The short answer: no formal government licence is legally required to fly a paraglider in France. Paragliders fall under the category of ultra-light gliders regulated by the DGAC (France’s civil aviation authority), which imposes no mandatory pilot qualification for solo flight. What France does require is third-party liability insurance — the Responsabilité Civile Aéronautique (RCA) — before you take off at any official FFVL site.
That said, there is a structured certification system managed by the FFVL (Fédération Française de Vol Libre), France’s national free-flight federation. Think of it like the judo belt system — six colour-coded levels from white (total beginner) through to brown (competition-ready, tandem-qualified). The key milestones for visiting pilots are:
- Brevet Initial (Green level / IPPI 3) — autonomous solo flight on familiar sites in calm conditions
- Brevet de Pilote (Blue level / IPPI 4) — independent flying at new sites in varied conditions
If You Already Hold a Foreign Licence
You can fly in France without any additional paperwork, provided you carry valid third-party insurance. BHPA Club Pilot and above is accepted at French sites. USHPA P2 and above is also widely recognised. Your IPPI card (if your national federation issues one) is worth keeping in your bag — not because anyone will ask for it day-to-day, but because in the event of an accident requiring an FFVL declaration, it may be requested.
Licence with the French Federation (FFVL)
For pilots flying independently outside a school structure, the FFVL offers several annual licence options. If it’s your first year with the FFVL, the primo licencié rate applies automatically and is significantly cheaper than the standard annual licence pratiquant. If you plan to do multiple courses in the same year but won’t fly autonomously outside a school, the licence activité encadrée (annual) is worth considering. All licences include third-party liability (RCA) and can be taken online at federation.ffvl.fr. Note that a medical certificate is compulsory when taking out a first FFVL licence — your school can advise on the exact requirements.
Flying at Saint-Hilaire as a visitor pilot?
Visiting pilots flying with Prevol coaching have their insurance covered through the school for the duration of the course. If you’re flying independently, make sure your own cover includes RCA before launching.