Paragliding Bandol: tandem flights in the Préalpes d'Azur
Bandol residents and visitors, treat yourselves to a tandem flight from the Var's wine capital. Ailéments paragliding school: state-qualified instructors, flights of 20 to 60 minutes over the Préalpes d'Azur. From €140.
Bandol, the Var's wine capital, is a perfect starting point for discovering paragliding in the PACA region. From the town, it takes 2 hours 20 minutes to reach the Gréolières site in the Préalpes d'Azur, our main site.
Why go all the way up there? For the vertical drop, up to 1,000 m depending on the take-off: flights of 20 to 60 minutes, optimal aerological conditions, and a panorama from the Mercantour to the French Riviera coastline — see our paragliding in the Var page to find out more.
The round trip is done in a day, and the excursion combines very well with the canyoning near Bandol for a day’s 100 % thrills.
The wine capital of the Var, Bandol is 2 hours 20 minutes from Gréolières — just long enough to swap vineyards and sea for the high mountains: up to 1,000 m of vertical drop and flights of 10 to 60 minutes over the Préalpes d'Azur, between the Cheiron ridges, the Gorges du Loup and the peaks of the Mercantour. Our neighbours in Cassis make the same trip, in 2 hours 30 minutes.
This guide : the site, what we really see, the options, the process and the complete FAQ.
Take-off
Where to fly from Bandol?
To be completely transparent: we don't fly over the Bandol coastline. But 2 hours 20 minutes away, Gréolières offers real vertical drop (up to 1,000 m) and long flights.
Mont Lachens (1,714 m) is a fine free-flight site, with tandem flights available from La Roque-Esclapon.
At Ailéments, we fly at Gréolières: that is where our tandem flights and courses take place.
The Gorges du Loup, 700 m below
The hilltop villages The Préalpes d'Azur
La Mediterranean on the horizon, from Mercantour to the French Riviera coastline
A different spectacle of the Bandol coastline — but flights of 20 to 60 minutes
Why head inland when you live by the water? Because the aerology at Gréolières is nothing like that of the coast: south-facing slopes, sea-to-mountain breezes and over 250 flyable days a year. The vertical drop, up to 1,000 m depending on the take-off, turns a simple hop into a real journey above the ridges — accessible to beginners as well as to anyone who then wants to learn to pilot. Our neighbours in La Ciotat take the same road.
The drive via the A8 and Grasse crosses beautiful scenery, and the day pairs nicely with the pleasures of Bandol: a tasting at the AOC Bandol estates, the hilltop village of Le Castellet or the beaches on the way back. The sportiest add a canyon descent for a day of 100% thrills. The neighbours are not to be outdone: people also come to fly from Toulon. And even from Hyères, 2 hours from Gréolières.
What you discover up there always comes as a surprise: the Gorges du Loup winding below, the hilltop villages of the Préalpes, the Mediterranean on the horizon and, to the north, the often snow-capped peaks of the Mercantour. A 360° panorama between sea and mountains. And to round off the day, the hinterland has plenty of ideas: listed villages, Provençal markets, a swim in a lake or a canyon descent in the nearby gorges — enough to turn the flight into a proper day out.
In flight
The Azur Prealps from the sky
What awaits the people of Bandol on arrival: a glimpse of the Gréolières flight. Souvenir video option available (+€30), included in the Prestige and Educational flights.
Once airborne, the scenery shifts: the Cheiron crests, the Gorges du Loup, and the Mediterranean on the horizon. The onboard camera, held by your instructor, captures the big jump, the turns, and the gentle landing. An HD memento to relive and share once you're back in Bandol.
Our options
Paragliding flight packages in Bandol
From gentle child fares to long-haul premium flights, an option for tandem flight For every craving. Identical prices regardless of your home county.
Educational flight €250Paragliding on skis €100Video option +€30
As for packages, the price is the same for everyone. The Child flight (morning, from age 5) for a reassuring first time; the Ascending flight, our best-seller, for thermals and thrills; the Educational flight (45 min to 1 h, video included) to get a first taste of piloting; Ski paragliding in winter from Gréolières 1400; and the Prestige flight, a long flight with HD and 4K video included. Certified equipment, a state-qualified instructor and insurance are always included.
On the day
How does a paragliding flight work?
A simple and reassuring journey, guided from start to finish by your state-certified instructor. Confirmation text message the day before – essential to avoid an unnecessary trip from Bandol.
Confirmation the day before
A text message with the time, depending on the weather. Meet at the Gréolières landing field, at the Ailéments school.
Scenic route
2h20: A8 towards Nice, Grasse, then the routes of the Prealps. The excursion begins en route.
Briefing & equipment
Safety instructions, harness, helmet. A few running steps into the wind and you are flying.
Flight & landing
20 to 60 mins depending on the option, then gently dropped off at the school gates.
Once you’re in the air, you’re in control: take control Take a moment to try some aerobatics, or simply let yourself be carried along in silence. The instructor wraps up with a debriefing and hands you the video if you’ve opted for one. No preparation is needed — a few running steps at take-off are enough — and the flight can be tailored to suit everyone, from the most cautious to the most adventurous.
We fly Gréolières almost all year round: in spring and autumn for the most consistent thermals, early morning flights in summer, and on sunny days in winter. The flight slot is confirmed the day before by text message — which is invaluable if you’re coming from Bandol, so you never make the journey for nothing — and rescheduling is free: you only pay for your flight once you’ve landed.
And what if it's your first flight? No need to worry: no experience is required, the instructor takes care of everything, and you simply run a few metres into the wind, then sit back in the harness. Children fly from the age of 5, people prone to vertigo are often the most surprised (it feels nothing like looking down a sheer drop), and everyone chooses their own intensity, from a scenic glide to acrobatics. People come as a family, as a couple, with friends or for a stag or hen party — groups get dedicated time slots. And those who catch the bug then carry on with a progression course all the way to the pilot certificate.
