Discover this legendary site in the Var and the magnificent paragliding flights at Gréolières with Ailéments.
Mont Lachens : An Emblematic Site for Paragliding
Perched at an altitude of 1714 metres in the Var department, Mont Lachens is the "roof of the Var" and a must-see spot for paragliding enthusiasts. Its privileged geographical position makes it an exceptional place for free flight, offering special aerological conditions and breathtaking panoramas over Provence, the Mediterranean coast and the Southern Alps.
Paragliding at Le Lachens attracts hundreds of pilots every year, from beginners accompanied by instructors to experts in search of powerful thermal flights and long distances. This legendary site in the south of France, a veritable balcony overlooking the Mediterranean, deserves to be known as much for its technical features as for the incomparable beauty of the flights it offers.
Characteristics of the Mont Lachens paragliding site
- Altitude : 1714 metres (highest point in the Var)
- Location: Town of Mons, department Var
- Main orientation : South and south-east
- Type of flights : Thermal, dynamic, cross-country
- Recommended level : All levels with an instructor, intermediate to advanced on your own
- Optimum period : March to October, with an ideal peak in spring and early autumn
- Distance from Nice : Approximately 80 km (1h30 drive)
- Distance from Cannes : Approximately 60 km (1h15 drive)
History of paragliding at Mont Lachens
The first paragliding flights at Mont Lachens dates back to the early 1980s, shortly after the emergence of the sport in France. This majestic peak quickly attracted the attention of free-flight pioneers thanks to its strategic position and favourable aerological conditions.
Over the decades, Mont Lachens has established itself as a benchmark site in the south-east of France, witness to the evolution of paragliding techniques and equipment. From the rudimentary gliders of the early days to the high-performance wings of today, this site has accompanied the entire modern history of French paragliding.
Today, Mont Lachens hosts both competitions and leisure flights, retaining its status as a legendary spot while adapting to new paragliding practices.
Paragliding conditions at Mont Lachens
Mont Lachens offers special flying conditions that make it a sought-after site for paragliders of all levels. Understanding these conditions is essential if you are to plan and enjoy your trip to the full. paragliding experience at Lachens.
Aerology of Mont Lachens
The aerology of Mont Lachens is characterised by several distinctive features:
- Powerful thermals : Particularly in the middle of the day, the updrafts that form on the southern flanks of the mountain often enable impressive altitudes to be reached, sometimes in excess of 2,500 metres. This thermal power makes the Lachens an ideal site for cross-country and long-distance flying.
- Positioned between the sea and the mountains: Mont Lachens enjoys an ideal location, creating particularly favourable breeze patterns. The valley winds that come up from the Mediterranean regularly offer excellent dynamic conditions in the morning and late afternoon.
- Variety of conditions : Depending on the time of day and the season, Mont Lachens offers a wide variety of conditions, from calm, contemplative flights to intense thermal sessions, so there's something for everyone.
Favourable periods for paragliding at Lachens
The flying season at Mont Lachens generally runs from March to October, with particularly favourable conditions during the following periods:
- Spring (April-June): An ideal time of year, with moderate thermals and generally stable weather. Nature in full bloom, offering magnificent green landscapes.
- Summer (July-August) : Powerful thermals, ideal for long-distance flights, but sometimes turbulent in the middle of the day. Morning and late afternoon flights are often more pleasant during this period.
- Early autumn (September): Return to milder conditions, often very laminar, with magnificent golden light over the landscapes. Thermal contrasts are still sufficient for some fine flying.
The most favourable time slots vary according to the season, but generally :
- 10am-1pm : Conditions often ideal for quiet flights with thermals starting to develop
- 1pm-4pm : Strong thermal period, perfect for gaining altitude and covering long distances
- 4pm-7pm : Back to calmer conditions, ideal for contemplative flights and summer sunsets
Take-off and landing areas at Mont Lachens
Mont Lachens has several take-off and landing areas, so you can adapt to different weather conditions and pilot preferences.
Take-off zones
The site has two main take-off areas:
- South take-off : The most frequently used, offering a spectacular panorama of Lake Saint-Cassien and the Mediterranean coast. This wide, well-cleared take-off area means that even less experienced pilots accompanied by an instructor can launch safely. Its orientation makes it particularly well-suited to the rising breezes of mid-day.
- South-east take-off : A valuable alternative for adapting to wind variations, it is slightly more technical but offers excellent flying conditions when the wind direction demands it. This take-off is particularly popular in the early morning and at the end of the day.
Both take-off points are accessible by car, with parking available nearby, making it much easier to transport equipment. Information boards on site explain the safety rules and special features of the site.
Landing zones
Several landing zones are available around Mount Lachens :
- Main landing : Located near the village of Mons, this official landing is large and relatively safe. Well-marked, it offers a clear visual reference point from the air and allows progressive approaches suited to all levels.
- Secondary landings : Several identified fields in the valley offer alternatives depending on the flight path and conditions. These emergency landings are invaluable in the event of adverse weather conditions or for cross-country flights.
It is advisable to visually identify the landing zones before taking off, ideally by physically visiting them to observe potential obstacles and the best approaches.
Discover an Exceptional Alternative: Paragliding Flights in Gréolières
During your stay in the region, don't miss the opportunity to discover the exceptional site of Gréolières, in the Alpes-Maritimes. Ailéments offers you flights tandem flights supervised by expert instructors on the famous Mont Cheiron spot.
Find out more about flights in Gréolières
Panoramas and Flying Experiences at Mont Lachens
One of the main attractions of paragliding at Mont Lachens is the exceptional panoramic views it offers. These spectacular views, combined with the diversity of flying conditions, make every session a memorable experience.
