Paragliding Bouches-du-Rhône

Paragliding Bouches-du-Rhône the spot Gréolières

Paragliding in the Bouches-du-Rhône? All Marseillais know about it. Gréolières, the benchmark site just 1 hour 45 minutes from Marseille. School certified by the FFVL since 2013, exceptional altitude gain of over 1,000 m. Taster sessions from 100 €.

  • From €100
  • 1 hour 45 minutes from Marseille
  • Elevation gain +1,000 m
  • +1070 reviews ★★★★★
Tandem paragliding flight over a sea of clouds at Gréolières, the leading spot in the Bouches-du-Rhône region with Ailéments 13 → Gréolières
  • The spotGréolières · 1,800 m
  • Marseille1h45 · Aix 1h30
  • Flight from100 € · Child Fare
  • Flights/day+250 days
  • AgeFrom 4 years old · courses from 12

For the paragliding in Bouches-du-Rhône, Gréolières has established itself as THE must-visit site. Just 1 hour 45 minutes from Marseille and 1 hour 30 minutes from Aix-en-Provence, this exceptional spot has been attracting residents of the 13th arrondissement for nearly 20 years.

The conditions there are exceptional all year round: over 250 flight days, Perfect south-facing exposure, sea-breeze and mountain winds creating powerful thermals in spring and autumn.

Gréolières offers all levels on one site : secure school slope for beginners, large flight take-offs for progression towards your licence. And the scenic route is part of the experience — carpooling made easy between Marseillais.

Specifically, from the Bouches-du-Rhône, the baptism can be done in a single day: 1h20 to 1h45 drive, 2 to 3 hours on site, and the return in the evening with a head full of memories. On site, it involves over 1,000m of elevation gain and flights of 10 to 60 minutes over scenery unknown to coastal Provence – a true escape at altitude, accessible by motorway.

This guide : why Gréolières, the formulas, how it works, who we are, and the full FAQ.

Tandem paragliding flight (Gréolières) with sea views for residents of Marseille (Ailéments)
The spot

Gréolières, the place to be in the 13th arrondissement

To be completely transparent: the slopes in the 13th arrondissement have a maximum vertical drop of 200–300 metres. This is why people from Marseille head up to Gréolières.

The elevation change that changes everything

Gréolières (1,800 m)

over 1,000m of elevation gain — Cannot be found this close to Marseille. Long flights, guaranteed thrills, exceptional conditions all year round.

A complete website Safe school slope + take-off for long flights, from the first flight to a pilot's licence.

Available from the 13th

From the whole department

Marseille 1h45 · Aix-en-Provence 1h30 · Martigues 1h30 · Salon-de-Provence 1h20.

Scenic route through the hinterland, carpooling made easy Among Marseilles students, free parking on site.

  • Perfect southern exposure a sea-mountain breeze: powerful thermal currents in spring and autumn
  • +250 flying days per year — much more reliable than the 13 websites
  • Easy day trip for a baptism2-3 hours on site)
  • Panorama Mediterranean-Mercantour and perched villages of the Pre-Alps

Beyond the figures, it's the experience that changes everything: from the 13th, we leave the coves and the mistral wind to discover, an hour and a half later, a gentle and silent mountain. The flight lasts from 10 to 60 minutes depending on the package, supervised by instructors who have been practising on this site for almost twenty years and know every thermal current. A high-altitude interlude that always surprises those who didn't imagine Provence to be so vertical.

From an organisational perspective, everything is geared towards the 13th: morning slots (smoother routes, calmer air), confirmation the day before by SMS to avoid riding for nothing, and free rescheduling in case of unpredictable weather. Families with children from aged 4, couples, groups of friends or stag and hen parties: everyone can find their ideal option, and groups benefit from dedicated slots.

We welcome enthusiasts from all over the department — Marseillais, of course, but also residents from Cassis or La Ciotat. And since the road crosses the interior Grassois, many take the opportunity to stop off along the way: a hilltop village, the Gorges du Loup, or a canyoning adventure to round off the flight and make for a day packed with thrills.

