Ascending Paragliding Flight: Our Best-Selling Option in Nice
The ascending flight is our most popular option: 20 to 30 minutes of thermal flying in a tandem paraglider over the Préalpes d'Azur, 50 minutes from Nice. Your state-qualified instructor uses the rising air currents to gain height, lets you take the controls if you wish, and adapts the flight to what you want: sightseeing or thrills. The perfect balance of flight time, enjoyment and price, at €140.
20 to 30-minute thermal flight
Piloting possible and gentle acrobatics available on request
State-qualified instructor, Paragliding school
4×4 transport to the take-off included
Free rescheduling if the weather is unsuitable · update by text the day before
The Ascending flight is our most popular option. Why? Because it offers excellent value for money within our range of paragliding flights. It's the right balance between flight time, sensations and price.
What makes the difference
Ideal duration: 20 to 30 minutes is long enough to really enjoy the flight, take in the scenery and feel the sensations of free flight.
Active flight: unlike a discovery flight, your pilot uses thermals to take you up. You feel the power of the rising air, that unique sensation of riding a natural lift.
Interactive: you can take the controls, feel the wing respond and understand how a paraglider is flown. A true introduction to free flight.
Personalised: fancy some thrills? Ask for gentle acrobatics. Prefer something more contemplative? Enjoy the scenery in silence.
Good to know · Ascending flight or Prestige flight?
The ascending flight lasts 20 to 30 minutes, with gentle acrobatics on request. The prestige flight lasts 45 minutes to 1 hour, ventures further into the mountains and includes the video. The ascending flight already offers all the sensations of active free flight: it is this immersive quality that makes it so addictive.
Definition
What is an ascending paragliding flight?
An ascending flight (also called a thermal flight) is a tandem paragliding flight where the pilot uses the currents of warm air rising from the ground to gain altitude and prolong the flight duration.
How does it work?
The sun heats the ground unevenly. Dark areas (rocks, forests) heat up faster and create columns of warm air that rise: these are thermals. Your pilot spots them and uses them to spiral you upwards.
The ascending flight already offers all the sensations of active free flight: climbs, spirals and the chance to rise above take-off height. If you are new to paragliding, this flight goes well beyond a simple first tandem flight, adding hands-on piloting and climbing.
Good to know
Ascending flight: 20 to 30 minutes, gentle acrobatics on request, perfect balance of sensations/price. Prestige flight: 45 minutes to 1 hour, wider exploration of the mountain, video included.
Who is it for?
Who can do an ascending flight?
The ascending flight is accessible to almost everyone. You don't need to be sporty or know anything about paragliding: your instructor handles everything, and you just enjoy it.
Age
From age 7
For 5 to 6-year-olds, it is the Child flight, which is gentler and flown in the morning. Over 60, we check together by phone.
Weight and fitness
Up to 90 kg
Normal physical condition required (no need to be athletic): must be able to run a few metres during take-off and have good joints (knees, ankles).
What won't stop you flying
Fear of heights: you don't feel the drop when paragliding
Not being sporty: moderate effort is enough
Being over 60 (we check together by phone)
First-time flying: no experience required
Important · Contraindications
The ascending flight is not recommended for people with serious heart problems or during pregnancy. If you are unsure about your situation, get in touch via our contact page before booking, and we will advise you on the right option.
What to expect
How does an ascending flight work?
Everything is organised to make your day easy, from the weather check the evening before to the debrief after landing. Allow 1 hour 30 minutes maximum on site (drive up to take-off, flight and return).
