Aerial Sports in France: Top Outdoor Adventures Awaiting You

Paralpinism, which is a combination of paragliding and mountaineering, was invented in the French Alps and is slowly but surely gaining popularity in the rest of the mountain range as well as the country.

For the most intrepid adventurers, it is the perfect way to cap off a visit to the summit of Mont Blanc, Aiguille du Midi or a number of iconic peaks within the French Alps. When combined with mountaineering or Via Ferrata, it adds an extra incentive to get to the summit and a new dimension to the views you’ll have one you are up there.

While it has not yet gained as much popularity as it has in the Alps, people are taking what they’ve learned from this mountain range and heading west to the French Pyrenees to try it out there as well. Be one of the first adventurers to get ahead of the curve and try it out there as well.

Stunning scenery

Not only does paralpinism take you up to the top of some of France’s most scenic mountains, but it takes you down in a completely different fashion. Stunning views are the name of the game and you will surely not be disappointed with excellent views out over mountains, forests, lakes, glaciers and more.

Get a bird’s eye view

There is really nothing quite as fantastic as seeing France from above. After jumping from one of the country’s loftiest peaks, you will glide back down into a local valley taking in all the wonderful scenery as well as getting a new perspective on the world. Mountain views may be fantastic, but nothing replaces the sensation of flying.

Do something different

Thousands of people descend on the French Alps each year for a range of activities from mountaineering to off-piste skiing. However, far fewer jump from the summit of any of these lofty peaks. Do something different this summer and try out paralpinism. Either in tandem or on your own, you’re sure to have a blast climbing peaks, such as Mont Blanc and Aiguille du Midi, then careening back down to the surrounding valleys.

During the summer, the French Alps are fairly cool with average daily temperatures ranging from 12 °C to 15 °C in the valleys and continuing to cool off at higher altitudes. The summer is also the wettest time of year in the French Alps, with an average of 45 to 60 mm of rain falling per month.

Any paralpinism trip to France likely will bring you to the Alps, in which case arriving at Geneva International Airport (GVA) is your best bet. From here, it is easy to rent a car, take a bus or train to your final destination within the Alps. In all likelihood, it will be near Chamonix.

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