In flight

Gréolières seen from the air

What awaits the Marseillais upon arrival: an overview of the flight over the reference spot. Souvenir video option available (+30 €), included in the Prestige flight.

Upon arrival, the spectacle is complete: beneath the wing, the ridges of Cheiron, the Loup valley, and, in the distance, the Mediterranean Sea drift by. The onboard camera, held by your instructor, captures the big jump, the turns above the landscape, and the gentle landing. An HD memento to relive and share – the best answer to offer those who stayed behind in Marseille and ask how it was.

Our formulas

Our flight packages near Bouches-du-Rhône

From gentle child fares to long-haul premium flights, a formula for baptism For every craving. Identical prices regardless of your home county.

Child flight

10-15 mins · Ages 4+

100 €
Book

Ascending flight

20-30 min · All audiences

140 €
Book

Para and Canyon Combo

A day · 2 activities

190 € /pers
Book

Prestige flight

45-60 min · Video included

250 €
Book
Walk & Fly 200 € Educational flight 250 € Paragliding on skis 100 € Video option +30 €

Regarding formulas, the choice is wide and the price is the same regardless of your department. Child flight (morning, from 4 years old) for a reassuring first time; the Ascending flight, best-seller, for ascendant and sensation; the Educational flight and the Walk & Fly to get started with flying; the Paragliding on skis winter since Gréolières 1400; and the Prestige flight, Long-term, 4K video included. Approved equipment, state-certified monitor, and insurance always included.

D-Day

How does a paragliding flight near the Bouches-du-Rhône take place?

A simple and reassuring route, supervised from start to finish by your State-qualified instructor. SMS the day before – essential to avoid travelling for nothing since the 13th.

Confirmation the day before

Text message with the GPS coordinates of the meeting point at Gréolières and the schedule, subject to weather conditions.

Journey & carpooling

1 hour 20 minutes to 1 hour 45 minutes depending on your town. Meeting point on the motorway possible for a group departure.

Briefing & equipment

Safety instructions, harness, helmet. A few running steps into the wind and you are flying.

Take-off & landing

20 to 60 mins depending on the formula, then gently dropped off at the school gates.

Once in the air, you set the pace: take control a moment, to ask for acrobatics, or simply to enjoy the calm and the view. The instructor concludes with a debrief and gives you the video if you chose it. No preparation is necessary – a few running steps at take-off are sufficient – and the flight adapts to everyone, from the most cautious to the most playful.

We fly Gréolières almost all year round. Spring and autumn offer the most consistent thermals; in summer, we fly early in the morning; and winter brings sunny days with exceptional visibility. Your flight slot is confirmed the day before by text message — essential if you’re coming from the 13th arrondissement, so you never make the journey for nothing — and rescheduling is free: you only pay for your flight once you’ve landed.

For a first tandem flight, especially after a one-and-a-half-hour drive, it's natural to have a few questions – and that's perfectly normal. No experience is required: the instructor takes care of everything, from folding the wing to choosing the moment to take off. All you have to do is run a few metres into the wind, then sit back comfortably in the harness while the wing carries you. Children from the age of 4, people prone to dizziness (the sensation of paragliding is nothing like being on a balcony), and thrill-seeking athletes will all find something for them. And if the weather takes a turn for the worse the day before, a simple text message is all it takes to reschedule your appointment, free of charge and stress – allowing you to approach the day with a light heart, even if you've travelled a long way. In fact, the hardest part is finding a date in your diary – and, once you're in the air, being willing to come back down.

Who are we?

Gréolières’s partner school since 2013

Not a tourist trap : Ailéments is a family-run school certified by the FFVL, based at Gréolières for over 10 years, right by the landing area. State-certified DEJEPS instructors who know the site inside out, equipment serviced by Aerotech.

Over 6,000 volumes completed without serious accident, +1070 5/5 reviews. Free weather report, payment on-site after the activity, no upfront fees.

Do you have a question? Contact us you call the 06 87 68 71 90.

