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★★★★★ 5 stars out of 676 reviews

Our paragliding school

Paragliding school near Nice

Ailéments is your FFVL approved paragliding school near Nice. First paragliding flights, training courses, progression to autonomy... Our state-qualified instructors have been accompanying you to the best free-flight sites around Nice since 2005: Gréolières, Gourdon, Roquebrune Cap Martin.

WHO WE ARE

Ailéments: your paragliding school since 2005

Ailéments: your paragliding school since 2005

Our story:

Founded 8 years ago, Ailéments was born out of a passion for free flight. What began as an adventure between friends has become a paragliding school renowned on the Côte d'Azur, with hundreds of pilots from Nice trained and thousands of first flights completed.

Our mission:

Passing on our passion for paragliding in complete safety. Whether you're coming from Nice for a discovery session or an intensive training course, we'll do everything we can to offer you an unforgettable experience.

Our values:

  • Free flight safety first and foremost
  • Teaching methods tailored to each profile
  • Passion and sharing
  • Respect for the environment and the Préalpes d'Azur Regional Nature Park

Based in Gréolières, 45 minutes from Nice, our paragliding school takes you to the best authorised hang-gliding sites in the Nice hinterland. From Gréolières, Gourdon and Roquebrune Cap Martin, enjoy spectacular views over the Baie des Anges while complying with aviation regulations.


Where is it?

Where is our paragliding school?

Flight sites accessible from Nice

Our paragliding school is based in Gréolières, 45 minutes from Nice. We welcome you to the best free-flight sites in the Nice hinterland.

Access from Nice :

  • Departure from Nice centre: 45 min to Gréolières
  • Departure from Nice airport: 50 min
  • Scenic routes through the Gorges du Loup
  • Free parking at launch sites

Flight sites from Nice :

  • Gréolières (1,400 m) - 45 min from Nice ⭐ RECOMMENDED Our historic site, exceptional 700m vertical drop. Spectacular panoramic views over the Baie des Anges, the Nice coastline and the Mediterranean. Ideal flying conditions all year round. Perfect training site.
  • Gourdon (1,080 m) - 50 min from Nice Village classified as one of the «Most Beautiful Villages in France», with majestic views over the Gorges du Loup. Ascent 580m, south-facing. Panoramic views over the Grasse hinterland and the coast as far as Nice.
  • Roquebrune Cap Martin (780 m) - 35 min from Nice Spectacular sea views, the closest site to Nice. Over the coast between Monaco and Menton. Perfect for first flights with a sea view. Difference in altitude 380m.

The site is chosen according to the sea and mountain weather conditions, the level of the pupils and the teaching objectives. From Nice, you have access to an exceptional variety of sites!

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paragliding flight nice
THE TEAM

Passionate state-certified instructors

Four options to suit your level and objectives. Whether you want to discover the thrill of flying or progress towards autonomy, we have the right course for you.

Pierrot - paragliding and canyoning instructor

pierrot

State-qualified instructor, pilot for over 25 years. Specialist in tandem flights and beginner training. His patience and teaching skills make him the ideal guide for your first flights.

Pierre-yves-paragliding-instructor

Pierre-Yves

State-qualified instructor, expert in aerological conditions and cross-country flights. He supervises advanced training courses and guides pilots towards autonomy.

Our teaching approach :

OUR SERVICES

Our courses: from beginner to autonomous pilot

Four options to suit your level and objectives. Whether you want to discover the thrill of flying or progress towards autonomy, we have the right course for you.

Baptism-Parenting-Gréolieres

Discovery course

200€

Who is it for?
Curious beginners who want to test before committing themselves

Duration 1 day

Programme :

  • Theory lessons: weather, safety, principles of flight
  • Familiarisation with paragliding equipment
  • Training slope exercises: inflation, take-off techniques, etc.
  • Tandem flight with an instructor to experience the thrill of flight
  • Personalised debriefing

Objective : Discover paragliding and decide if you want to go further

paragliding-school-south-of-France

Introductory course

700€

Who is it for?
Motivated beginners who want to learn to fly solo

Duration : 5 days (full week)

Programme :

  • Theory lessons: flight mechanics, aerology, weather conditions
  • Equipment control and preparation
  • Intensive slope training with radio supervision
  • Daily briefing sessions
  • Video debriefing after each flight
  • First high altitude flights
  • First solo flights at the end of the week