Panoramic views
From the summit and during the flight, pilots can admire :
- The Mediterranean and the Côte d'Azur : To the south, the coastline stretches out in a ribbon of azure blue, with occasional glimpses of the Lérins islands and even Corsica on exceptionally clear days.
- The Grasse Pre-Alps and the Mercantour : To the east, the landscape stretches as far as the snow-capped peaks of the Mercantour, offering a striking contrast with the sea.
- The plains of the Haut-Var : To the north, the rolling hills of the Haut-Var form a patchwork of crops, forests and hilltop villages.
- The Sainte-Baume massif : To the west, the characteristic relief of the Sainte-Baume mountain range closes off the horizon.
This privileged position makes Mont Lachens an exceptional natural vantage point, offering 360° views over some of the most beautiful landscapes in the south of France, from the Alps to the Mediterranean.
Types of Flight Experiences
Mount Lachens offers a range of paragliding experiencesto suit all profiles:
- Contemplative flights : Ideal for beginners or tandem flights, allowing you to admire the scenery at your leisure without particularly looking for performance.
- Thermal flights : Gain altitude by exploiting updrafts and stay aloft for several hours, an exhilarating experience for intermediate and advanced pilots.
- Cross-country flights : For experienced pilots wanting to cover long distances, with the possibility of flights of several dozen kilometres towards the coast or the hinterland.
- Sunset flights : At the end of the day, offering exceptional light on the landscapes and often milder, laminar conditions.
My flight to Mount Lachens will remain one of my fondest paragliding memories. The thermals were perfect and the view of the Mediterranean simply magical. I was able to fly for nearly three hours exploring the surrounding landscape. A site that fully deserves its reputation!
- Marc D., intermediate driver
Access and Practical Information for Paragliding at Le Lachens
To make the most of your paragliding experience at Mont Lachens, here's some essential practical information about access, the weather and the equipment you'll need.
How to get to Mont Lachens
Mont Lachens can be reached by road from several directions:
- From Nice : Approximately 1h30 drive (80 km) via the D6085 then the D56
- From Cannes : Approximately 1h15 (60 km) via the D562 then the D56
- From Draguignan : Approximately 1 hour (50 km) via the D955 then the D56
Access to the summit is via the D25, a road that is sometimes narrow but generally in good condition. Parking is available near the take-off areas, but capacity is limited, especially at peak times (spring and summer weekends).
Weather and Resources for Pilots
To prepare for your flight to Mont Lachens, consult these essential resources:
- Specialised weather reports for paragliding (Météo France, Météoblue)
- Forums and local paragliding groups that share information in real time
- Webcams of the area to view conditions on site
- Surrounding wind beacons for precise data
- The Fédération Française de Vol Libre (FFVL) website for official information
Equipment and preparation
To fly at Mont Lachens, bring :
- Full, checked equipment (glider, harness, first aid kit, helmet, radio)
- Clothing suited to the altitude (it can be cool even in summer)
- Sun protection, sunglasses and plenty of water
- Good physical condition, particularly for thermal flights
- A detailed map of the region for cross-country flights
If you are a beginner, it is strongly recommended that you fly with a qualified instructor who knows the site well and can guide you in conditions suited to your level.
Safe paragliding at Mont Lachens
Mont Lachens offers exceptional conditions that can sometimes be technical. For safe climbing:
- Scrupulously respect the rules of visual flight and priority.
- Find out about local conditions from your usual drivers.
- Never fly alone and communicate your flight plan
- Adapt your flight to your actual skill level
- Give up if in doubt about the weather conditions
- Always carry a radio in working order
Discover Paragliding in Gréolières with Ailéments
Just a few dozen kilometres from Mont Lachens, in the Alpes-Maritimes, is another exceptional paragliding site: the Cheiron mountain at Gréolières. This proximity makes it an ideal complementary destination for paragliding enthusiasts visiting the region. Here's everything you need to know about flights offered by Ailéments in Gréolières.
Le Cheiron: an exceptional site for paragliding
Culminating at an altitude of over 1700 metres, Mont Cheiron offers exceptional flying conditions all year round. This privileged site benefits from a particularly favourable aerology, with :
- Regular and predictable thermals
- Multiple take-off directions
- A wide range of flight times
- Conditions adapted to all levels of practice
- A 360° panoramic view of the Alpes-Maritimes and the Mediterranean
The Cheiron is renowned for its stable weather conditions, making it possible to fly more often and more reliably. Its geographical position between the sea and the mountains creates a microclimate that is particularly favourable for paragliding.
Ailéments : Excellence in tandem paragliding at Gréolières
If you've enjoyed paragliding at Le Lachens, you'll love the experience offered by Ailéments in Gréolières. This professional organisation specialises in two-seater flights and introductory paragliding courses, with a focus on quality and personalisation.
Expert monitors
All the instructors at Ailéments are state-qualified and have accumulated thousands of hours of flying experience. Their in-depth knowledge of the Gréolières site guarantees a safe and optimal experience for every passenger.
Top-of-the-range equipment
Ailéments uses only the latest high-quality equipment (canopies, harnesses, instruments), which is regularly renewed to guarantee maximum comfort and optimum safety during the flights.
Personalised Experience
Each flight is adapted to the passenger's profile, desires and level of comfort. From quiet, contemplative flights to more dynamic sessions, Ailéments offers a tailor-made experience.
Meteorological Reliability
The Gréolières site allows you to fly in a wide variety of conditions, minimising the risk of cancellation. Ailéments offers free rescheduling in the event of bad weather.