Book my flight
DEJEPS Ailéments instructor on a tandem paragliding flight with a Gréolières for people from Marseille
Offer

Paragliding gift voucher for the 13th

Offer a paragliding gift voucher Valid for 12 months, the recipient chooses their date, usable with all packages. Ideal for a birthday, Christmas or a EVJF/EVG.

Do you have a question? Contact us.

Order a gift voucher
Paragliding introductory experience gift voucher, Bouches-du-Rhône Ailéments
FAQ

Frequently asked questions about paragliding in the 13

The spot, journeys, round trip, carpooling, age, price, internships, equipment, weather, video.

Where can you paraglide in Bouches-du-Rhône?

Gréolières, the benchmark site: 1h45 of Marseille, 1h30 from Aix. over 1,000m of elevation gain, all levels, all year round.

Why Gréolières for paragliding in the Bouches-du-Rhône?

over 1,000m of elevation gain unobtainable this close to Marseille, exceptional conditions all year round, site suitable for all levels from beginner to advanced — local school since 2013.

Are there paragliding sites directly in the Bouches-du-Rhône?

Some, but with limited elevation gain (200-300 m). For long flights and real progress: Gréolières.

How long does it take to fly from Marseille to Gréolières?

Marseille: 1h45 · Aix-en-Provence: 1h30 · Martigues: 1h30 · Salon-de-Provence: 1h20. Scenic route through the hinterland.

Can we do a day trip?

Yes, easily: a christening takes 2-3 hours on site. For a 5-day course: daily return travel is an option, or accommodation in the hinterland.

Can one carpool from Marseille?

Yes: easier contact between pupils in Marseille, Motorway meeting point For group departures, free parking at Gréolières. Active Marseille community.

At what age can you start paragliding?

Christenings from 4 years (Child flight), courses for those aged 12 and over. Minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Details: Minimum age for paragliding.

How much does a first paragliding flight from Marseille cost?

Child flight 100 €, Ascending flight £140 (best-seller), Prestige flight €250 (video included), combo €190 per person. Equipment provided.

How long does a paragliding course at Gréolières last?

Discover 1 day (€260), Initiation 5 days (€700), Further training 5 days (£750), up to certification. See the paragliding courses in the PACA region.

Is paragliding equipment provided?

Yes, everything: certified paragliders, harnesses with reserve parachutes, helmets. Service. Aerotech. Please wear closed-toe shoes and a jacket.

What happens if the weather is bad?

Free deferral on a date of your choice, no charge. SMS the day before - essential to avoid an unnecessary trip from the 13th.

Can I film my paragliding flight?

Yes, option GoPro video + €30 (included in the Prestige Flight): take-off, views of the Mediterranean (Mercantour), landing.

In summary

The essentials of paragliding in the Bouches-du-Rhône

4 key points for residents of the 13th arrondissement.

  1. 1

    Gréolières · The highlight of the 13th

    over 1,000m of elevation gain Not found anywhere near Marseille, over 250 flyable days, a training slope and long flights all at a single site.

  2. 2

    1h20 to 1h45 · same-day round trip

    Marseille 1h45, Aix 1h30, Salon 1h20. First descent = 2-3h on site. Car-sharing made easy between Marseillais.

  3. 3

    From €100 · Courses from €260

    Child flight 100 €, Ascendant 140 € ★, Prestige 250 €. Full training up to the certificate.

  4. 4

    FFVL (French Federation of Free Flight) School at the landing site

    DEJEPS instructors, +6,000 flights without serious accident. Text message the day before: never travel for nothing.

OUR TESTIMONIALS

Real experiences, real memories, real adventures

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Harley Hillier profile picture
Harley Hillier
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Would recommend, was good fun and the instructor was very funny.
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Laurent Roussel profile picture
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 profile picture
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 profile picture
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 profile picture
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 profile picture
Chloé DESBOIS
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Une expérience inoubliable avec une équipe incroyable !
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Valentin Vermeirsche profile picture
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 profile picture
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 profile picture
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 profile picture
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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THE SITES

Where can you go paragliding near Bouches-du-Rhône?

  • Alpes-Maritimes (06)