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Free · Open access

Plaine-Joux Paragliding Takeoff Area

Paragliding and hang gliding takeoff site facing the Mont-Blanc massif, ranked among the world's most beautiful free flight spots, accessible by car at 1,360 m altitude.

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Multicolored paragliders launching from Plaine-Joux facing Mont-Blanc, Passy, Haute-Savoie
Guilhem Vellut from Annecy, France · CC BY 2.0 · Wikimedia Commons
At a glance
Type
Free Flight Takeoff Area
Access
Free · Open Access
Duration
Directly accessible by car
Best season
Year-Round · Thermals in afternoon
Parking
Free at Plaine-Joux (station car park)
Animals
Unregulated (sports zone, caution advised)
Town
Passy
Altitude
1,360 m
Orientation
Due South
Wheelchair access
Accessible · Aire de décollage spécialement aménagée pour accueillir des pilotes en fauteuil; plateau face au Mont-Blanc accessible en voiture. per Haute-Savoie Tourisme / OT Passy

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What is Plaine-Joux Paragliding Takeoff Area

The Plaine-Joux paragliding takeoff area is a free flight site located on the Plaine-Joux plateau at 1,360 meters altitude in the municipality of Passy, in the Fiz massif. Directly accessible by car via departmental road D43, it is one of the most renowned paragliding and hang gliding sites in the French Alps, ranked among the world's most beautiful free flight spots.

Facing the Mont-Blanc massif and benefiting from a due south orientation, the site offers ideal aerological conditions for free flight discovery and practice year-round. The takeoff area, covered with synthetic matting since 2018, has been specially designed to accommodate wheelchair-bound pilots. It is also one of the only officially certified hang gliding sites in Haute-Savoie.

The site is highly popular with the general public who come to admire the ballet of colorful sails against the exceptional panorama. Flights are practiced in thermals in the afternoon, with landing at Chedde or Marlioz in the Arve valley, 760 meters below. The takeoff zone is equipped with an FFVL (French Free Flight Federation) information panel, a wind sleeve, and a webcam viewable online.

What distinguishes Plaine-Joux from other free flight sites in Haute-Savoie is its unique combination of accessibility (road to takeoff), stable aerological conditions thanks to its south-southeast orientation, and one of the most beautiful alpine views from the launch area. Several professional paragliding schools are located directly on-site, ensuring optimal supervision for beginners and experienced pilots seeking to improve cross-country skills.

Activities

What you can do here

Practical

Practical information

Address
Chemin des Parchets, Plaine-Joux station, 74190 Passy View on map
Coordinates
45.9494° N — 6.7397° E
Altitude
1,360 m
Orientation
Due South
Elevation drop
760 m to valley landings (Chedde, Marlioz)
Opening times
Year-round · Optimal flight conditions in afternoon (thermals)
Price
Free (open access)
Parking
Free parking at Plaine-Joux station, immediately adjacent to takeoff area
Accessibility
Takeoff area equipped for wheelchair-bound pilots (synthetic matting). Direct car access via D43.
Facilities
FFVL information panel, webcam (visible on passy-mont-blanc.com), wind sleeve, sail preparation area in case of high traffic
Skill level
Supervised beginner to cross-country · Site accessible to all levels
Landing sites
Chedde (all aircraft) · Marlioz/Batistock (mandatory for hang gliders)
Regulations
Fiz Natural Reserve to north: overflight prohibited below 300 m/ground. Flight inadvisable in strong westerly winds. Flight priorities must be respected (heavily used site).
Contact
Passy Mont-Blanc Tourist Office: +33 4 50 58 80 52 · www.passy-mont-blanc.com · FFVL site 124
Access

How to get there

By car

From Sallanches (8 km), take D43 towards Plateau d'Assy then Plaine-Joux. From Passy town center, follow Plateau d'Assy then Plaine-Joux. Winding road, terminus at Plaine-Joux station car park (1,360 m), takeoff area adjacent. From Annecy (80 km): A41 exit Sallanches. From Chamonix (30 km): D1205 via Passy.

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Public transport

Y85 bus line Sallanches-Passy, Plaine-Joux stop (seasonal service). Schedules on borini.com/region.

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By bike

Cycling ascent from Sallanches (D43, 10 km, +770 m elevation gain). Known climb for cyclists, scenic tourist route. Mountain biking: several routes from Arve valley.

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Nearest stops

  • Plaine Joux · Cars Région Haute-Savoie · Y85 · 183 m
  • Guébriant · Cars Région Haute-Savoie · Y85 · 724 m

Transport data verified on 2026-06-15 · source transport.data.gouv.fr (Licence Etalab 2.0)

Parking

Free at Plaine-Joux (station car park)

  • Plaine-Joux · Free · 184 m · Go →

Parking checked on 2026-06-15 · © les contributeurs d'OpenStreetMap sous licence ODbL

When to visit

When to visit

The site is accessible and flyable year-round. In summer (May to October), flight conditions are optimal: strong thermals in afternoon, high numbers of pilots and spectators, pleasant plateau temperature. In winter (December to April), flights also take place, but the ski station is active and the site quieter. Spring and autumn offer stable conditions with fewer crowds. Best flight hours: afternoon (thermals), inadvisable in morning and in strong westerly winds. The site is heavily visited on weekends from June to September: arrive early or visit on weekdays to avoid crowding at takeoff.
Events : French Open paragliding (national competition) took place at Plaine-Joux in 2024. The site regularly hosts competitions and free flight gatherings. Check FFVL calendar and Passy Mont-Blanc website for upcoming events.
Nearby

Where to eat, drink, stay

Photos

Gallery

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FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Is access to Plaine-Joux paragliding takeoff area paid?

No, access to the Plaine-Joux paragliding takeoff area is free and open year-round. The station car park is also free.

How do you reach Plaine-Joux paragliding takeoff area?

The Plaine-Joux paragliding takeoff area is accessible by car via D43 from Sallanches (8 km) or Passy (10 km). Free parking on site. Seasonal Y85 bus and bike/mountain bike access possible.

Can you do a tandem paragliding flight at Plaine-Joux takeoff area?

Yes. Several paragliding schools operate from Plaine-Joux: Aerofiz, Élévation Parapente, De Cimes en Ciel. Tandem flights with qualified instructors, year-round by reservation.

What is the altitude of Plaine-Joux paragliding takeoff area?

The Plaine-Joux paragliding takeoff area is located at 1,360 meters altitude, facing Mont-Blanc, with 760 meters elevation drop to landings at Chedde or Marlioz.

Is Plaine-Joux site accessible to paragliding beginners?

Yes, the Plaine-Joux paragliding takeoff area is accessible to supervised beginner pilots, with stable aerological conditions. The site also welcomes experienced pilots for cross-country flying.

Are there flight restrictions at Plaine-Joux takeoff area?

Yes. The Fiz Natural Reserve to the north prohibits overflight below 300 m/ground. Flight inadvisable in strong westerly winds. Flight priorities must be respected as the site is heavily used.

What is the best time to visit Plaine-Joux?

Flight conditions are optimal in the afternoon during summer (May-October) thanks to thermals. To avoid crowds, favor weekdays or spring/autumn.

Are there restaurants at Plaine-Joux?

Yes, several restaurants are located directly at Plaine-Joux, including La Bergerie and Lou Pachran, offering Savoyard cuisine with Mont-Blanc views.

Sources

Sources & verification

Multi-source verification at publication. Information may change — confirm with the official operator before travelling.

Published 14 mai 2026·Updated 14 mai 2026

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