flying solo

Duration : 5 days (full week)

Programme :

  • Theory lessons: flight mechanics, aerology, weather conditions
  • Equipment control and preparation
  • Intensive slope training with radio supervision
  • Daily briefing sessions
  • Video debriefing after each flight
  • First high altitude flights
  • First solo flights at the end of the week

Objective : Make your first solo flights and learn the basics of flying

paragliding training course

Advanced training course

750€

Who is it for?
Autonomous pilots who want to progress technically

Duration 5 to 7 days

Prerequisites Valid FFVL licence, autonomous flying experience

Programme :

  •  Perfecting technique: active piloting, optimising trajectories
  • Calculating thermal and dynamic updrafts
  • Introduction to cross-country and distance flying
  • Advanced landing techniques
  • Video debriefing and analysis of your flights
  • Advanced aerology theory
  • Customised performance challenges

Objective : Fine-tune your piloting and prepare for long-distance flights

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Southern discovery course

800€

Who is it for? Pilots wishing to discover the flying sites of the south

Duration 5 days

Prerequisites : Autonomous flight experience

Programme :

  • Discover the flying sites: Gréolières, Gourdon, Roquebrune Cap Martin

  • Flying in different types of terrain (mountains, seaside)

  • Theoretical input adapted to local conditions

  • Site-specific safety management

  • Personalised flight plan every day

  • Support and advice for local pilots

Objective : Mastering the specific features of the Alpes-Maritimes flying sites

why us?

A FFVL approved school

A FFVL-approved school accessible from the Var

FFVL Label

Our paragliding school is affiliated to the Fédération Française de Vol Libre. This label guarantees :

✓ Approved paragliding equipment ✓ Civil liability insurance included ✓ Safety equipment up to standard ✓ Supervised practice in the field

Paragliding equipment :

All free flying equipment is provided by the school:

  • Latest-generation approved sails (Alpha 7, Mentor, Sigma)
  • Comfortable harnesses with rescue parachute
  • Approved helmets
  • Radio for air-ground communication
  • Equipment serviced every season by our partner Aerotech

Free flight safety

Safety is our top priority:

  • Daily weather analysis (PACA region)
  • Optimum instructor/student ratio (max 6 students per instructor)
  • Progression adapted to each individual's pace
  • Systematic safety briefings
  • Professional liability insurance
  • Perfect knowledge of the sites in the Pre-Alps

Continuing education

We'll be with you every step of the way:

  • Personalised post-training follow-up
  • Advice on buying your first equipment
  • Access to the Ailéments club
  • Regular flight departures from the Var
  • Continuous improvement

SCHEDULE

Your first experience with us

For a first flight (tandem flight) :

  1. Book online or by telephone
  2. Departure from the Var (1h-1h30 to Gréolières, Gourdon or Roquebrune depending on the weather)
  3. Quick briefing with your pilot
  4. Take-off and flight (you don't have to manage anything, just enjoy the panoramic views over the Mediterranean!)
  5. Smooth landing
  6. Photos/videos of your flight

For a course (paragliding training) :

  1. Telephone call to define your objectives
  2. Departure from the Var, meeting at Gréolières on the first day
  3. Theoretical courses + daily practical work in the field
  4. Progression from training slope to long flights
  5. Video debriefing each evening
  6. First solo flights at the end of the course
OUR TESTIMONIALS

Real experiences, real memories, real adventures

More than 500 5-star reviews

COMMUNITY LIFE

More than a school, a community

Entertainment and events

✓ Regular club outings to the best sites around Nice ✓ Weekends discovering free flying sites ✓ Meetings between Nice pilots ✓ Sharing spots and local weather tips

Flexibility

✓ Flexible flight times depending on the weather in Nice ✓ A la carte courses depending on your availability ✓ Post-training follow-up for your first solo outings ✓ Personalised accompaniment to sites in the region

We're not a tourist factory. At Ailéments, every student counts. Our family-run school near Nice guarantees you personal attention and a friendly atmosphere. Welcome to the family of paragliding pilots in Nice!

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OUR FLIGHT SITES

Exceptional launch sites

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Gréolières

In the heart of the Parc Naturel des Préalpes d'Azur. An ideal training slope and breathtaking Alpine scenery. This is where most of our courses and introductory flights take place.

Gourdon paragliding

Gourdon

Perched village with panoramic views of the Côte d'Azur. A thermal site for refresher courses and cross-country flights.

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Roquebrune Cap Martin

Flying over the Mediterranean. Spectacular scenery between sea and mountains. For first-time paragliders and experienced pilots.

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Col de Bleyne

High altitude site for varied aerological conditions. Paragliding tours (walking and flying).

