Ascending Flight Paragliding: Our Package Bestseller in Nice
The ascent flight is our most requested package: 20 to 30 minutes of thermal paragliding in tandem over the Azurian Prealps, 45 minutes from Nice. Your state-certified instructor will use updrafts to gain altitude, will let you take the controls if you wish, and will tailor the flight to your desires: contemplation or thrills. The perfect balance of duration, enjoyment, and price, at €140.
Thermal rise of 20 to 30 minutes
Piloting possible and gentle acrobatics available on request
State-registered nursery nurse, school certified by the FFVL
Transport of 4x4s up to takeoff, inclusive
Free weather report · SMS notification the day before
The ascending flight is a favourite with 70% of our customers. Why? Because it offers the best value for money in our catalogue of paragliding flights. It's the right balance between flight time, sensations and price.
What makes the difference
Optimal duration 20 to 30 minutes is long enough to really enjoy the flight, immerse yourself in the scenery and experience the sensations of free flight.
Active volcanoes Unlike a scenic flight, your pilot uses thermals to take you up. You'll feel the power of the updrafts, that unique sensation of riding a natural elevator.
Interactivity You can take the controls, feel the sail react, understand how to pilot a paraglider. A true introduction to free flight.
Personalisation Fancy some thrills? Ask for gentle acrobatics. Fancy something contemplative? Enjoy the scenery in silence.
Good to know · Ascending flight or Prestige flight?
The ascent lasts 20 to 30 minutes with gentle acrobatics on request. prestige flight Lasts 45 minutes to 1 hour, explores the mountain further and includes video. The ascent flight already offers all the sensations of active free flight: it is this immersive dimension that makes it so addictive.
Definition
What is an ascending paraglider 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 soaring flight already offers all the sensations of active free flight: climbs, spirals, the ability to exceed take-off altitude. If you are new to the activity, this flight considerably extends a simple first paragliding experience and adding flight control and altitude acquisition.
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 make an ascent flight?
Ascent flights are accessible to almost everyone. No need to be sporty or a paragliding expert: your instructor handles everything, you just enjoy the experience.
Age
From 7 years
4 to 6 year olds are focused on the child flight, gentler and more of a morning experience. There is no maximum age limit: we have flown passengers over 80 years old.
Weight & Condition
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).
But that doesn't mean you can't fly
Vertigo: You don't feel the emptiness when paragliding
Not being sporty: moderate effort is enough
Be over 60, 70 or even 80 years old
First-time flying: no experience required
Important points · Contraindications
Ascending flight is not recommended in case of severe heart problems or pregnancy. If you have any doubts about your situation, please contact us via the page contact Before booking, we will advise you on the most suitable package.
The schedule
How does an ascending flight work?
Everything is organised to make your day as simple as possible, from the weather report the evening before to the debrief after landing. Allow approximately 2.5 hours on site (travel, flight and return).
The day before
We analyse the weather conditions at our various sites
You will receive a confirmation SMS with the GPS point of the appointment and the time.
The location may vary depending on the conditions: Gréolières, Gourdon or Roquebrune-Cap-Martin
D-day, step by step
Please meet at the designated location (the school car park at Gréolières Village; GPS coordinates will be sent by text message the day before)
4x4 ascent to the take-off site (5 to 20 minutes of track depending on conditions)
Safety briefing: your instructor will explain the take-off and landing procedures
Equipment: tandem harness, helmet and harness for tandem paragliding
Take-off: a few running steps into the wind and you are in the air
Ascent: contemplation, sensations or acrobatics according to your choice
Soft landing in the Grand-Pré at Gréolières Village
Debrief: video retrieval if option chosen, smiles guaranteed
Understood
What's included in the price of your upward flight
Our prices are all-inclusive, except for the video option. No surprises: at €140, all supervision, equipment, and transport are included.
Professional equipment Two-seater paraglider, latest generation, ultra-comfortable harness, certified helmet
State-registered supervisor Passionate and a good teacher, attentive to your concerns
Thermal volume: using ascendants for longer flights
Introductory flying lesson Take the controls if you wish
Bespoke security briefing: adapted to your concerns
4x4 Transport ascent to the launch site
Public liability insurance cover for the entire flight
Weather forecast the day before: SMS with meeting time and location
Free report if the weather doesn't permit flying
Good to know · Video option
Video option €30: your monitor films the take-off, flight, your reactions, the scenery and the landing with an on-board camera. You leave with an SD card of HD footage. Highly recommended to keep an unforgettable souvenir.
Sensations
How does it feel to be in the air?
Ascent 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, 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.
In charge
If you wish, your pilot will let you take control. You can feel the glider reacting to your movements and intuitively understand how it is flown.
Gentle acrobatics
Tight bends, accelerations, small jumps: enough to feel the adrenaline surge 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 you fly to for an ascent?
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 offer you the best possible flight. The chosen site will be communicated to you the day before by SMS. To discover the playground, also explore our Paragliding day at Caussols and all of our sites paragliding flight.
Fancy offering this experience? Discover our paragliding gift vouchers, valid for 12 months and usable at the most suitable flying site for the season.
Rates
Our rates for paragliding
The beginner’s flight is our best-seller, but Ailéments offers a whole range of paragliding flights in the Alpes-Maritimes, from morning flights for children to luxury flights over the Cheiron ridges. All our detailed rates are public.
10-15 mins · Ages 6+
Child flight
100 €
Gentle discovery for the youngest ones. Morning flights from 8 am to 10 am, in calm conditions and sensations adapted for children.
Our most requested package. Piloting, aerobatics on demand, breathtaking views over Nice, Cannes and the French Riviera. Each flight is tailored to your desires.