Objective : Make your first solo flights and learn the basics of flying

paragliding training course

Advanced training course

750€

Who is it for?
Autonomous pilots who want to progress technically

Duration 5 to 7 days

Prerequisites Valid FFVL licence, autonomous flying experience

Programme :

  •  Perfecting technique: active piloting, optimising trajectories
  • Calculating thermal and dynamic updrafts
  • Introduction to cross-country and distance flying
  • Advanced landing techniques
  • Video debriefing and analysis of your flights
  • Advanced aerology theory
  • Customised performance challenges

Objective : Fine-tune your piloting and prepare for long-distance flights

paragliding-prestige-06

Southern discovery course

800€

Who is it for? Pilots wishing to discover the flying sites of the south

Duration 5 days

Prerequisites : Autonomous flight experience

Programme :

  • Discover the flying sites: Gréolières, Gourdon, Roquebrune Cap Martin

  • Flying in different types of terrain (mountains, seaside)

  • Theoretical input adapted to local conditions

  • Site-specific safety management

  • Personalised flight plan every day

  • Support and advice for local pilots

Objective : Mastering the specific features of the Alpes-Maritimes flying sites

why us?

A FFVL approved school

FFVL Label 

Our school is affiliated to the Fédération Française de Vol Libre. This label guarantees :

A FFVL approved school

FFVL Label

✓ Approved paragliding equipment ✓ Civil liability insurance included ✓ Safety equipment up to standard ✓ Supervised practice in the field

Paragliding equipment :

All free flight equipment is provided by the school:

  • Latest-generation approved sails (Alpha 7, Mentor, Sigma)
  • Comfortable harnesses with rescue parachute
  • Approved helmets
  • Radio for air-ground communication
  • Equipment serviced every season

Free flight safety

Safety is our top priority:

  • Daily weather analysis before each session
  • Optimum instructor/student ratio (max 6 students per instructor)
  • Progression adapted to each individual's pace
  • Systematic safety briefings
  • Professional liability insurance
  • Checked and maintained equipment

Continuing education

We'll be with you every step of the way:

  • Personalised post-training follow-up
  • Advice on buying your first equipment
  • Access to the Ailéments club
  • Regular flight outings
  • Continuous improvement

SCHEDULE

Your first experience with us

Your first experience with us

For a first flight (tandem flight) :

  1. Book online or by telephone
  2. Meet at the take-off site (Gréolières or other PACA sites)
  3. Quick briefing with your pilot
  4. Take-off and flight (you don't have to manage anything, just enjoy!)
  5. Smooth landing
  6. Photos/videos of your flight

For a course (paragliding training) :

  1. Telephone call to define your objectives
  2. Rendez-vous at Gréolières on the first day (Alpes-Maritimes, PACA)
  3. Theoretical courses + daily practical work in the field
  4. Progression from training slope to long flights
  5. Video debriefing each evening
  6. First solo flights at the end of the course
OUR TESTIMONIALS

Real experiences, real memories, real adventures

More than 500 5-star reviews

COMMUNITY LIFE

More than a school, a community

Entertainment and events

✓ Regular club outings to the best sites around Nice ✓ Weekends discovering free flying sites ✓ Meetings between Nice pilots ✓ Sharing spots and local weather tips

Flexibility

✓ Flexible flight times depending on the weather in Nice ✓ A la carte courses depending on your availability ✓ Post-training follow-up for your first solo outings ✓ Personalised accompaniment to sites in the region

We're not a tourist factory. At Ailéments, every student counts. Our family-run school near Nice guarantees you personal attention and a friendly atmosphere. Welcome to the family of paragliding pilots in Nice!

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OUR FLIGHT SITES

Exceptional launch sites

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Gréolières

In the heart of the Parc Naturel des Préalpes d'Azur. An ideal training slope and breathtaking Alpine scenery. This is where most of our courses and introductory flights take place.

Gourdon paragliding

Gourdon

Perched village with panoramic views of the Côte d'Azur. A thermal site for refresher courses and cross-country flights.

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Roquebrune Cap Martin

Flying over the Mediterranean. Spectacular scenery between sea and mountains. For first-time paragliders and experienced pilots.

