Tandem Paragliding at Lac d'Aiguebelette

Tandem paragliding at Lac d'Aiguebelette is a flight with a professional pilot over one of the cleanest and quietest lakes in the French Alps, in the Savoie department of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. The operator listed for the activity is Vertes Sensations, based at Nances, and the take-off is the La Province - L'Epine site above the lake. The trip is reached in about 1 hour 15 minutes by car from Lyon, and the whole experience lasts about the same time, including the minibus transfer to the launch point, the equipment briefing and the flight itself. Because the flight is tandem, passengers need no experience: the pilot controls the wing, and the passenger only has to run a few steps at take-off, then sit back in the harness and enjoy the view of the lake, the surrounding Chartreuse and Bauges ranges and, on clear days, the higher Alps. Fitness requirements are light, although participants should be able to run a few steps on a slope and to land on their feet. Age limits and weight limits depend on the operator and the wing, so families and heavier or lighter passengers should check at booking. A helmet and harness are supplied, and visitors bring sturdy shoes that cover the ankle, a warm layer, long trousers and sunglasses. Safety rests on the pilot's qualification, a ground briefing, the checking of equipment before launch and a reserve parachute carried on the wing. The pilot decides whether conditions allow a flight, and the take-off is postponed or cancelled in strong wind, low cloud, rain or turbulent thermals. Rescue is coordinated by the operator and the emergency number 112 serves the area. Tandem flights in the region start from about €65 (~$73), while flights around Aix-les-Bains start from about €95 (~$106). The best season runs from April to September, with the calmest air in the early morning and in the evening, and hot midday thermals are generally less comfortable. Booking through the listed adrenactive.com page is the route referenced for reservations.