Paragliding Draguignan flight over the Varian backcountry
Treat yourself to a tandem flight from Draguignan, gateway to the Var hinterland. Ailéments school: state-qualified instructors, over 20 years of experience at flying sites in the Var and the Alpes-Maritimes. From €140.
Draguignan, gateway to the Var hinterland, is the ideal starting point to discover paragliding. For people from Draguignan, head for Gréolières, our main site, 1h30 away. Mont Lachens, the highest point in the Var, is also a fine free-flight site, with tandem flights offered from La Roque-Esclapon.
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 in the Gorges du Loup for a day’s 100 % thrills.
From Draguignan, our tandem flights take place at Gréolières, our main site, 1h30 away: up to 1,000 m of vertical drop and flights of 10 to 60 minutes over the Préalpes d'Azur, between the Mediterranean and the Mercantour, for a wonderful day out.
This guide : the site, what we really see, the options, the process and the complete FAQ.
Take-off
Where to fly from Draguignan?
To be completely transparent: we don't fly at Mont Lachens. Our tandem flights take place at Gréolières, for the big vertical drop and long flights.
At 45 minutes by crossing the Canjuers Plateau, wild natural setting. The highest point in the Var.
Tandem flights are offered there, taking off from La Roque-Esclapon. At Ailéments, we fly at Gréolières: that's 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
Flight thefts 20 to 60 minutes under optimal conditions
The secret of Gréolières comes down to one thing: the vertical drop. The Cheiron offers up to 1,000 m depending on the take-off, with a fully south-facing aspect and over 250 flyable days a year. Long flights and reliable conditions, as reassuring for a first tandem flight as they are rewarding for anyone who wants to progress.
For sightseeing, the hinterland around Draguignan has plenty to offer: the Pierre de la Fée dolmen, the fine arts museum or the old town can be visited around your flight. And the sportiest are happy to add a canyon descent in the Gorges du Loup for a 100% nature day.
The view alone makes the trip worthwhile: from beneath the wing, the Gorges du Loup and their sheer cliffs, the wild plateaus of the Cheiron, the coast in the distance and the first peaks of the Mercantour. There’s a striking contrast between the hinterland and the open sea, which is particularly striking as you take off. And as the area is brimming with things to see — hilltop villages, gorges, the Canjuers plateau — it would be a shame to leave straight away: your first flight can easily be extended into a day trip.
In flight
The Azur Prealps from the sky
What awaits the residents of Dracénois on arrival: a glimpse of the Gréolières flight. Souvenir video option available (+€30), included in the Prestige and Educational flights.
Once in the air, the view stretches from Mercantour all the way to the coast. The on-board camera, held by your instructor, captures the big jump, the turns over the ridges and the smooth landing. An HD memory to relive and share once you’re back in the Var hinterland.
Our options
Our paragliding flight packages in Draguignan
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
From the gentlest to the most intense: the Child flight in the morning (from age 5), the best-selling Ascending flight for thrills, the Educational flight (45 min to 1 h, video included) to learn to read the air, Ski paragliding in winter from Gréolières 1400, and the Prestige flight, an XL flight with HD and 4K video. Equipment, qualified supervision and insurance included — come with closed-toe shoes and a jacket.
On the day
How does a paragliding flight work?
A simple, reassuring experience, supervised from start to finish by your state-qualified instructor. Confirmation text message the day before, with the time depending on the weather.
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
1h30 to Gréolières through the hinterland.
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.
The flight belongs to you. take control, Whether you dare to perform acrobatics or prefer to be gently rocked, the choice is yours. The instructor concludes with a debrief and the handover of the video if you have opted for it. No experience is necessary – just being able to run a few metres at take-off is enough – and each introductory flight is tailored, from the most tranquil to the most sporty.
Almost all year round, there’s a window of opportunity to fly at Gréolières: steady thermals in spring and autumn, early morning slots in summer, and clear skies in winter. From Draguignan, the flight slot is confirmed the day before by text message to avoid any unnecessary travel, and rescheduling is free of charge in the event of changeable weather.
No need to be sporty or fit: the instructor manages the entire flight, and it only takes a few steps to take off. Younger children (from 5 years old), the cautious as well as those who enjoy the sensations will find something to enjoy. It is also a great idea to give as a gift — birthdays, hen and stag parties and groups are welcome, with dedicated slots. And to go further, progression courses lead up to the pilot certificate, at your own pace.
In short, from Draguignan, paragliding at Gréolières puts the mountains within easy reach: the Cheiron ridges, the great outdoors and long flights. Whether it's a first tandem flight, a gift or a family day out, all that's left is to choose your package, book your date and let yourself be carried over the Préalpes d'Azur — a high-altitude interlude you'll remember for a long time, and one that many come back to enjoy season after season, until the day they take the plunge and sign up for a course to progress further.
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.
Paragliding gift voucher for someone from Draguignan
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 Draguignan
Site, actual panorama, season, journey, visit to Draguignan, accessibility, weight, clothing, weather, video, training.
Where is the take-off site from Draguignan?
Our tandem flights take place at Gréolières, 1h30 away. Mont Lachens, the highest point in the Var, is another free-flight site, with tandem flights offered from La Roque-Esclapon.
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.
From 20 to 60-minute flights under ideal conditions, from Mercantour to the coast.
When is the best time to fly from Draguignan?
+250 flyable days In PACA. Spring: regular temperatures. Summer: morning flights. Autumn: ideal visibility.
How long does the journey take from Draguignan?
To Gréolières: 1h30 through the hinterland. Parking at the landing field, then a 4x4 ride up to take-off (about 20 min).
Can you combine paragliding with a visit to Draguignan?
And on the town side: the Dolmen of the Fairy Stone (megalithic monument), the Museum of Fine Arts and the old town of Draguignan.
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 — with the chosen site according to the weather.
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
DEJEPS free-flight and canyoning instructor, founder of Ailéments in 2013. Over 20 years of free-flight experience. The school regularly welcomes people from Draguignan — Draguignan is 1h30 from Gréolières.
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.
Draguignan · 83
