Paragliding La Ciotat: tandem flights in the Préalpes d'Azur

Where to fly from La Ciotat?

To be completely open: we do not fly over the Bec de l'Aigle. But 2 h 30 away, Gréolières offers real height difference (up to 1,000 m) and long flights. Our passengers from the Var make the same choice.

• 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 show from the Bec de l'Aigle — but flights of 20 to 60 minutes

People come a long way for one simple reason: the aerology at Gréolières. A south-facing aspect, steady breezes, over 250 flyable days per year and up to 1,000 m of vertical drop depending on the take-off. That is what separates a flight of a few minutes from a real glide above the ridges — and what brings so many passengers back, season after season. The same drive applies for paragliding from Bandol, just next door.

The distance quickly turns into a getaway: fly in the morning, then head back via the old port, the Mugel park at the foot of the Bec de l'Aigle, the Éden-Théâtre or the Figuerolles calanques. The more active add a canyon descent for a 100% nature day. The neighbours are not to be outdone: people also come to fly from Cassis. See also paragliding from the Bouches-du-Rhône.

The view alone makes the trip worthwhile: beneath the wing, the Gorges du Loup and their sheer walls, the wild plateaus of the Cheiron, the coast in the distance and the first peaks of the Mercantour. A dramatic contrast between sea and mountains, breathtaking as you take off. And as the area is brimming with things to see — listed villages, gorges, markets — it would be a shame to leave straight away: your tandem flight easily extends into a getaway for the whole day.

How does a paragliding flight work?

A straightforward and reassuring course, supervised from start to finish by your state-qualified instructor. A confirmation text message the day before — essential to avoid a wasted journey from La Ciotat.

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 La Ciotat, 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 a sports enthusiast or a daredevil to get started: the instructor manages the entire flight, from takeoff to landing, and it takes just a few steps to take off. Younger people (from 5 years old), the cautious as well as those who enjoy the sensation, will find their own place here, at their own pace. It is also a great idea to give or share — birthdays, hen and stag parties and groups are welcome, with dedicated slots available. And for those who want to go further, progression courses lead up to the pilot certificate, at your own pace, season after season.

In short, from La Ciotat, paragliding at Gréolières offers the finest of contrasts: you leave the coast in the morning to glide over the Préalpes d'Azur in the afternoon, between the Cheiron ridges and the Mediterranean. A first tandem flight, a gift to give or a big family first: all that's left is to choose your package, book your date and let yourself be carried. Sea and mountains together in a single flight — an experience you'll be talking about long after you're back on the coast. Marseille residents, just next door, make the same trip in 2h40.

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 completed without serious accident, +1291 5/5 reviews. Free weather rescheduling, payment on site after the activity, no upfront fees.

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Give as a gift

Paragliding gift voucher for a Ciotaden

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.

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