Annecy’s big paragliding exhibition, APX (Annecy Parapente Expo), is being held on 5-6 May this year, just a few days before the Paragliding World Cup round which starts on 12 May in the French lakeside paragliding haven of Doussard.
Many of paragliding’s big-name manufacturers will be at the event, exhibiting their wares and offering free test-flights on their demo models.
To make life as easy as possible, there is free camping, free parking and a free shuttle bus to Forclaz takeoff – infinitely more attractive a prospect than battling the traffic congestion and parking hassles on the col.
While you’re wandering around looking at the wares, you can leave your non-flying family and friends to enjoy the street performers, flying demonstrations or perhaps have a taster paragliding or kite lesson or tandem flight.
And if you get tempted into any new kit and need to sell your old equipment, take it along to the second-hand sales area where you can hopefully turn it into cash.
If Saint-Hilaire is anything to go by, the French know how to put on a paragliding expo. It goes without saying that restaurants, bars, toilets and evening entertainment are all provided.
There’s a welcome drink and a chance to meet others at 6pm on the Saturday, just before the evening concert gets underway.
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