About
Grands Espaces is one of France's most established paragliding schools, located in Annecy at the foot of the Planfait landing zone. Founded in 1985, the school has introduced thousands of people to free flight over the stunning backdrop of the Lac d'Annecy and the Alps. Their core offering spans three pillars: tandem discovery flights (baptêmes) for complete beginners of all ages, structured training courses ranging from beginner stages to advanced cross-country programs, and a professional paragliding boutique stocked with wings (voiles), harnesses (sellettes), reserves, instruments, bags, and accessories from top brands including GIN, OZONE, SKYWALK, ADVANCE, SUPAIR, and SKY PARAGLIDERS. The school also operates a historic Test Center where pilots can trial the latest equipment in real flight conditions. Gift vouchers are available for tandem flights, making it a popular choice for birthday and special-occasion gifts. The team of experienced instructors adapts to all progression levels and the school remains open 365 days a year. Whether you want a one-time aerial experience or a pathway to full piloting autonomy, Grands Espaces provides a complete paragliding ecosystem in one of Europe's most scenic locations.
Key Features
- Tandem Discovery Flights: Year-round tandem paragliding flights above Lac d'Annecy for beginners and families, piloted by certified instructors.
- Progressive Training Courses: Structured stages from beginner to advanced cross-country level, adapting to every pilot's progression pace.
- Paragliding Equipment Shop: On-site boutique stocked with wings, harnesses, reserves, instruments, and accessories from the world's leading brands.
- Test Center: Historic test center allowing pilots to trial the latest wings and harnesses from major brands in actual flight conditions.
- Gift Vouchers: Paragliding baptism gift vouchers available in multiple formats, ideal for birthdays and special occasions.
Use Cases
- First-time flyers looking for a guided tandem paragliding experience above Lac d'Annecy.
- Beginners who want to learn paragliding from scratch with structured, progressive training courses.
- Experienced paragliders seeking to test the latest wings and harnesses at an official Test Center.
- Gift-givers looking for a unique and memorable experience voucher for a birthday or anniversary.
- Pilots needing to purchase or upgrade their paragliding equipment from a specialist local shop.
Pros
- 40+ Years of Experience: Operating since 1985, the school has an unmatched track record and has trained thousands of pilots.
- Open Year-Round: One of the few paragliding schools to stay open all year, offering flexibility in booking.
- Iconic Location: Flights over Lac d'Annecy, widely regarded as one of Europe's most beautiful free-flight sites.
Cons
- Weather Dependent: As with all outdoor paragliding activities, flights and courses can be affected or cancelled due to weather conditions.
- French-Language Focus: The website and primary communications are in French, which may present a barrier for non-French-speaking visitors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need prior experience to book a tandem flight?
No experience is required. Tandem (baptême) flights are open to everyone including children, as you fly with a certified instructor who handles all the piloting.
How long has Grands Espaces been operating?
Grands Espaces has been running its paragliding school in Annecy since 1985, making it one of the most experienced schools in France.
Can I purchase a gift voucher for a paragliding flight?
Yes, gift vouchers (bons cadeaux) for tandem flights are available in several formats, perfect for birthdays or special occasions.
What equipment brands are available in the shop?
The boutique stocks products from leading brands including GIN, OZONE, SKYWALK, ADVANCE, SUPAIR, and SKY PARAGLIDERS, including wings, harnesses, and accessories.
Is the school open all year?
Yes, Grands Espaces is one of the rare paragliding schools to remain open throughout the year, weather permitting.
