Take the controls: tandem paragliding **piloting** experience at Planpraz Brévent
Description
The piloting experience at Planpraz-Brévent is designed for those who want to go beyond simply being a passenger. Under the supervision of your state-certified instructor, you take the controls of the paraglider and learn the basics of steering. A unique experience that gives you a taste of total freedom.
This initiation flight of 15 to 25 minutes from 2050m familiarises you with the sensations of piloting while enjoying the exceptional view over the Mont Blanc massif. Total activity duration: approximately one hour.
Practical information
Accessibility
Accessible to everyone from age 4, with no upper age limit. Passengers weighing less than 45 kg or more than 85–90 kg must inform us at the time of booking.
This is an ideal gift voucher flight.
Flight period
Summer – Autumn: 13 June to 20 September, 17 October to 1 November
Winter – Spring: 12 December to 18 April.
Equipment
In summer: windbreaker, trousers, sports shoes, sunglasses.
In winter: ankle boots or après-ski boots, warm clothing. Ski boots not recommended.
Bring your phone so we can find each other easily and to transfer your photos and videos.
No helmet or backpack needed.
Meeting point
Meet at the foot of the Planpraz Brévent gondola, opposite the ticket offices. Accessible on foot from the centre of Chamonix or by car (Brévent car park). Please purchase your ski lift 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
Why paraglide in Chamonix?
Flying is wonderful. Flying in this panorama is truly exceptional — one of the most beautiful paragliding sites in the world.
The in-flight views are breathtakingly beautiful.
There is something for everyone! Children, adults, seniors, athletes, thrill-seekers, adrenaline hunters, or simply those looking to enjoy the flight closest to nature and the view: a timeless moment, calm and contemplative.
We never run out of reasons to fly in Chamonix.
Take-off and access to the launch site are easy.
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.
What qualifications and insurance do the instructors have?
All our instructors hold a State diploma. They have extensive experience flying solo and tandem paragliding in Chamonix and around the world.
They hold aerial civil liability insurance.
And most importantly, they fly with you and are all parents themselves — so they take care of themselves and of you!
We hold the quality label of the French Free Flight Federation. All our wings are equipped with a reserve parachute and passenger airbag.
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.
