Former paragliding world champion Charles Cazaux explains how to fly this world famous cross-country classic.
Located in the Northern Alps, Lake Annecy is one of the most famous flying areas in France. Away from the main chain of the Alps, the north of the lake is bordered by a rolling plain that extends north to the Jura while the Bornes massif rises to the east and the Bauges massif to the west. The main Annecy valley stretches for about 30km in a south-easterly direction towards the Beaufortain and the high massifs. This geography allows cross-country pilots to fly routes in many directions to suit the conditions of the day.
Over the years a large free-flight infrastructure has developed, particularly the main take-off at Col de la Forclaz and the landing in the town of Doussard. Paragliding is an important part of the economic fabric of the region, with many paragliding schools focused on tandem and education. As well as tourists flying tandems and solo pilots flying XC and SIV, Annecy has of course hosted numerous...
