Tandem Paragliding Saint-Hilaire — Book Your Flight Above the French Alps

Tandem paragliding at Saint-Hilaire is one of the most memorable ways to experience the French Alps. With 700m of vertical drop, four massifs on the horizon, and a site that flies more days per year than almost anywhere else in the region, a tandem paragliding flight from Saint-Hilaire delivers every time. Our partner, Prevol Parapente, has been operating here since 1986 — choose your flight below.

Choose Your Tandem Paragliding Flight

Discovery — calm and contemplative

The perfect introduction to paragliding. Your pilot takes you off the North launch in the calm morning air, glides you along the cliffs above the plateau, and brings you in smoothly to the landing at Lumbin. No drama, no aerobatics — just the extraordinary feeling of floating above one of the most beautiful valleys in the Alps. You might even spot a chamois on the way down.

Best for: first-timers, anyone wanting a calm, scenic experience, those who prefer gentle over intense.
When: morning slots — 9h to 11h, and again at 16h45.
Weight limit: 100kg max.

€85 — 10 to 15 minutes

Evasion — for a little more

A step up from Discovery. Your pilot reads the conditions and tailors the flight to what you want — whether that’s taking the controls yourself for a few minutes, feeling a bit of centrifugal force through a gentle manoeuvre, or simply staying up a little longer when the air is good. As a result, it’s the most popular option for a reason.

Best for: anyone who wants more than a sightseeing glide, curious pilots-in-the-making.
When: 11h to 15h45.
Weight limit: 100kg max.

€105 — 15 to 20 minutes

Performance — the long one

This is where it gets serious — in the best possible way. Your pilot takes you into the thermals, teaches you how they work, and uses them to stay up for a proper cross-country flight. As a result, you’ll cover real distance above the Chartreuse, with views that stretch from the Vercors to Belledonne and beyond. Available March to September only, when the thermal conditions are right.

Best for: those who want a full alpine flying experience, anyone curious about how XC flying actually works.
When: 12h15 to 14h45. March to September only.
Weight limit: 100kg max.

€170 — around 40 to 45 minutes

Kid — under 12s

Designed for children aged 6 to 12. Morning slots only, when the air is at its calmest. Your pilot is used to flying with kids and will adapt the whole experience to what your child wants — whether that’s wide eyes and silence, or a hundred questions on the way down.

Best for: children aged 6 to 12.
When: morning only — 8h to 10h. Calm conditions guaranteed.

€75 — 10 to 15 minutes

Your first flight above the French Alps starts here.

Tandem flights at Saint-Hilaire are operated by our partners at Prevol Parapente — the school that's been flying this site since 1986 and knows it better than anyone.

No experience needed. No nerves required — well, maybe a few. Just show up, trust your pilot, and let Saint-Hilaire do the rest. From the moment you step off the launch to the moment you touch down at Lumbin, it's one of those experiences you'll be talking about for years.

What to Expect on Your Tandem Paragliding Day

Meeting point: Prevol school, next to the upper funicular station on the Plateau des Petites Roches. There's a large car park 50 metres from the school.

On arrival, you'll be introduced to your pilot, who will walk you through the flight — what to expect at takeoff, what it feels like in the air, and how the landing works. It takes just a few minutes, and means you can relax and enjoy the rest.

The flight departs from the North launch, right next to the school. From launch to landing at Lumbin is around 700m of vertical drop — enough to give you a proper sense of what flying feels like.

After landing, Prevol's shuttle brings you back up to Saint-Hilaire. In other words, you're looked after from start to finish.

Practical Info for Your Tandem Paragliding Flight

What to wear

Comfortable clothes you can move in, and proper shoes — trainers are fine, flip-flops are not. It’s also cooler in the air than on the ground, so bring a light layer even in summer.

Age & weight

Kids flights start from age 6. There’s no upper age limit — if you’re fit and keen, you’re welcome. For all adult flights, the weight limit is 100kg maximum.

Booking

All flights are available as gift vouchers via Prevol’s website — a solid present for anyone who’s always said they’d like to try it. Browse gift vouchers →

Weather cancellations

Paragliding is weather-dependent. If conditions aren’t right on the day, Prevol will reschedule you. As a result, it’s worth building some flexibility into your trip if you’re visiting specifically for a tandem.

Gift vouchers

All flights are available as gift vouchers via Prevol’s website — a solid present for anyone who’s always said they’d like to try it. Browse gift vouchers →

Getting to the Saint-Hilaire Tandem Paragliding Launch

From Grenoble or Chambéry, follow signs for Saint-Hilaire-du-Touvet. The Prevol school is located at the top of the funiculaire, at 14 Chemin du Funiculaire, Plateau des Petites Roches.

⚠️ Note: The funicular is currently undergoing repairs following storm damage and is expected to reopen in early 2028. In the meantime, access is by car or the bus line serving the plateau from Grenoble (3 services per day).

Full directions on the Discover the Site page

Coming from Grenoble? Saint-Hilaire is 30 minutes away →

Tandem Paragliding Saint-Hilaire — FAQ

Do I need any experience for a tandem paragliding flight? None at all. Your pilot handles everything — launch, flight, and landing. Your only job is to run a few steps at takeoff and enjoy the view.

What is the best time of year for tandem paragliding at Saint-Hilaire? June and July offer the most reliable conditions — warm thermals, long flying days, and consistently good visibility. Spring (March–May) and early autumn (September) are also excellent. The site flies year-round, but summer gives you the best odds of flying on your chosen day.

How long is a tandem paragliding flight at Saint-Hilaire? Flights range from 10 minutes (Discovery, €85) to 40–45 minutes (Performance, €170). The most popular option — Evasion — lasts 15 to 20 minutes and costs €105.

Can children do tandem paragliding at Saint-Hilaire? Yes — the Kid flight is designed for children aged 6 to 12, with morning slots in calm conditions. Cost is €75 for 10 to 15 minutes.

How far is Saint-Hilaire from Grenoble? Saint-Hilaire is approximately 30 minutes from Grenoble city centre by car. Take the A41 motorway and exit at junction 23 or 24.1.

What happens if the weather is bad on my booking day? Prevol will reschedule your flight at no extra cost. It’s worth building some flexibility into your trip — we recommend booking early in your stay rather than on your last day.

Can I buy a tandem paragliding gift voucher for Saint-Hilaire? Yes. All four flights are available as gift vouchers via Prevol’s website, valid for the full season.

Reach Out Anytime

We’re here to answer your questions and help you plan your unforgettable paragliding experience. Don’t hesitate to contact us.

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