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Col de Bleyne

High altitude site for varied aerological conditions. Paragliding tours (walking and flying).

FAQ

Frequently asked questions about our paragliding school in Nice

Where is your paragliding school in relation to Nice?

Our Ailéments school is based in Gréolières, 45 minutes from Nice. We operate at the best hang-gliding sites in the Nice hinterland: Gréolières (45 min, our main site), Gourdon (50 min), Roquebrune Cap Martin (35 min). The site is chosen according to the weather and your level. All offer spectacular views over Nice and the Baie des Anges.

How long does it take from Nice to reach the flight sites? Journey time from Nice :

  • Gréolières: 45 min (main site, 700m ascent, view of the Baie des Anges)
  • Roquebrune Cap Martin: 35 min (spectacular sea views)
  • Gourdon: 50 min (Gorges du Loup, listed village) The roads are panoramic and part of the adventure! The most suitable site will be suggested to you depending on the weather and your level.

Journey time from Nice :

  • Gréolières: 45 min (main site, 700m ascent, view of the Baie des Anges)
  • Roquebrune Cap Martin: 35 min (spectacular sea views)
  • Gourdon: 50 min (Gorges du Loup, listed village) The roads are panoramic and part of the adventure! The most suitable site will be suggested to you depending on the weather and your level.

Yes, Ailéments is a FFVL (Fédération Française de Vol Libre) approved school. All our instructors are state-qualified (DEJEPS). Our structure guarantees approved equipment, liability insurance included, and compliance with free flight safety standards. We've been welcoming people from Nice since 2005.

Absolutely!

  • From Gréolières: exceptional panoramic views over the Baie des Anges, the Nice coastline, the Promenade des Anglais, the port and the airport.
  • From Roquebrune: direct view of the coast as far as Nice
  • On a clear day: all the way to Cap d'Antibes and beyond
  • Photos and videos of Nice from the sky available

Yes, all free flight equipment is provided:

  • Approved sails (Alpha 7, Mentor, Sigma)
  • Harnesses with rescue parachutes
  • Approved helmets
  • Communication radio
  • Equipment serviced by our partner Aerotech All you need to bring from Nice is closed-toe shoes and a jacket.

For first flights: from age 4 (Child Flight package)
For training courses: from age 12
No maximum age if physical condition permits
Minors must be accompanied by a legal guardian.
Perfect for a family outing from Nice!

For two-seater flights (first flights): 90 kg maximum
For training courses: there is no strict limit, the equipment will be adapted to your size.
Close to the limit? Contact us to discuss

  • Discovery course: 1 day at Gréolières (initiation)
  • Introductory course: 5 days (solid foundations)
  • Advanced training: 5-day multi-site course
  • Full pilot licence training: 10-15 days over several months
  • The Nice hinterland offers exceptional conditions:

    • Spring (March-June): steady updrafts, ideal temperature
    • Summer: early morning flights, maximum visibility over Nice
    • Autumn (September-November): stable conditions, golden light
    • Winter: sunny days, unobstructed views over the Baie des Anges More than 250 flying days a year in our region!

Yes, there are several options:

  • Car-pooling between students in Nice (we make it easy to get in touch)
  • Meeting point in Nice for group departures
  • Free parking at launch sites
  • Accommodation available in the hinterland if you prefer to stay on site

No, paragliding is accessible to everyone:

  • For baptisms: no physical condition required
  • For courses: ability to run a few metres on take-off
  • No previous sporting experience necessary
  • The journey from Nice (45 min) is easy and scenic

We do not offer accommodation directly, but we can recommend :

  • Gîtes in Gréolières and surrounding villages (on site)
  • Hotels in Vence (30 min from Gréolières, 25 min from Nice)
  • Campsites in the Pre-Alps
  • Daily return service from Nice (45 min)

Our weather policy :

  • Free rescheduling to a date of your choice
  • No costs to be advanced until the theft has taken place
  • Confirmation or postponement by SMS the day before
  • In our region, there are more than 250 flying days a year
  • Conditions that cannot be flown: strong winds, thunderstorms, rain

Book with Ailéments

Ready to join our paragliding school in Nice?

Book your training course or your first flight experience. Just 45 minutes from Nice, learn to free-fly with state-qualified instructors at Gréolières, Gourdon and Roquebrune, overlooking the Baie des Anges.