A hike to the Cheiron ridges then a paragliding flight with a breathtaking panorama. A unique blend of effort, contemplation and thrills, for nature lovers.
Two flagship activities in the Alpes-Maritimes in one day: paragliding in the morning, canyoning in the afternoon in the Canyon du Loup. The ultimate experience, unique to the French Riviera.
As well as the two-seater, Ailéments also trains future autonomous pilots. Discover our paragliding courses, from discovery to refinement, supervised by state-certified instructors.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions about updrafts
Difference with a baptism, piloting, duration, video option, age, flight sites: everything you need to know before booking.
What is the difference between a scenic flight and a discovery flight?
The rising flight uses thermals to extend the flight and gain altitude. Unlike a simple baptism Discovery where you descend gradually, here you go up, down, up again. It's a dynamic and interactive flight of 20 to 30 minutes, compared to 10 to 15 minutes for a basic introductory flight.
Can we take controls during an updraft?
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.
Is it mandatory to perform 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 upward 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's an unforgettable souvenir. Your instructor films with an onboard camera: take-off, flight, your reactions, the scenery, landing. You leave with an SD card containing HD footage 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. In 99% of cases, 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.
From what age can you do an updraft flight?
The ascent flight is available for ages 7 and up. Children aged 4 to 6 will be directed to the child flight, a gentler baptism carried out in the morning in calm conditions. There is no maximum age limit: we have flown passengers over 80 years old.
Where does one fly for ridge soaring near Nice?
Our main site is Gréolières, on the ridges of the Cheiron at an altitude of 1,800 metres, 45 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 hot-air balloon flight awaits: 20 to 30 minutes of thrills, panoramic views and freedom above the French Riviera. Join the 70 % of our customers who have chosen this package. Any questions? Call us on 06 87 68 71 90 – we love chatting to you to tailor your experience. Cancellation due to weather = free rescheduling with a voucher valid for 12 months. To compare our packages, browse our full range of paragliding flights you offer the experience with a gift voucher.
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Would recommend, was good fun and the instructor was very funny.
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Laurent Roussel
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Une très bonne agréable surprise pour mon enfant de 13 ans qui a kiffé son vol. Encadrement et prestation au top. Je recommande
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Delphine Pillon
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Une expérience absolument inoubliable ! 🪂✨ J’ai réalisé mon tout premier vol en parapente à Gréolières avec Ailéments, et je ne pouvais pas rêver d’une plus belle découverte. J’avais un peu d’appréhension avant de décoller, mais tout a été fait avec énormément de bienveillance, de professionnalisme et de pédagogie. Je me suis sentie en confiance dès les premières minutes. Le vol Prestige a été tout simplement magique : décollage depuis les crêtes du Cheiron, vol au-dessus des montagnes, ascendance dans les thermiques, et surtout cette sensation indescriptible de liberté et de calme, suspendue dans le ciel avec un paysage absolument incroyable sous les yeux. J’ai été particulièrement touchée par la douceur du vol. Je m’attendais à quelque chose de très impressionnant et finalement, j’ai découvert une expérience profondément paisible et contemplative. Un immense merci à l’équipe pour cette parenthèse hors du temps, et tout particulièrement à Pierre-Yves pour sa gentillesse, ses explications et sa capacité à mettre immédiatement en confiance. Pour un premier vol, je ne pouvais pas rêver mieux. Je reviendrai sans hésiter pour découvrir d’autres sites et d’autres sensations ! ❤️
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Vincent Cesaro
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Une équipe vraiment formidable ! Les trois moniteurs ont été très sympathiques, très professionnels et particulièrement rassurants. Ils prennent le temps de tout expliquer clairement et savent immédiatement mettre en confiance. Tout était parfaitement organisé et le vol était absolument génial : une expérience beaucoup plus douce que je ne l’imaginais, avec des sensations magnifiques. J’ai vraiment adoré ce baptême en parapente et je les recommande sans hésitation !
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Melanie Tydlitat
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Mon fils de 13 ans a fait son baptême de parapente, et nous en sommes ravis! Très chouette équipe sympa et dynamique. Un grand merci a vous! Je recommande avec plaisir!
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Chloé DESBOIS
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Une expérience inoubliable avec une équipe incroyable !
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Valentin Vermeirsche
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Une super journée du début à la fin ! Une équipe au top, professionnelle, accueillante et vraiment sympathique. On se sent rapidement en confiance, que ce soit pour le canyoning ou le parapente. Un grand merci à toute l’équipe pour cette superbe expérience, et tout particulièrement à Pierrot pour sa gentillesse, sa bonne humeur et sa pédagogie. Il a su nous mettre à l’aise, nous accompagner parfaitement et rendre cette journée encore plus mémorable. Une expérience que je recommande sans hésiter ! Merci encore à toute l’équipe et à très bientôt peut-être pour une nouvelle aventure ! 🪂🌊
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Alexandre Dnf
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Un grand merci à Pierrot et Pierre-Yves qui ont été au top du début à la fin. Leur professionnalisme et leur bienveillance mettent immédiatement en confiance. Expérience incroyable, que du kiff, à faire au moins une fois dans sa vie ! Vous pouvez y aller les yeux fermés, je recommande à 100 % !
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jcg
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Une très belle expérience de vol libre le long des crêtes du Cheiron. Une équipe de professionnels d’une grande gentillesse attentive à gérer la moindre pointe d’appréhension. Respect des horaires et des informations fournies. Nos petites filles et nous même grands parents avons adoré. À recommander vivement. jcg.
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John Bee
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Super accueil et chouette moment avec Pierrot et Pierre-Yves. Equipe à l'écoute, très pédagogue et très professionnelle tout en étant sympathique ! Merci pour le vol ✌️
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Uphill climb · €140
