Paragliding Discovery Flight
The Puy de Dôme beneath your feet, the skies of Auvergne all around you, experience one of France's most breathtaking tandem paragliding flights, guided every step of the way by our certified instructors.
- 0.3H
- Beginner
Description
🌋 Picture yourself launching off the legendary summit of Puy de Dôme, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and soaring in a tandem paraglider above the Chain of Volcanoes and the sweeping landscapes of Auvergne.
✈️ This introductory paragliding experience near Clermont-Ferrand offers a truly one-of-a-kind perspective over one of France's most dramatic volcanic landscapes, whether you're a complete first-timer or an adrenaline enthusiast.
🎯 Led by state-certified instructors, this discovery flight is open from age 5 and designed so that everyone — kids and adults alike — can savour a suspended, unforgettable moment between earth and sky.
🏔️ Paragliding in Auvergne at its most iconic.
- 0.3H
- Beginner
🕐 Flight duration: expect an average of 10 to 20 minutes in the air, depending on weather conditions on the day. Allow extra time for accessing the summit and getting geared up.
⚖️ Physical requirements: the flight is open to participants weighing between 20 kg and 100 kg, and from age 5 to 90, with no medical contraindications. Pregnant women are not permitted to fly.
📍 Departure point: take-off is from the summit of Puy de Dôme, facing into the wind at the paragliding launch area. You can hike up via the Chemin des Muletiers from the Col de Ceyssat (approx. 50 minutes), or take the scenic "Panoramique des Dômes" train from Orcines. During peak season, aim to catch a train 60 minutes before your scheduled slot.
🕒 Punctuality: please arrive at the summit 15 minutes before your scheduled time.
👟 What to wear: closed-toe shoes are mandatory, along with long trousers, a windproof jacket, sunglasses and layers suited to mountain weather.
🌤️ Weather policy: the flight requires a clear summit and manageable wind conditions. Your instructor may cancel the flight the evening before, on the morning, or at any point for safety reasons. A rebooking or refund will be offered (gift vouchers excluded). If you're travelling from far away, call ahead the day before for a weather forecast.
💰 Pricing: from €100, including all certified equipment (CEN-approved wing, harness, reserve parachute, helmet) and instruction by a state-certified pilot. Transport to the site is not included.
How the activity works
Flight confirmation and cancellation
The flight may be canceled the day before, the morning of, or at any time by your instructor, and a rescheduled flight will be offered subject to availability. In case of cancellation, a gift voucher will be offered (excluding existing gift vouchers).
If you are traveling from afar, please call ahead for a weather forecast.
⚠️ We reserve the right to cancel your flight at any time for your safety.
🚡 Step 1 — Up we go
🪂 Step 2 — Gear up & get briefed.
🌤️ Step 3 — The big leap… the smooth way.
🎉 Step 4 — Touch down & take the memories home.
Why choose Takamaka ?
🏆 With 30 years of experience in outdoor sports, Takamaka is one of France's most trusted names in paragliding. Born in Annecy — the world capital of paragliding — the brand built its expertise on one of the most demanding and celebrated flying sites on the planet, before bringing that same know-how to the iconic Puy de Dôme. 🌋 Flying above Auvergne's volcanoes is a discipline in its own right: the volcanic terrain creates unique aerological conditions that our state-certified pilots know inside and out. Every instructor reads the wind, anticipates weather shifts, and guides you through the experience with the highest safety standards. 🪂 All our equipment is CEN-certified (wing, harness and reserve parachute) and regularly inspected. At Takamaka, safety is never an afterthought; it's the foundation of every single flight. 😊 Our warm, encouraging coaching approach is designed to put everyone at ease, whether you're a wide-eyed five-year-old or an adult taking to the skies for the very first time. From the briefing to the landing, you're in expert hands.
Contact us
FAQ
Is paragliding at Puy de Dôme safe for a complete beginner?
Absolutely. The discovery flight is a tandem experience: you fly with a state-certified instructor who is in control at all times. No prior experience is needed whatsoever, your pilot handles everything from launch to landing.
Is paragliding physically demanding?
No, paragliding is a physical activity, but you will only need to take a few steps to take off.
Can I get a video souvenir of my flight?
Yes! Takamaka offers a video option to capture every moment of your discovery flight above the Chain of Volcanoes — the perfect way to relive those sensations and share this extraordinary experience with family and friends. Just mention it to your instructor before take-off.
Is a paragliding flight at Puy de Dôme a good gift idea?
One of the best, actually! Takamaka offers gift vouchers directly on the website — perfect for a birthday, Christmas, or any special occasion. The recipient simply picks their own date at their convenience.
Do you get dizzy during your first flight?
Rest assured, you cannot get dizzy while paragliding, as you are not connected to the ground. It is a surprisingly gentle sensation, the landscape looks a little like a photograph. As on a plane, you may feel slightly nervous at first, but there is no sensation of dizziness at all.
What about air sickness?
Very few people experience air sickness while paragliding! (around 5%). These are people who are also very sensitive to seasickness or travelling in the back of cars. In that case, take a discovery flight — nobody gets sick before 20 minutes.
How does the paragliding take-off work?
First, our instructor will explain the take-off instructions at the summit of the Puy-de-Dôme: all you need to do is walk and not stop. The wing then starts to lift and gently carries you into the air. You will not feel like you are throwing yourself into the void or falling at any point!
And in the air, under the paraglider?
Once in the air under the paraglider, all you need to do is sit back in your harness and let yourself be carried! In the air you will be seated a little like on a swing with a backrest. Once comfortably settled, enjoy your flight, and if you wish, we can even let you take the controls for a moment!
And the landing?
It takes place standing up and gently on the landing area, passing over the welcome chalet.
Why fly by paraglider at the Puy-de-Dôme?
The Puy-de-Dôme paragliding site is one of the most renowned. The view is unique — you will fly over the Puy-de-Dôme, the Auvergne volcanoes, and the Chaîne des Puys, a UNESCO World Heritage Site! It is a magical location: the ultimate place to discover paragliding!
Still hesitating?
Hesitate no more — you just need to know whether you want to do it or not! Sign up for your paragliding flight in Clermont-Ferrand, it is a unique and unforgettable experience you will not forget in a hurry! On the day: 15 minutes before the scheduled time, make your way to the summit of the Puy-de-Dôme. You can get there either by rack railway, the Panoramique des Dômes, or on foot via the Chemin des Muletiers.