Paragliding Marseille : scenic flight over the Provence
Marseille residents, treat yourselves to an exceptional free-flight experience. Our state-qualified instructors take you flying from the Préalpes d'Azur, 2 hours 40 minutes from the Phocaean city — flights of 20 to 60 minutes. From €140.
Marseille, the Phocaean city, is 2h40 from the Préalpes d'Azur, where you can discover paragliding. From the city, you head to 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 Marseille For a day’s ride: 100 % thrills. Ideally, make this the sporting highlight of a weekend on the French Riviera.
At 2h40 away, Marseille is a long way from Gréolières — and that is precisely what makes it a great getaway: you leave the calanques behind to discover the mountains of the Préalpes d'Azur, for a weekend or a long day. On site, up to 1,000 m of vertical drop and flights of 10 to 60 minutes over the Cheiron ridges, the Gorges du Loup and the Mediterranean. A vertical interlude, a world away from Marseille's seafront.
This guide : the site, what we really see, the options, the process and the complete FAQ.
Take-off
Where to fly from Marseille?
To be completely transparent: we don't fly over the calanques. But 2h40 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 kind of calanques spectacle — but flights of 20 to 60 minutes
Why drive all the way to the Alpes-Maritimes (06) when you have the Mediterranean on your doorstep? Because the aerology at Gréolières is nothing like that of the coast: a south-facing aspect, 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 fly. That's what makes the drive worthwhile, and brings so many people from Marseille back season after season.
Given the distance, many make it the excuse for a weekend on the French Riviera: a morning flight, then beaches, hilltop villages or a canyon descent in the hinterland. Car-sharing between students from Marseille is made easy, and a meeting point on the motorway lets you set off as a group. Enthusiasts from around Cassis or La Ciotat also join us regularly, on their own or in groups. For the whole département, see paragliding in the Bouches-du-Rhône.
Driving 2h40 for a few minutes of flying? Think again: most people from Marseille make a real occasion of it, as a couple, with family or with friends, and many turn it into a gift — for a birthday, Christmas or a stag or hen party. The keenest then come back for a 5-day course with partner accommodation in Gréolières, and take their first steps towards flying independently. No experience is needed to start: the instructor handles everything, and all it takes is a few running steps at take-off. And since the appointment is confirmed the day before depending on the weather, you never drive down the motorway for nothing — rescheduling is free, and payment is made on site, once you're back on solid ground.
In flight
The Azur Prealps from the sky
What awaits the people of Marseille on arrival: a preview of the Gréolières flight. Souvenir video option available (+€30), included in the Prestige and Educational flights.
Upon arrival, the change of scenery is total: under the wing, the ridges of Cheiron, the Gorges du Loup, and, in the distance, the Mediterranean unfurl – the sea rediscovered, but seen from above and from the mountain side. The onboard camera, held by your instructor, captures the big jump, the turns over the landscape, and the gentle landing. An HD memory to relive and share once you're back in the "Phocaean city" (Marseille).
Our options
Our paragliding flight packages in Marseille
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
When it comes to packages, the price stays the same wherever you live. The Child flight (morning, from age 5) for a gentle first time; the Ascending flight, our best-seller, for lift 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 route, supervised from A to Z by your State-certified instructor. Confirmation text message the day before – essential for avoiding an unnecessary journey from Marseille.
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
2h40: A8 towards Nice, Grasse, then the routes of the Pre-Alps. To be combined with an Azurean weekend.
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 airborne, you set the pace: take control one moment, requesting acrobatics, or letting yourself be carried along in the silence. The instructor concludes with a debriefing and gives you the video if you chose it. No preparation is necessary – a few running steps at take-off are enough – and the flight adapts to everyone, from the most cautious to the most playful.
We fly at Gréolières almost all year round. Spring and autumn offer the most consistent thermals; in summer, we fly early in the morning; and winter brings days of exceptional visibility. The flight slot is confirmed the day before by text message — which is all the more valuable if you’re coming from Marseille, so you don’t end up driving 2h40 for nothing — and rescheduling is free: you only pay for your flight once you’ve landed.
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 Marseille
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 Marseille
Site, actual panorama, season, journey, visit of Marseille, accessibility, weight, outfit, weather, video, training.
Where is the take-off site from Marseille?
Gréolières, in the Azurian Prealps: approximately 2 hours 40 minutes via the A8 towards Nice, then the scenic routes of the Pre-Alps. The journey passes through beautiful Provençal landscapes
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 show from the calanques, but of 20 to 60-minute flights in optimum conditions.
When is the best time to fly from Marseille?
+250 flyable days In PACA. Spring: regular temperatures. Summer: morning flights. Autumn: ideal visibility.
How long is the journey from Marseille?
About 2h40: A8 towards Nice, then Grasse and the roads through the Préalpes. Parking at the landing field, then a 4x4 ride up to take-off (about 20 min).
Is it possible to combine paragliding and a visit to Marseille?
And on the city side: the calanques By boat or on foot, the Old Port, the MuCEM, the Prado 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 Marseille.
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 in the PACA region.
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 hosts Marseillais for weekend trips on the French Riviera.
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 !
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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.
Marseille → 06
