Col de la Forclaz is one of the premier tandem paragliding launch sites in the French Alps, perched at 1,150 metres above sea level on the eastern shore of Lac d'Annecy in Haute-Savoie, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes. The pass looks directly over the lake and toward the Aravis and Mont Blanc massifs, offering arguably the most scenic tandem flight venue in France. Reliable thermal activity generated by the lake's surface warming and the surrounding limestone cliffs makes the site a favourite training ground for competition pilots and a prime destination for first-time visitors.
Tandem flights are available for participants from approximately age five with no upper age limit for healthy adults. No prior experience is required; a certified pilot handles all controls while the passenger rides in a front-mounted seat harness. A pre-flight safety briefing covers take-off technique (a short jog of around ten paces on the grass launch slope), in-air communication, and landing procedure. Flights typically last 15 to 20 minutes from launch to the landing field at Doussard at the lake's southern end; the full experience including briefing and transport takes approximately three hours.
All paragliding equipment — wing, harness, and helmet — is provided by licensed operators. Participants should wear comfortable clothing and flat, closed-toe shoes; loose scarves and items that could tangle in the lines should be avoided. Pregnant participants and those with recent back or shoulder injuries should consult a physician before booking.
Licensed operators at Col de la Forclaz include Fly Annecy and several certified FFVL (Fédération Française de Vol Libre) schools. All tandem pilots hold the Brevet de Pilote de Biplace (BPB), the French civil-aviation licence for commercial tandem flights. The main season runs April to October, with May to September offering the most consistent thermal conditions. Most operators have a flexible weather-cancellation and rebooking policy; conditions should be confirmed with the operator the morning of the flight. Avoid booking on days with forecast strong north-westerly valley winds (vent du nord), which can ground all flights at short notice.
Activity facts
- Where
- Col de la Forclaz, Haute-Savoie
- Duration
- 15–20 minutes flight; 3 hours including briefing and transport
Equipment
All equipment provided by operator; wear comfortable clothes and closed shoes; no experience required for tandem flights
Location
Col de la Forclaz, 74290 Talloires
45.8487, 6.2239 View on map
Highlights
- Launch from Col de la Forclaz at 1,150m with panoramic views over Lac d'Annecy and Mont Blanc
- Tandem flights with FFVL-certified pilots; no experience required, minimum age approximately 5
- 15–20 minute flight from the forclaz launch to the Doussard landing field at lake level
- Optional GoPro or on-board camera package available with most licensed operators
- One of France's most photographed paragliding venues, with consistent summer thermal conditions
Tips for visiting
- Book at least 48 hours in advance during July and August; sunny weekend slots fill quickly
- Most operators offer free rescheduling for weather cancellations; check the policy before paying
- Wear flat, closed shoes — sandals or heels make the short take-off run unsafe on the grass slope
- Arrive 30 minutes before the briefing; late arrivals may lose their slot to standby bookings
- Afternoon sessions (3–5 pm) often have the best light for photography over the lake
Frequently asked questions
Is tandem paragliding at Col de la Forclaz safe for children and older adults?
Yes. Tandem flights are suitable for children from approximately age 5 and have no upper age limit for healthy adults. The pilot manages all controls; the passenger simply needs to walk and run a short distance on take-off.
What happens if the weather is bad on the day of the flight?
Most licensed operators will cancel and offer a free rebook or refund if conditions are unsafe to fly. Confirm the specific cancellation and rebooking policy with the operator at the time of booking.
What equipment and clothing should participants bring?
No personal equipment is required; the operator provides the paraglider wing, harness, and helmet. Participants should wear comfortable, layered clothing and flat, closed-toe shoes. Avoid loose scarves or items that could catch in the lines.
How long does the full paragliding experience take?
A typical tandem session at Col de la Forclaz takes around three hours in total, including shuttle transfer, safety briefing, the flight itself (15–20 minutes), and return to Annecy.
Can participants record the flight on their own camera?
Most operators offer an on-board GoPro or camera service for an additional fee of approximately €15–25. Personal handheld devices are not permitted during take-off and landing; the pilot's discretion applies to any mounts.