The day before
We analyse the weather conditions at our various sites
You receive a confirmation text with the GPS location of the meeting point and the time
The location may vary depending on the conditions: Gréolières, Gourdon or Roquebrune-Cap-Martin
On the day, step by step
Meet at the Gréolières landing field, at the Ailéments school (GPS coordinates sent by text message the day before)
4×4 ride up to the take-off site (about 20 minutes, on a track closed to other vehicles)
Safety briefing: your instructor will explain the take-off and landing procedures
Equipment: seat harness, helmet and harness for the tandem wing
Take-off: a few running steps into the wind and you are in the air
Ascending flight: sightseeing, thrills or acrobatics, your choice
Soft landing in the Grand-Pré at Gréolières Village
Debrief: video retrieval if option chosen, smiles guaranteed
All included
What's included in the price of your ascending flight
Our prices are all-inclusive, except for the video option. No surprises: at €140, all supervision, equipment, and transport are included.
Professional equipment: latest-generation tandem wing, ultra-comfortable harness, certified helmet
State-qualified instructor: passionate, a born teacher, attentive to any worries you have
Thermal flight: using rising air for a longer flight
Introduction to piloting: take the controls if you wish
Personalised safety briefing: adapted to any worries you have
4×4 transport: ride up to the take-off site
Third-party liability insurance: cover for the whole flight
Weather check the day before: text with the meeting time and place
Free rescheduling: if the weather doesn't allow flying
Good to know · Video option
Video option at €30: your instructor films the take-off, the flight, your reactions, the scenery and the landing with an onboard camera. You receive the HD and 4K footage on your phone after the flight. Highly recommended for an unforgettable keepsake.
Good to know · What if the weather doesn't allow flying?
We check the weather every day and confirm your flight the day before, by text message or by phone. If conditions are not good (wind too strong, rain, storm), the flight is rescheduled free of charge: we will offer you another date. With a gift voucher, the new date must stay within the voucher's year of validity, with no extension: plan ahead before the voucher ends.
Sensations
What does an ascending flight feel like?
The ascending flight offers a unique range of sensations, from the thrill of take-off to the contemplative calm of the vast panorama. You choose the intensity and your instructor adapts.
Taking off
The adrenaline surges, a few running steps, and suddenly you're no longer touching the ground. The earth recedes, silence descends.
In thermals
When you enter a thermal, you feel the wing catch the warm air. You climb, sometimes rapidly, spiralling gently: the natural lift of birds of prey.
At the controls
If you wish, your pilot will let you take the controls. You feel the wing respond to your movements and intuitively understand how it is flown.
Gentle acrobatics
Tight turns, bursts of speed, small wingovers: enough to get the adrenaline pumping without ever losing control.
The panorama
From Monaco to Cannes, hilltop villages, the sea in the distance, the snow-covered Mercantour: a 360° panorama unfolding beneath your feet.
You choose
Contemplative or exhilarating: tell your instructor before take-off, and change your mind mid-flight if you wish.
Where do we fly
Where do we fly for an ascending flight?
Our main site is Gréolières, on the ridges of the Cheiron at an altitude of 1,800 metres. Depending on the weather conditions, we can offer you other exceptional sites in the Alpes-Maritimes.
We analyse the conditions every day to give you the best possible flight. The chosen site is sent to you by text the day before. To explore our playground, take a look at our paragliding day at Caussols and all our paragliding sites.
Gréolières (main site)
Altitude: 1800 m
View: Monaco to Cannes, sometimes Corsica
Ideal for: powerful thermals, long flights
Access: 50 min from Nice
Gourdon (alternative)
Legendary hilltop village at 760 m
Breathtaking view of the Loup valley
Ideal for: milder conditions
Roquebrune-Cap-Martin
Take-off facing the sea
Exceptional panoramic view of Monaco
Ideal for: maritime atmosphere, sea view
Good to know · Gift idea
Want to give this experience as a gift? Discover our paragliding gift vouchers, valid for 1 year, with no extension, and usable at the flying site best suited to the season.
Prices
Our paragliding prices
The Ascending flight is our bestseller, but Ailéments offers a whole range of paragliding flights in the Alpes-Maritimes, from the early-morning Child flight to the Prestige flight along the Cheiron ridges. All our detailed prices are publicly available. When there is snow, also discover the ski flight from the slopes of Gréolières-les-Neiges.
