Paragliding · Lake Bourget, Aix les Bains
How to choose
Two options, one operator, a price gap of 260 €: the choice is straightforward once you know what each delivers. The 135 € tandem flight with Parapente Hélico Service runs 50 min to 2h above Lac du Bourget and requires zero prior experience, making it the entry point for anyone chasing their first thermal. The 395 € introductory course spreads across 5 half days and is rated "occasionally sporty": you'll learn to pilot solo, read wind conditions and handle take-off and landing on the ridges above Aix-les-Bains. Pick the tandem flight for an immediate rush. Commit to the course if you want to fly without an instructor strapped to your back.
Compare · 2 offers
Our picks
Paragliding Flight over Lake Bourget, near Aix-les-Bains
135 €, open to everyone, up to 2h of soaring over Lac du Bourget with zero preparation required.
Introductory paragliding course over Lac du Bourget, near Aix-les-Bains
395 € across 5 half days turns a complete beginner into an autonomous pilot above Aix-les-Bains.
Frequently asked questions
What's the most intense moment during the tandem flight?
Launch. The ground drops away in seconds as the glider catches the first thermal off the slope above Lac du Bourget. After that, the flight settles into long, soaring arcs over the water.
Do you need to be afraid of heights to enjoy this?
Fear of heights is common before launch and tends to disappear fast once you're airborne. The sensation shifts from "falling" to "floating" almost immediately, which most first-timers find surprising.
How long are you actually in the air?
The tandem flight lasts 50 min to 2h depending on thermal conditions that day. The introductory course spreads flight time across 5 half days, so total airtime builds progressively.
What's the hardest part of the introductory course?
Ground handling. Learning to control the wing on the ground before your first solo flight requires physical coordination and is rated "occasionally sporty" for that reason.
Can you do this if you don't speak French?
Yes. Both options are offered in English, Spanish and Arabic in addition to French, so the briefing and in-flight communication are fully covered.
Best time to go
| Month | Temperature | Rainfall | Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 3.3°C | 167.9 mm | Poor |
| February | 5.7°C | 121.1 mm | Possible |
| March | 7.1°C | 149.7 mm | Possible |
| April | 11.2°C | 120.8 mm | Possible |
| May | 14.6°C | 127.9 mm | Possible |
| June | 19°C | 107 mm | Good |
| July | 22.4°C | 94.4 mm | Peak |
| August | 21.7°C | 73.7 mm | Peak |
| September | 18.6°C | 80.9 mm | Good |
| October | 13°C | 138.9 mm | Possible |
| November | 7.5°C | 172.6 mm | Poor |
| December | 2.4°C | 86.9 mm | Possible |
Practical info
Equipment
Wear closed-toe shoes with ankle support and dress in layers: temperatures drop noticeably at altitude even on warm days above Lac du Bourget. For the 5-half-day course, the "occasionally sporty" physical level means comfortable athletic clothing you can move freely in during ground-handling sessions.
Getting there
The introductory course meets at Parapente Hélico Service, 5 Rte d'Aix, 73310 Chindrieux; for the tandem flight, the meeting point is confirmed directly with the instructor before the session.
See also
Paragliding elsewhere
Other activities in Lake Bourget, Aix les Bains
Updated March 2026