Paragliding Saint-Raphaël: tandem flights in the Préalpes d'Azur
Treat yourself to a tandem paragliding flight from Saint-Raphaël, pearl of the French Riviera in the Var. Ailéments paragliding school: state-qualified instructors, over 20 years of experience, flights of 20 to 60 minutes at Gréolières. From €140.
Saint-Raphaël, a seaside resort famous for its coves and the Corniche d'Or, is the ideal starting point for discovering paragliding in the PACA region. From the town, it takes 1 hour 15 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 Saint-Raphaël for a day’s 100 % thrills.
We don't fly over the Corniche d'Or — but 1 hour 15 minutes away, Gréolières puts on a completely different show: up to 1,000 m of vertical drop and flights of 10 to 60 minutes over the Préalpes d'Azur. Far from the coves of Saint-Raphaël, it's all about the Cheiron ridges, the Gorges du Loup and the peaks of the Mercantour, in gentle, silent mountains.
This guide : the site, what we really see, the options, the process and the complete FAQ.
Take-off
Where to fly from Saint-Raphaël
To be completely transparent: we do not fly over the Estérel. But 1h15 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 to the Esterel — but flights of 20 to 60 minutes
The secret of Gréolières comes down to one word: vertical drop. The Cheiron offers up to 1,000 m depending on the take-off, with a due-south aspect and more than 250 flyable days a year. The result: long flights and reliable conditions, as reassuring for a first tandem flight as they are rewarding for anyone who wants to progress towards piloting. All our flying locations in PACA are gathered on one page.
The drive via Fréjus and then Grasse passes through vineyards and hilltop villages, and the day is easily rounded off: back via the coves of the Corniche d'Or, the old port or the fine sandy beaches. A canyon descent in the hinterland can even extend the flight into a 100% thrill-packed day. The neighbours are not left out: people also come to fly from Fréjus, and our paragliding Fréjus page gives their route. Same plan for our neighbours in Saint-Tropez, 1h55 from Gréolières.
Once in the air, the view stretches far: from the snow-capped Mercantour to the Mediterranean, taking in the limestone ridges of the Cheiron and the villages clinging to the mountainside. In a single flight, you take in both the sea and the peaks. Many make the outing a full day: a stop in a hilltop village, a picnic by the water, or an outdoor activity in the hinterland for those who want more.
Not sure where to start from? See all the flying sites Ailéments uses in PACA, with the driving time from each town.
In flight
The Azur Prealps from the sky
What awaits the people of Raphaël on arrival: a preview of the Gréolières flight. Souvenir video option available (+€30), included in the Prestige and Educational flights.
From take-off, the scenery shifts: beneath your feet, the ridges of Cheiron, the Gorges du Loup, and the Mediterranean on the horizon. The onboard camera, held by your instructor, captures every moment – the ascent, the turns above the landscape, the gentle landing. The best way to relive the flight and share it once you're back in Saint-Raphaël.
Our options
Our paragliding flight packages in Saint-Raphaël
From a gentle Child flight to a long Prestige flight, a tandem paragliding flight option for every wish. Identical prices whatever your home département.
Educational flight €250Paragliding on skis €100Video option +€30
Each package caters to a wish: the Child flight (morning, from age 5) for a gentle start, the Ascending flight, our best-seller, for riding thermals, the Educational flight (45 min to 1 h, video included) for a taste of piloting, Ski paragliding in winter from Gréolières 1400, and the Prestige flight, a long flight with HD and 4K video. Everything is included — certified equipment, a state-qualified instructor, insurance — whichever department you come from.
On the day
How does a paragliding flight work?
A simple and reassuring course, supervised from A to Z by your state-qualified instructor. Confirmation text the day before – essential to avoid an unnecessary trip from Saint-Raphaël.
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
1h15 via Fréjus then Grasse and the Gorges du Loup. 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.
In flight, nothing is mandatory: one can take control a few turns, request some stunts, or simply enjoy the peace and quiet. Upon landing, the instructor takes time for a debrief and gives you the video if you've ordered it. No physical fitness is required: a short run is all that's needed, and the flight is tailored to your mood on the day.
Gréolières offers flights almost all year round, with optimal conditions in spring and autumn, early-morning flights in summer and lovely clear days in winter. As we’re coming from Saint-Raphaël, the flight is confirmed the day before by text message depending on the weather, and rescheduling is free — you only pay for your flight once you’re back on the ground.
The tandem flight really is for everyone: families with children from age 5, couples, groups of friends or groups celebrating a birthday or a hen party, with dedicated time slots. No physical preparation is needed — the instructor flies, you enjoy — and everyone sets their own level, from a gentle flight to manoeuvres for thrill-seekers. It is often a revelation: many leave wanting to do it again, and some take the plunge with a progression course towards flying solo. All with no commitment: we confirm the day before depending on the weather, and you only pay once you have landed.
All in all, paragliding from Saint-Raphaël offers the most stunning contrasts: you leave the coast in the morning to glide in the afternoon over the Préalpes d’Azur, between the Cheiron ridges and the Mediterranean. Whether it’s your first time, a gift for someone else or a family outing: all you have to do is choose your package, book your date and let yourself be carried away. The sea and the mountains combined in a single flight — that’s an experience you’ll be talking about for a long time to come, long after you’ve returned to the coast.
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 Saint-Raphaël
Site, real panorama, season, journey, visit to Saint-Raphaël, accessibility, weight, outfit, weather, video, training.
Where is the take-off site from Saint-Raphaël?
Gréolières, in the Préalpes d'Azur: about 1 hour 15 minutes — via the Grasse road. The drive passes through magnificent Provençal landscapes of vineyards, hilltop villages and unspoilt nature
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 Estérel, but some 20 to 60-minute flights in optimum conditions.
When is the best time to fly from Saint-Raphaël?
+250 flyable days In PACA. Spring: regular temperatures. Summer: morning flights. Autumn: ideal visibility.
How long is the journey from Saint-Raphaël?
About 1h15 via Fréjus then Grasse and the Gorges du Loup. Parking at the landing field, then a 4x4 ride up to take-off (about 20 min).
Can you combine paragliding with a visit to Saint-Raphaël?
And on the city side: the coves of the Golden Corniche, the old port, the archaeological museum, or the fine sandy 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 journey from Saint-Raphaël.
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 pupils from Saint-Raphaël — Saint-Raphaël is 1 hour 15 minutes from the airport.
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.
Saint-Raphaël → 06
