Tandem paragliding in Chamonix: everything you need to know before you book

In short: a tandem paragliding flight (also called a "duo" flight) in Chamonix costs between €130 and €340 depending on the take-off site, lasts from 15 minutes (introductory flight) to 1 hour (long flight), and runs mainly from mid-April to the end of October. You take off from Planpraz (2,000 m), the Plan de l'Aiguille (2,300 m), the Grands Montets (3,350 m, above the Mer de Glace) or the Aiguille du Midi (3,842 m), facing Mont-Blanc. No experience is needed: you fly in tandem with a state-qualified pilot. On PEAKED, two tandem flights in Chamonix are offered by a qualified instructor, facing Mont-Blanc or from the Plan de l'Aiguille, from €165.

Do you need experience to paraglide in Chamonix?

No. Tandem flying is open to everyone, beginners included, as long as you can run a few steps at take-off. You sit in a comfortable harness at the front while the pilot, a state-qualified professional, handles the wing behind you. No prior training and no personal kit needed: everything is provided (wing, harness, helmet).

That makes Chamonix one of the most accessible places in Europe for a first flight, even though the scenery is among the most spectacular: you glide over the valley facing Mont-Blanc, its glaciers and its needles.

Take-off sites in Chamonix

In Chamonix, there isn't just one place to take off. Depending on the altitude you're after, what you fancy on the day and the weather, your pilot will set off from one of four main sites, from the most accessible to the most dizzying.

• Planpraz (2,000 m, Brévent cable car) – the classic, facing Mont-Blanc, 7 minutes from the centre. Flights of 15 to 30 min for an introductory flight, up to 1 hr for a long flight. Beginner level.
• Plan de l'Aiguille (2,300 m) – a flight over the Bossons glacier, with flights mostly in the afternoon. Flights of 20 to 30 min. Beginner level.
• Grands Montets (3,350 m) – a high-mountain flight above the Mer de Glace, the longest glacier in France. Duration varies, all levels with a guide.
• Aiguille du Midi (3,842 m) – the exceptional flight at very high altitude, around 45 min, all levels.

Planpraz is the most popular take-off point. You reach it by cable car from the centre of Chamonix (7 minutes' walk from the tourist office), and it offers a panoramic view straight onto Mont-Blanc and its glaciers. It's the ideal choice for a first flight.

The Plan de l'Aiguille, which is higher up, is reached by the Aiguille du Midi cable car followed by a 5-minute walk. Set against the north face of the massif, it flies over the Bossons glacier. Please note that, because of the air conditions, this site often only opens from midday, and some operators don't offer it in July and August.

Landing is usually at the Bois du Bouchet, right next to the centre of Chamonix.

What happens on a tandem flight in Chamonix?

If you've never flown before, here's how it goes, from meeting up to landing.

You meet your pilot at the foot of the cable car (for example, in front of the Brévent ticket office for a Planpraz departure), where you buy your lift ticket if it isn't included in the offer. Once at the top, allow a few minutes' walk to the launch area. There, your pilot gives you a quick briefing: how to stand, what to do at take-off (run a few steps, no more) and how to settle into the harness. All the equipment is provided and checked in front of you.

Then comes take-off: on a gentle slope, just a few strides are enough for the wing to fill and lift you off. It's the most intense moment, and the shortest. After that, it's all about the flight, as you sit comfortably facing the view. If you'd like, your pilot can let you take the controls briefly, or throw in a few aerobatic manoeuvres for thrill-seekers. You land gently at the Bois du Bouchet, a stone's throw from the centre of Chamonix. If you've chosen the video option, that's where you'll be handed your memory card.

How much does paragliding in Chamonix cost?

A tandem flight, also known as a "duo" or "tandem" flight, is booked for one person with their pilot. The price depends mainly on the take-off site and the length of the flight. Here's how it works out in practice:

• The introductory flight from Planpraz (15 to 30 min) starts at around €130, the best value for thrills for a first flight.
• From the Plan de l'Aiguille (20 to 30 min), expect around €150, for a flight over the glaciers.
• The long flight (45 min to 1 hr) costs around €220 to €240, giving you time to make the most of the altitude and the thermals.
• And the exceptional flight from the Aiguille du Midi (3,842 m) can cost up to €340.

On top of this there is often a lift ticket (between €14.50 and €18 depending on the cable car). Some packages include it and others don't, so check when you book.

On PEAKED, tandem flights in Chamonix start at €165 with an independent instructor. Online booking opens soon, and you can already message the instructor from the activity page.

When is the best time to fly?

Paragliding in Chamonix runs mainly from mid-April to the end of October. Some sites, such as the Plan de l'Aiguille, have a more specific season (mid-April to the end of June, then mid-September to the end of October), when the air conditions are at their best.

In summer, dress appropriately: trainers, a fleece, a windproof jacket and sunglasses, as it's noticeably cooler at altitude than in the valley. Your pilot provides the rest of the technical equipment.

Flights depend on the weather and air conditions: a flight may be moved to later in the day, or even postponed to another day. It's best to allow a little flexibility in your plans.

Why book your paragliding in Chamonix with PEAKED?

PEAKED is a French marketplace that puts you in direct contact with independent mountain professionals. For a flight in Chamonix, that makes a couple of practical differences: you book a certified, state-qualified pilot directly, at a clear price with no middleman inflating the bill. You book online with secure payment, and you stay in direct contact with your instructor to plan the flight around your level and the day's weather.

How do you book your paragliding flight in Chamonix?

It only takes a few minutes. Choose your flight from the paragliding offers in Chamonix on PEAKED, according to take-off site, duration and budget, then pick a date. As everything depends on the weather, your pilot may suggest another slot if conditions aren't right on the day. You book and pay securely online, directly with the pilot, and you then receive the practical details (meeting point, equipment to bring). All that's left is to fly facing Mont-Blanc.

Book a paragliding flight in Chamonix on PEAKED →

Want to extend the adventure? Discover all the activities in Chamonix or, for those who love high-altitude thrills, read our guide to climbing in the Mer de Glace ice moulins.