Tandem skydiving at Aérodrome de Châteaudun, operated by Parachutisme Paris Région, offers the opportunity to experience free-fall from 4,000 metres alongside a certified instructor. The aerodrome is located 115 kilometres southwest of Paris near Châteaudun in the Eure-et-Loir department, approximately a 90-minute drive via the A10 motorway. The operation is one of the most established tandem skydiving drop zones within reach of the French capital and is operated under French civil aviation authority oversight with all equipment subject to regular certification.
Each tandem jump begins with a pre-jump briefing of approximately 45 minutes covering body position, ear equalisation, and emergency procedures. Participants are then fitted into a full harness and attached to a qualified instructor who controls the parachute and all manoeuvres throughout the entire jump. The aircraft climbs to 4,000 metres over the Beauce agricultural plateau before exit. Free-fall lasts approximately 50 seconds at speeds reaching around 200 kilometres per hour. After parachute deployment, the canopy descent takes between 5 and 7 minutes, during which the instructor steers the parachute and participants can observe the panorama of the Beauce plain, the Loire Valley, and — on clear days — Chartres Cathedral directly below.
No prior training or experience is required for a tandem jump. Participants must be at least 18 years of age (or 15 with written parental consent under some circumstances), weigh no more than approximately 95 kilograms, and complete a medical questionnaire at the aerodrome confirming the absence of disqualifying conditions. Certain heart, spinal, and respiratory conditions may prevent participation; a medical consultation is advisable for anyone with existing health concerns.
The season runs from April through October. Advance booking of three to four weeks is advisable for weekend slots from May through September. All jump equipment is provided; comfortable close-fitting sportswear and trainers are recommended. A video and photo package — recorded via the instructor's helmet-mounted GoPro — is available at additional cost and is widely regarded as the most practical way to capture the experience, as handheld cameras are not permitted during free-fall.
Activity facts
- Where
- Aérodrome de Châteaudun, Eure-et-Loir
- Duration
- Full day including briefing, waiting, and jump; free-fall approximately 50 seconds at 4,000 m
Equipment
- All equipment provided
- Wear comfortable sportswear and trainers
- No jewellery; glasses must be secured
Location
Aérodrome de Châteaudun, 28200 Châteaudun, France
48.0609, 1.3768 View on map
Highlights
- 50 seconds of free-fall from 4,000 metres reaching approximately 200 km/h over the Beauce plateau near Chartres
- Views of the Loire Valley and Chartres Cathedral during the 5–7 minute parachute descent
- Parachutisme Paris Région — one of the longest-established certified drop zones in northern France
- Full-day experience including 45-minute briefing, gear fitting, jump, and post-jump debrief with instructors
Tips for visiting
- Book 3–4 weeks ahead for weekend slots in peak season (May–September) — last-minute walk-ins are not accepted
- Eat a light meal 2–3 hours before the jump; a full stomach is inadvisable for high-altitude free-fall
- Request the GoPro video package when booking — the instructor wears a helmet camera and post-jump editing takes approximately 20 minutes
- Confirm conditions by phone on the morning of the jump before driving from Paris — weather cancellations are common in spring
- Drive via the A10 motorway (approx. 90 minutes from Paris); no viable public transport serves Châteaudun aerodrome
Frequently asked questions
Is previous skydiving experience required for a tandem jump at Châteaudun?
No prior experience is required. A tandem jump is conducted with a fully qualified certified instructor who controls the parachute throughout. The briefing and safety instruction before the jump cover everything participants need to know.
What are the age and weight limits for tandem skydiving at Parachutisme Paris Région?
Minimum age is 18 years (written parental consent may apply for those aged 15–17 in specific circumstances). Maximum weight is typically 95 kg. A medical questionnaire is completed at the aerodrome on the day. Consult a doctor if any heart, spinal, or respiratory conditions apply.
What happens if the weather is unsuitable on the booked jump day?
Jumps are weather-dependent. Parachutisme Paris Région reschedules at no extra cost when conditions are unsafe. Travellers driving from Paris should confirm conditions by phone early on the morning of the booked date before departing.
Can family or friends watch the jump from the aerodrome?
Yes. The aerodrome has a designated spectator viewing area. A video and photo package recorded by the instructor's helmet-mounted GoPro is available at additional cost and provides the most reliable record of the free-fall and descent.