FAQ

Frequently asked questions about our paragliding school in the Var

Where is your paragliding school in relation to the Var?

Our Ailéments school is based in Gréolières in the Alpes-Maritimes, accessible from the Var in 1h-1h30 depending on your point of departure. We operate at some of the best hang-gliding sites in the Pre-Alps: Gréolières (our main site), Gourdon and Roquebrune Cap Martin. The site is chosen according to the weather and your level. All offer spectacular views of the Mediterranean.

How long does it take from the Var to reach the flight sites? Journey times from the main towns in the Var :

  • Fréjus / Saint-Raphaël: 1h15 to Gréolières
  • Draguignan : 1h30
  • Toulon : 1h45
  • Hyères: 2h The routes through the hinterland are panoramic and part of the adventure! The most suitable site will be suggested to you depending on the weather and your level.

Yes, Ailéments is a FFVL (Fédération Française de Vol Libre) approved school. All our instructors are state-qualified (DEJEPS). Our structure guarantees approved equipment, liability insurance included, and compliance with free flight safety standards. We've been welcoming people from the Var since 2005.

Yes, Ailéments is a FFVL (Fédération Française de Vol Libre) approved school. All our instructors are state-qualified (DEJEPS). Our structure guarantees approved equipment, liability insurance included, and compliance with free-flight safety standards. We've been welcoming people from Nice since 2005.

The best hang-gliding sites in the region are in the Pre-Alps (Alpes-Maritimes and Alpes-de-Haute-Provence), particularly Gréolières, which offers exceptional conditions. From the Var, allow 1h-1h30 to reach the best sites in terms of altitude difference and flying conditions.

Yes, all free flight equipment is provided:

  • Approved sails (Alpha 7, Mentor, Sigma)
  • Harnesses with rescue parachutes
  • Approved helmets
  • Communication radio
  • Equipment serviced by our partner Aerotech All you need to bring from the Var is closed-toe shoes and a jacket.

For baptisms: from 4 years old (formula Child flight)
For training courses: from age 12
No maximum age if physical condition permits
Minors must be accompanied by a legal guardian.
Perfect for a family outing from the Var!

For two-seater flights (first flights): 90 kg maximum
For training courses: there is no strict limit, the equipment will be adapted to your size.
Close to the limit? Contact us to discuss

  •  

    • Discovery course: 1 day at Gréolières (initiation)
    • Introductory course: 5 days (solid foundations)
    • Advanced training: 5-day multi-site course
    • Full pilot licence training: 10-15 days over several months

    The courses can be spaced out according to your availability. You can make the round trip from the Var or stay in the hinterland.

  • The PACA Pre-Alps offer exceptional conditions:

    • Spring (March-June): steady updrafts, ideal temperature
    • Summer: early morning flights, maximum visibility
    • Autumn (September-November): stable conditions, golden light
    • Winter: sunny days, uninterrupted views of the Mediterranean More than 250 flying days a year in our region!

Yes, there are several options:

  • Carpooling between students in the Var (we can help you get in touch)
  • Meeting point on the A8 for group departures
  • Free parking at launch sites
  • Accommodation available in the hinterland if you prefer to stay on site

No, paragliding is accessible to everyone:

  • For baptisms: no physical condition required
  • For courses: ability to run a few metres on take-off
  • No previous sporting experience necessary
  • The journey from the Var (1h-1h30) is easy and scenic

We do not offer accommodation directly, but we can recommend :

  • Gîtes in Gréolières and surrounding villages (on site)
  • Hotels in Grasse, Vence (nearby)
  • Campsites in the Pre-Alps
  • Daily return trips from the east of the Var region possible

Our weather policy :

  • Free rescheduling to a date of your choice
  • No costs to be advanced until the theft has taken place
  • Confirmation or postponement by SMS the day before
  • In our PACA region, more than 250 days a year can be flown.
  • Conditions that cannot be flown: strong winds, thunderstorms, rain

Yes, depending on the course followed :

  • Discovery course: Certificate of attendance
  • Introductory course: Certificate of level + progress booklet
  • Full training: FFVL Pilot Licence (internationally recognised)

The licence allows you to fly autonomously anywhere in France and abroad.

Yes, we regularly welcome pupils from the Var :

  • Community of paragliders from the Var and Côte d'Azur regions
  • Regular club outings in the PACA region
  • Sharing experience between pilots
  • A friendly, local atmosphere

Book with Ailéments

Ready to join our paragliding school in the Var?

Book your training course or your first flight experience. Accessible in 1h-1h30 from the Var, learn to free-fly with state-qualified instructors at the Gréolières, Gourdon and Roquebrune sites.

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