Leighton is a keen paraglider pilot, and has been flying paragliders since 1997.
In fact, his love of paragliding was one of the principal reasons why he first moved to Chamonix in 1999.
So, Leighton can help you - or bore you to tears - whether you want to:
- try paragliding for the first time on a tandem flight
- learn to fly on a course at one of the local schools
- get some local advice on the nearby flying sites
- go on a paragliding holiday in Chamonix with retrieve support
Tandem Paragliding
Details on tandem flights are located here.
Learn to Paraglide
Chamonix is one of the best places in France to learn to fly paragliders.
There are over 5 schools within the local area, including the biggest paragliding school in France just down the road.
There are a number of ways you can learn:
- one-on-one instruction with tandem flights is one of the fastest ways - consequently it costs a little more
- group tuition on a five day course.
The first course costs approximately 500 euros and will take you from complete newbie to your first big solo flight under radio instruction lasting 10 or 15 minutes. As well as the practical site, you will learn air law, meteorology, flight theory, etc.
It normally takes two weeks to complete the two courses that take you from absolute beginner to autonomous pilot.
Already a pilot?
If you have never flown in Chamonix or the Alps before, then you may be quite eager to find out the best places to fly from, etc.
Chamonix has a reputation for strong conditions, but with the right advice you can be sure to stay safe.
The local club, the Gratte Ciel, produces an excellent guide which we strongly recommend.
We have lots of take-offs: both in the Valley, and some amazing sites just a short drive away.
- Plan Praz
- Plan d'Aiguille
- Aiguille du Midi
- Grands Montets
- Prarion
- Plaine Joux
- Agy
- Annecy
- Grand Bornand
- Contamines
New for 2011 - Paragliding holidays
We are now offering paragliding holidays with organised trips to the local sites of Chamonix and the French Alps, and retrieve support for your cross-country flights in the area while you stay at Maison Jaune.
Click for full details on our paragliding holidays in Chamonix and the French Alps