10-15 min · From 5 years old
Child flight
100 €
A gentle introduction for the youngest flyers. Morning flights from 8 to 10 am, in calm conditions, with sensations suited to children.
Our most popular option. Piloting, acrobatics on request, breathtaking views over Nice, Cannes and the French Riviera. Every flight is tailored to your wishes.
Further and longer: a flight that goes further than the Ascending flight along the Cheiron ridges. For adventure lovers, whether beginners or experienced. Sensations on request, depending on how you feel.
From age 12, beginners and trainee pilots alike. Analysis, in-flight correction and a lesson in thermal analysis. Ideal for making rapid progress alongside an experienced instructor.
Beyond tandem flights, Ailéments also trains future solo pilots. Discover our paragliding courses, from Discovery to Advanced, led by state-qualified instructors.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions about the ascending flight
How it differs from a first tandem flight, piloting, flight time, video option, age, flying sites: everything you need to know before booking.
What is the difference between an ascending flight and a discovery tandem flight?
The ascending flight uses thermals to extend the flight and gain height. Unlike a simple discovery tandem flight, where you descend gradually, here you climb, descend and climb again. It is a dynamic, interactive flight of 20 to 30 minutes, compared with 10 to 15 minutes for a basic first tandem flight.
Can I take the controls during an ascending flight?
Yes. Your instructor will let you take the controls (the brakes) during the flight. You'll feel the wing react to your movements and intuitively grasp the basics of piloting. It's a real introduction to free flight, entirely safely, as the instructor remains in control at all times.
Do I have to do acrobatics?
Absolutely not. Before the flight, your instructor will ask you what you prefer: a contemplative flight (calm, scenery, silence) or one with sensations (tight turns, accelerations, small manoeuvres). You choose, and we'll adapt. You can even change your mind during the flight.
How long does an ascending flight last?
The duration depends on the day's weather conditions. On a good thermal day, you can easily exceed 30 minutes. If the thermals are less active, the flight will be shorter but just as enjoyable. We never cut corners: we always offer you the maximum that the conditions allow.
Is the video option worth it?
We highly recommend it. At €30, it is an unforgettable keepsake. Your instructor films with an onboard camera: take-off, flight, your reactions, the scenery, the landing. You receive the HD and 4K footage on your phone after the flight, to share with your loved ones.
I'm a little scared, is that normal?
It’s normal to feel a little nervous. Our instructors are used to this and will put you at ease. Most of the time, any fear disappears within the first few seconds of the flight. And if you really don’t feel up to it at take-off, we never force you: we’ll reschedule free of charge. Everything is explained on our paragliding and fear of heights page.
From what age can you do an ascending flight?
The Ascending flight is open from age 7. For 5 to 6-year-olds, it is the Child flight, a gentler tandem flight in the morning in calm conditions. Over 60, we check together by phone.
Where do we fly for an ascending flight near Nice?
Our main site is Gréolières, on the ridges of the Cheiron at an altitude of 1,800 metres, 50 minutes from Nice. Depending on weather conditions, we can also fly from Gourdon, a village perched at 760 m, or Roquebrune-Cap-Martin, a take-off point facing the sea with views of Monaco. You will be notified of the site the day before via text message.
Ready to fly
Ready to experience our bestseller?
Your ascending flight awaits: 20 to 30 minutes of thrills, panoramic views and freedom above the French Riviera. Join the many passengers who choose this option. Any questions? Call us: we love chatting with you to tailor your experience. Weather cancellation = free rescheduling: we will offer you another date, with a voucher valid for 1 year, with no extension. To compare our options, browse all our paragliding flights or give the experience as a gift voucher.
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
Ascending flight · €140
10-15 min · From 5 years old
Best-seller
20-30 min · From age 7
45 min to 1 hr · Video included
45 min to 1 hr · Video included
Full day · Even for two
