Paragliding at Saint-Hilaire — Your Base Camp in the French Alps
Saint-Hilaire-du-Touvet has been at the heart of French paragliding for decades. Every September, the world-famous Coupe Icare draws thousands of pilots and enthusiasts to celebrate the spirit of free flight. But year-round, Saint-Hilaire thrives as a bustling free flight community, where pilots of all levels—flying acro, soaring cliffs for the first time, or tackling big XC flights—gather to fly and share their passion.
Paragliding at Saint-Hilaire-du-Touvet is unlike anywhere else in the French Alps. This plateau above Grenoble sits at the junction of four major massifs, flies more days per year than almost any other site in the region, and has been at the heart of free flight since the very first hang glider launched here in 1974. Saint Hil’Airbase is your English-speaking guide to everything paragliding Saint-Hilaire has to offer.
A Rich History
Saint-Hilaire has been a cradle of free flight since 1974 — the same year the Coupe Icare was born. Paragliding joined the scene in 1986, with Saint-Hilaire hosting the first French national event and welcoming the opening of Prevol Parapente in the same year. Every September, the Coupe Icare transforms the plateau into the world's greatest free flight festival, drawing pilots and enthusiasts from every continent.
Want to know the full story? Read the history of paragliding at Saint-Hilaire →
Paragliding Saint-Hilaire — What's On Offer
Whether you're a first-timer looking for a tandem flight above the Chartreuse or an experienced XC pilot planning a week of coaching, Saint-Hilaire has something for every level.
Tandem flights — Four flights available from €75, operated by Prevol Parapente, the school that has been flying this site since 1986. No experience needed.
XC flying — One of the best cross-country launchpads in the Alps, with routes connecting to Belledonne, the Bauges, the Vercors and beyond. Club records north of 300 km.
Coaching & clinics — English-speaking instructors available for day coaching and week-long XC clinics throughout the season.
Gear & checks — Wingshop has been providing paraglider inspections and repairs on the plateau since 2004.
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