Does Pierrot's past as a circus performer bring anything to teaching?

Enormously. 10 years teaching circus arts equals precise movement, balance, and stress management pedagogy. With paragliding, that's exactly it: posture, fluidity, anticipation. Pierrot breaks down movements like a sports coach, not just a pilot. Result: quicker and safer progression.

The Ailéments team

Paragliding and canyoning instructors in Alpes-Maritimes

Q: Why fly with a monitor who is also a paragliding technician?

Double safety. As the founder of Aerotech, Pierre-Yves has a thorough understanding of a wing’s internal condition: porosity, lines, and seams. This makes all the difference when it comes to teaching: he immediately spots any unusual behaviour in flight and knows exactly what to check. You’re flying with someone who understands your equipment inside out.

Q: How many people are there per monitor?

Tandem flights: one person at a time (for safety reasons). Paragliding courses: maximum eight students per instructor. Canyoning: maximum eight people per guide. We refuse to overload groups, even during peak season. Quality over quantity.

Q: Who is really supervising my flight or outing?

99 %: you’ll be dealing directly with Pierrot or Pierre-Yves. During the peak season (July–August), we may call on partner instructors (who are also DEJEPS-qualified), but we always supervise. You’ll never be left in the care of someone we don’t know personally.

State-qualified instructors with a passion for the mountains. Pierrot (DEJEPS in paragliding and canyoning, 19 years’ experience) will guide you on paragliding and canyoning trips. Pierre-Yves (BEES in paragliding, a pilot since the age of 10) will guide you on paragliding trips. Based in Gréolières and Nice.

Book your adventure Gift voucher

State Diplomas (DEJEPS & BEES)
+1070 5-star reviews
Based in Gréolières
FFVL approved school

Ailéments paragliding and canyoning instructors on a tandem flight over the Alpes-Maritimes

The team2 founding instructors
DegreesDEJEPS · BEES · FFVL Paracheck®
BaseGréolières & Nice
ExperienceVol libre and canyoning
Trust+1070 reviews ★★★★★

Your monitors

Pierrot & Pierre-Yves: in good hands

More than just a school, Ailéments is, above all, a story of shared passion. Pierrot and Pierre-Yves, long-time friends and flying partners, have built this venture on a foundation of simple values: technical excellence, respect for nature and a warm welcome.

Pierrot

DEJEPS Free Flight & Canyoning

Partner Aerotech · Founder Ailéments

DEJEPS Free Flight
DEJEPS Canyoning
19 years of experience
Canyoning guide since 2014
Professional circus artist
Over 15 years of teaching

Specialities : two-seater flight, initialisation, sporty canyons, cross-country, sports pedagogy.

In a nutshell: I have always been passionate about the mountains and sharing my knowledge. My background as a circus artist and sports instructor has taught me pedagogical rigour, precision of movement and body control in space. These skills lie at the heart of my teaching method for paragliding and canyoning: technical progression, stress management and listening to your body. An expert in Mediterranean conditions (thermals, breezes, terrain). Based in Gréolières, I share my passion with a blend of rigour and kindness. An experienced instructor and pilot, with several thousand flights and descents under my belt. The aim: to have fun safely; learning is all about play.

Pierre-Yves

BEES Free Flight

Partner Ailéments · Founder Aerotech

BEES Free Flight
Paracheck® FFVL
31 years of free flying
3000+ tandem flights
Founder of Aerotech
Aircraft maintenance

Specialities : Two-seater flight, paragliding technical review, aerodynamics, material safety.

In a nutshell: A unique dual expertise: paragliding instructor and workshop technician. As the founder of Aerotech, I combine practical flying experience with in-depth knowledge of the equipment (aerodynamics, maintenance, safety). This dual expertise allows me to teach with a comprehensive technical understanding: I understand both how a wing behaves in flight and its internal structure. Expert in local sites (Gréolières, Gourdon) and Mediterranean conditions. My philosophy: maximum safety and guaranteed enjoyment, from adjusting your harness to your first flight.

Our state of mind

The Ailéments team: passion, expertise and conviviality

Based in Gréolières, we live in tune with the Mediterranean mountains. Every flight, every canyon descent is a privilege for us. Sharing this passion in a friendly and safe environment is what drives us every day. As professionals with high standards when it comes to safety and teaching, we are, above all, nature lovers who enjoy sharing a friendly moment after a flight or over a picnic in the canyon. At Ailéments, you’re not just another customer: you’re joining a community of enthusiasts.