Our expertise
A family school, expert in websites since 2013
Not a tourist factory: a family-run school, based in Gréolières right by the landing field. State-qualified instructors, equipment checked every season at the workshop. Trainees coming from the Var can stay in partner accommodation on site.
Over 10,000 flights completedwithout serious accident, +1291 5/5 reviews. Free weather rescheduling, payment on site after the activity, no upfront fees.
Give a paragliding gift voucher: valid for 1 year, with no extension, the recipient chooses their date, for a Child, Ascending or Prestige flight. Ideal for a birthday, Christmas or a hen or stag do.
Frequently asked questions about paragliding in Bandol
Location, actual view, season, route, tour of Bandol, accessibility, weight, clothing, weather, video, training.
Where is the take-off site from Bandol?
Gréolières, in the Préalpes d'Azur: about 2 hours 20 minutes — the A8 towards Nice, then the scenic roads of the Préalpes. The drive takes you through beautiful Provençal landscapes of vineyards and hilltop villages
GPS sent by SMS the day before.
What can you really see from Gréolières?
The Gorges du Loup 700 metres below, the hilltop villages, the Mediterranean on the horizon — from Mercantour to the coast.
A different spectacle of the Bandol coastline, but of 20 to 60-minute flights in optimum conditions.
When is the best time to fly from Bandol?
+250 flyable days In PACA. Spring: regular temperatures. Summer: morning flights. Autumn: ideal visibility.
How long is the journey from Bandol?
About 2 hours 20 minutes: the A8 towards Nice, then Grasse and the scenic roads of the Préalpes. Parking at the landing field, then a 4x4 ride up to take-off (about 20 min).
And in town: a tasting session at the AOC Bandol areas, the hilltop village of Castellet, the port and its beaches.
Is paragliding accessible to all?
Yes, right from 5 years option Child flight At €100, flights are in the morning). No special physical condition required: instructors adapt their approach for young and old alike.
What is the maximum authorised weight for flying?
90 kg (Tandem equipment certification). Close to the limit? Contact us to discuss it.
What should I wear for a paragliding flight?
Even in summer in the Var, it's cooler at 1 800 m Closed shoes, long trousers, windbreaker jacket. Helmet and harness provided.
What happens if the weather doesn't cooperate?
Free rescheduling to another date that we will offer you, nothing to pay until the flight has taken place. SMS the day before – essential to avoid an unnecessary trip from Bandol.
Can I give a paragliding gift voucher?
Yes: a gift card valid for one year, with no extension, for a Child, Ascending or Prestige flight.
Can I film my paragliding flight?
Yes, there is a GoPro video option at +€30 (included in the Prestige and Educational flights): take-off, flight over the ridges, landing. Transferred to your phone.
Can I take a paragliding course after my first flight?
Yes Discovery course (1 day, €260), Beginner course (5 days, €700), Progression course (5 days, €750), up to certification. See our paragliding school for residents of the Var.
PY
Guide written byPierre-Yves Fenet · Ailéments
Free flight DEJEPS instructor canyoning, founder of'Ailéments in 2013. Over 20 years of free flying experience. The school regularly welcomes people from Bandol - Bandol is 2 hours 20 minutes from arrival.
Vol en parapente en cadeau d'anniversaire de mon fils de 9ans. Super expérience, super accueil, vraiment adapté aux enfants! Une très belle expérience a renouveler !
H
hannah khel yasa
It was a great experience for us especially for our first time in paragliding. Very friendly and accomodating staff. Would definitely go there again next time
C
Christel VINCENT
Accueil top, super vol en parapente avec une vue magique sur les montagnes à couper le souffle. Merci Pierrot pour cette expérience et à toute l'équipe pour l'encadrement ! Toujours trop court, on aimerait que ça dure encore un peu.
A
Anne Marie Bottoni
Cadeau très apprécié par mon petit fils Pierrot l’a accompagné en toute confiance, un vrai professionnel et de plus très sympathique
Remy Salmieri
Magnifique super équipe vraiment rien à redire
Pascale Pflieger
Très pro!!!
Vanessa Leskinen
Un superbe baptême de parapente en tandem avec ma sœur, chacune accompagnée d’un pilote. Sympas et détendus, Pierrot et Pierre-Yves nous ont tout de suite mises en confiance : aucune appréhension. Nous avons été agréablement surprises par la douceur du décollage et de l’atterrissage. Et entre les deux, des paysages magnifiques ! J’ai même pu prendre les commandes et diriger le parapente pendant quelques minutes… un vrai régal. Deux pilotes très professionnels, que nous recommandons sans hésiter pour un premier vol.
Jack White
Best day out, we did paragliding and then the canyoning. Great value for money and our instruction was excellent we always felt very safe.
I have done canyoning in a few countries and this was the best I have done by far. It was a beautiful gorge and had the clearest water.
We would book again if we ever came back to the area for sure!
Katell Briand
L'activité était vraiment incroyable, merci aux pilotes de nous avoir mis à l'aise et fait vivre ce moment !!
Warda Tahir
Peirrot and his team were amazing! I had a lot of fun. The experience was far more comfortable than I had expected
Paragliding tandem flight Bar-sur-Loup : prices from €140, views of the Gorges du Loup and the French Riviera, Sites 15-25 mins away, state-qualified instructors.
Book your first-time paragliding experience Gréolières : prices from €140, take-off at 1,800 metres on the Cheiron, Panoramic views of the French Riviera and Mercantour.
Bandol → 06
