International Adventure

Paragliding Tours

Lake Annecy, Grand Bornand     - FRANCE -

Oxygen is excited to offer this tour of beautiful Lake Annecy and Grand Bornand.  This area is considered the premier paragliding region in the world for good reason.  Located in the scenic French Alps and consistently flyable in the spring and summer months this area will charm and surprise you with its beautiful settings, friendly locals, and enthusiasm all around for paragliding.

Lake Annecy

Annecy might well be called the most popular site in Europe.

Beginner to advanced pilots from all over the world flock here in the summer months for the great flying, amazing vistas, and unlimited activities.

When you're not flying, you can book a canyoning adventure, climb a mountain, or just lazily sunbath on the shores of one of the most beautiful lakes in the world.  The town of Annecy has also been referred to as the Venice of France for its canals flowing past cobblestone streets and squares loaded with tiny boutique shops, intimate cafes, and historical landmarks waiting to be explored.

Experienced pilots will love the XC possibilities.  Thermals lifting to over 3000 meters allow you flights to unlimited destinations. Originating from Annecy, you'll find you can go virtually any direction and fly absolutely amazing distances, landing in lush mountain valleys or in fields next to quaint villages.  There are many classic flights around the lake, including "Petit-tour du lac", a 30 km flight to Grand Bornand, or the complete "Tour du Lac" which will test even the best pilots.

For beginners it's also a great place to experience true mountain flying. Early morning flights offer students the chance to practice their skills before the conditions start to strengthen. Thermals are usually light in the mornings and early afternoons, and increase as the day goes on.  Evening flights are usually light and smooth which give students an opportunity to practice their own XC skills.

If you're interested in avoiding crowds, and expanding your horizons there are also a variety of lesser known, and less frequented sites in the area.  Our base will be located in Grand Bornand, which is an excellent location for pilots wishing to explore the offbeat sites and well as the popular ones.  You can literally fly and tour sites in all directions:  Chamonix/Mt. Blanc, Grenoble, Lake Annecy, Mieussy, La Clusaz, St. Hillaire and beyond.

You're in the heart of the Alps! you decide

Grand Bornand 

High above this beautiful alpine village is "Le Lachat du Chinaillon", with a wonderful view of the high alps and  a large grassy takeoff, this is an ideal place get acquainted with high alpine flying.  Located roughly 1000 meters above Grand Bornand, this site is easily accessed via gondola, and chairlift in July and August.  Pilots enjoy clearing their gliders and launching from this perfect sloping takeoff, which generally faces directly into the wind. Takeoff is easy and a house thermal generally lifts right in front of the launch, getting you off to a high start.

Once you've reached altitude, you'll have the entire Aravis and Bargy mountain ranges to explore, and is a perfect place to begin a big cross-country triangle.  Once again, there are many classic flight paths to attempt.   As you fly you'll have a view of the majestic Mt. Blanc, the highest mountain in Europe.

At Oxygen we understand that flying is your passion. Our tours are tailored to fit your needs. Understanding and flying the Alps requires that our instructors have a through and comprehensive understanding of the area and conditions.

Unlike schools that are only interested in filling their own vacation time, Oxygen tours will take you to the Alps when the conditions are best, the weather is optimal, and when all other outfitters and activities providers are doing business.  We want you to have a full experience of the area, in the air and on the ground.

Our instructors have extensive experience flying and traveling the region, so you'll be guaranteed an excellent insight on not just flying; but also the culture, the people and local customs. 

Please contact us for more information.