Security

Technical requirement

State-qualified, continually trained, we never compromise on safety. The hardware mastery Aerotech, manufactured in our own workshop, guarantees wings that have been inspected internally.

Terrain

Site knowledge

Gréolières, Gourdon, Col de Bleine, Gorges du Loup, Clue d'Aiglun: we fly and descend onto our sites 200 days a year. We know every thermal, every water current.

Friendliness

A community

Ready to fly with us? Discover our upward flights (our best-seller), our releases Canyoning at Gour du Ray, or offer the adventure with a gift voucher.

FAQ

Questions about your monitors

Qualifications, safety, group sizes, locations, supervision: everything you need to know before flying with us.

Why fly with a monitor who is also a paragliding technician?

Double security. As the founder of Aerotech, Pierre-Yves has a thorough understanding of a wing’s internal condition: porosity, lines, and seams. This makes all the difference when it comes to teaching: he immediately spots any abnormal behaviour in flight and knows exactly what to check.

You are flying with someone who understands your material from the inside. See our Paragliding workshop.

Does Pierrot's former life as a circus performer add anything?

Enormously. 10 years of teaching circus arts means teaching precise gesture, balance and stress management. In paragliding, it's exactly that: posture, fluidity, anticipation.

Pierrot breaks down the movements like a sports coach, not just like a driver. Result: faster and safer progression, ideal in Paragliding.

How many people are there per monitor?

Tandem flight: One person at a time (for safety). Paragliding course : 8 pupils max per instructor. Canyoning : 8 people max per guide.

We refuse to overcrowd groups, even during peak season. Quality over quantity.

Do you really know paragliding and canyoning sites well?

We’ve been living here for over 20 years and we fly or hike for 200 days or more a year. Gréolières, Gourdon, Col de Bleine, Gorges du Loup, Clue d'Aiglun: we know every thermal, every watercourse, every rock.

We’d never take you to a site we don’t know inside out. It’s our everyday playground, not just a catalogue.

Who is really supervising my flight or outing?

99 % – just ring Pierrot or Pierre-Yves directly. During peak season (July-August), we can call on partner instructors (DEJEPS also), but we always supervise.

You will never be entrusted to someone you don't know personally.

We are waiting for you

Meet Pierrot and Pierre-Yves in the mountains

We take the time to chat with you to understand your expectations and help you choose the perfect option. Paragliding or canyoning? We look forward to seeing you at Gréolières!

Offer the adventure

A good gift to get your loved ones flying

Offer a paragliding flight to your loved ones! Our gift vouchers are available online, valid for 12 months, with the option of personalisation.

Cancellation : Free up to one week before the flight. Free deferral In case of adverse weather. Any questions? Contact us.

Book my adventure

Paragliding flight with an instructor (Ailéments to Gréolières)

In summary

Why fly with the Ailéments team

4 reasons to trust us for your first experience.

1
Two state-certified monitors
PierrotDEJEPS (Paragliding & canyoning) and Pierre-Yves (BEES (free flight). You are supervised by the founders themselves, not by seasonal staff.
2
Unique hardware expertise
Pierre-Yves is the founder of'Aerotech, FFVL Paracheck® certified repair workshop. You fly with equipment inspected internally.
3
Voluntarily reduced groups
One person per tandem flight, 8 maximum per instructor in stages or canyon. Quality over quantity, even in peak season.
4
+1070 5-star reviews
A Community of enthusiasts who spends 200 days a year in the Mediterranean mountains, at Gréolières and in the Nice hinterland.

OUR TESTIMONIALS

Real experiences, real memories, real adventures

      EXCELLENT  
   Based on 630 reviews 
    
 
 
 
   
 
 
       Posted on Google  
   
   Harley Hillier 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Would recommend, was good fun and the instructor was very funny.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Laurent Roussel 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Une très bonne agréable surprise pour mon enfant de 13 ans qui a kiffé son vol. Encadrement et prestation au top. Je recommande
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Delphine Pillon 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 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 ! ❤️
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Vincent Cesaro 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 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 !
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Melanie Tydlitat 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 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!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Chloé DESBOIS 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Une expérience inoubliable avec une équipe incroyable !
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Valentin Vermeirsche 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 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 ! 🪂🌊
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Alexandre Dnf 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 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 % !
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   jcg 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 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.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   John Bee 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 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 ✌️
  
 
  
  
 
     Verified by Trustindex  Trustindex verified badge is the Universal Symbol of Trust. Only the greatest companies can get the verified badge who has a review score above 4.5, based on customer reviews over the past 12 months. Read more