Grenoble lies squeezed into a valley in the foothills of the French Alps. It is an ancient and beautiful city surrounded by mountain peaks, which acts as the jumping-off point for skiers and snowboarders heading to resorts such as Courchevel and Alpe d’Huez. But, as with anywhere there are mountains, skiing is not Grenoble’s only sporting attraction. It is a great place for paragliders to get flying: colourful wings are a common site in the Grenoble sky.
There is plenty of choice of starting points for paragliders around Grenoble. One of the most popular is the village of Saint Hilare du Touvet, just outside the city. A funicular takes you up the mountain to the take-off point, where you can fly over the valley both winter and summer. In winter, Saint Hilare is a small ski resort, and an easy place to enjoy flying over the snow. It also hosts the Coupe Icare festival of flight every September: look out for paragliders flying in fancy dress! Saint Hilare is a great all-round place to fly from, with the opportunity to get some good cross country flying in, as well as generally beginner-friendly conditions.
Another popular nearby site is Collet d’Allevard. Like St Hilare, it’s a year-round site. Take the ski lift up the mountain, and soar over green fields or snow-covered slopes. In the right wind, you’ll be able to stay in the air for hours, with good cross-country opportunities for those with the skills.
Everywhere you travel in the hills around Grenoble you’ll find places to fly. The region has fantastic conditions for paragliders from beginner to expert. It’s also easy to combine a Grenoble paragliding trip with other sports, from skiing to hiking. Grenoble is a real adventurers’ destination.
