Closest to the summit of Europe: paragliding from **the Aiguille du Midi** at 3842m
Description
Paragliding from the Aiguille du Midi is a one-of-a-kind experience in the world. Taking off from 3842m altitude, you will soar directly above the glaciers of Mont Blanc for an exceptional flight of 30 to 50 minutes. The plunging view over the Bossons glacier, the Géant glacier and the Mer de Glace will leave you speechless.
Accessible by cable car from the centre of Chamonix, this flight offers a vertical drop of over 2800m. Soaring over the seracs and glacial walls will transport you into a mineral and grandiose universe — an experience very few people ever have the chance to live. Total duration: approximately three hours.
Practical information
Accessibility
Accessible to adults and children from age 15. Due to the altitude (3842m), excellent physical fitness is required. Experience in paragliding and high-altitude mountain activities is advised. Weight between 45 and 85 kg.
This flight is not available as a gift voucher, as flying from the Aiguille du Midi is very rare due to weather and glacial conditions.
Flight period
Spring – Summer: February to June
Autumn: September, sometimes October
This site is prohibited in July and August.
Equipment
Bring warm clothing suitable for high-altitude mountain conditions: insulated jacket, hat, gloves, mountaineering boots and crampons. Summit temperatures can reach -20°C even in summer. Sunglasses or ski goggles are essential.
Meeting point
Meet at the foot of the Aiguille du Midi cable car. Accessible from the centre of Chamonix (car park nearby). Please purchase your cable car ticket before meeting us.
Our qualified instructors
Lionel Pouzadoux
Lionel is a high mountain guide and paragliding instructor. A seasoned alpinist, excellent climber and exceptional paragliding pilot, he leads all our extraordinary expeditions — including the paragliding landing on the summit of Mont Blanc in 2009. He is the expert of the Mont Blanc massif. He will share his passion for paragliding and his mountains with warmth and good humour.
Gérald
Paragliding instructor with 25 years of experience. In love with wide open spaces and freedom, he sailed extensively in the tropics before making a home on Réunion Island. Flying, kitesurfing, sailing — he always has a little wind in his sails. He dropped anchor in Chamonix to enjoy wild nature and share his passion for paragliding. He radiates calm and serenity. Pleasure, kindness and safety are his values.
Caroline Brille
Caroline has 34 years of experience in paragliding. She is a high-level competitive athlete with an exceptional track record: 15 podiums in the Paragliding World Cup, French Champion 5 consecutive years and World Vice-Champion in team paragliding. She is the first woman to have landed by paraglider on the summit of Mont Blanc. She takes care of you like family, and loves sharing her knowledge of the Chamonix valley and its wildlife. She is passionate about showing that flying is easy, gentle and accessible — just like the birds.
Arnaud
36 years of experience, sports teacher, instructor trainer, youth team coach for the French national team and league. Former French team member. Mental performance coach. Highly skilled, but what drives him is sharing his passion with kindness and pedagogy. You will have an excellent time in his company.
Florian
The sky has been his playground since the age of 12. Multiple French champion and international acrobatics competitor, he lives paragliding to the fullest. In his company, every flight becomes a unique experience. Looking for thrills? He will show you flight from a completely different angle… literally — including flying upside down. Want something gentle? He also knows how to offer a fluid, contemplative moment facing the scenery. Precise, attentive and pedagogical, he will adapt every flight to your wishes to give you far more than a simple experience: an unforgettable memory.
Gaby
Gaby... always with an infectious good mood. Paragliding and ski instructor. Yoga teacher. French speed riding champion. Always in the mountains — flying, skiing or climbing… but not only: there is also water… and yoga, her guiding thread. Original, caring and relaxed — she is the best person to get nervous passengers into the air.
Nicolas
Nicolas is a ski instructor in winter and paragliding instructor in summer. A Chamonix native of Corsican origin, there isn't a corner of the valley he hasn't explored on skis or in the air. The eternal rider of everything that glides! The most experienced member of our team, he flies as naturally as he breathes. Nobody is better at building confidence.
Sandie
Sandie is the most decorated champion. World, European and French champion. Over 36 years of experience around the world and in the Mont Blanc massif. Teaching is one of her greatest qualities. Between excellence, passion and kindness, you will be in excellent company.
What they thought
Frequently asked questions
What happens if the weather is unfavorable?
Sometimes weather conditions do not allow us to fly safely. If we know in advance (the day before, for example), we will contact you. Conditions can also change during the day, forcing us to cancel. If you are unable to reschedule, we will issue a full refund.
We do not refund gift vouchers — they are valid for one year.
If we have not contacted you, your flight is going ahead as planned, and we ask that you come to the meeting point as agreed.
Can I bring a camera?
Yes, you can bring a camera or your phone. It is your responsibility.
It must be secured so it cannot fall.
We fly over the town, so we cannot risk injuring anyone.
We offer an in-air photo and video service. We are used to filming you in this magnificent panorama. This allows you to fully enjoy your flight. You will leave with beautiful souvenir images. We transfer them directly to your phone, or to an SD card if you don't have enough storage on your phone.
What is the weight limit?
Depending on the site chosen and the conditions, weight matters.
For Planpraz and Plan de l'Aiguille, we can fly passengers under 45 kg and over 90 kg if informed in advance. We will choose a suitable time slot.
For high-altitude and long-distance flights, it is preferable to weigh less than 90 kg, with exceptions.
Flights with our female champions are limited to 85 kg
The maximum authorised weight is 120 kg fully dressed — the certification limit for our harnesses and insurance.
Weight is not the only factor — we also take the passenger's fitness level into account. For example, it is quite manageable to take off with a 110 kg rugby player at Planpraz.
Where is the best spot for companions?
We recommend that companions wait at the landing area.
It is great for them and for you to be welcomed upon landing. They will be there to share your first impressions and see the size of your smile! Ask them to come to the meeting point with you — the landing zone is not far. We will tell them who you are flying with and the colour of the wing to spot you in the sky.
They can also accompany you to the take-off, in which case they will need a return ticket for the chosen site.
