Getting a paragliding licence in France is simpler than most visiting pilots expect.
No government licence is legally required to fly a paraglider in France. That said, there are a few things you need to know before you launch.
Paragliders fall under ultra-light glider regulations managed by the DGAC — France’s civil aviation authority. No mandatory pilot qualification exists for solo flight. However, third-party liability insurance is required before you take off at any official FFVL site. This insurance is called the Responsabilité Civile Aéronautique (RCA).
There’s also a structured certification system managed by the FFVL (Fédération Française de Vol Libre). Think of it like the judo belt system — six colour-coded levels from white (total beginner) 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 additional paperwork, but you must carry valid third-party liability insurance. BHPA Club Pilot and above is accepted at French sites, as is USHPA P2 and above.
Keep your IPPI card in your bag. Nobody asks for it day-to-day, but it may be requested if there’s an accident requiring an FFVL declaration.
Paragliding Licence France: What the French Federation System Looks Like (FFVL)
For pilots flying independently outside a school, the FFVL offers several annual licence options. First-year members get the discounted primo licencié rate automatically, instead of the standard licence pratiquant.
If you’ll be doing courses but won’t fly autonomously outside a school, the licence activité encadrée is the right one.
Every FFVL licence includes a third-party liability (RCA) line — but who’s actually covered by it depends on where you live. FFVL’s liability insurance automatically covers residents of France, Monaco, Switzerland, Andorra, Liechtenstein, the UK, French overseas territories, and the EU. It does not automatically cover residents of the US or Canada, even though the licence fee includes the RCA line. If that’s you and you’re flying independently — not enrolled at an FFVL-affiliated school — confirm your cover directly with FFVL (licences@ffvl.fr) before assuming you’re insured.
You can take out an FFVL licence online at federation.ffvl.fr.
US Pilots: A Note on Liability Insurance
If you’re a USHPA member rated P3 or above, your USHPA liability coverage (through RRRG) can usually be extended to cover recreational trips abroad, typically up to 21 days, with a daily fee for longer stays. Check with USHPA/RRRG before you travel to confirm current terms and get written proof of coverage.
If you’re not eligible for that extension, or you’re staying longer, enrolling with an FFVL-affiliated school for the duration of your trip is the more reliable route — trainees at an affiliated school are covered for third-party liability regardless of nationality.
Another Option: FlyInsure (AXA)
FlyInsure is an Austria-based agency offering third-party liability insurance for paragliding, underwritten by AXA. It’s a genuine option for non-EU pilots, including US residents: even though their standard worldwide policy excludes the USA and Canada, they offer a specific version for pilots from outside the EU/EEA/UK/Switzerland that covers flying within Europe for the duration of your trip. It’s issued per-trip rather than annually, so it suits a short visit well. Premiums run from around €80–100/year (prorated for shorter stays) plus emergency rescue cost cover. Worth comparing against the FFVL route above, especially if you’re not eligible for the USHPA international extension.
Flying at Saint-Hilaire as a visitor pilot?
Visiting pilots flying with Prevol take out their insurance through the FFVL. Prevol is an FFVL-labelled school, so FFVL insurance is mandatory for all students — and as a registered trainee, this covers your third-party liability for the course, whatever your country of residence. First-time visitors can get help from instructors to set this up on arrival.
If you’re flying independently, or attending a clinic run by instructors not affiliated with FFVL, confirm your liability cover is valid in France before launching — don’t assume an FFVL licence alone covers you if you’re a US or Canadian resident. Check directly with FFVL or your insurer if you’re unsure.
This page is provided for general information only and isn’t a substitute for confirming your own coverage directly with your insurer, USHPA, or FFVL.