Paragliding in the Arcachon Basin takes place at a single location: the Dune du Pilat, in La Teste-de-Buch. The westerly wind hits the ocean-facing slope, creating a steady updraft and allowing tandem flights for children as young as 4. Expect to pay starting at €60 for a first flight and about 20 minutes for the extended flight option.
From our campsite on the Arcachon Basin in Andernos-les-Bains, the outing takes half a day.
This Topic at a Glance
- The main spot is located on the west face of the Dune du Pilat, in La Teste-de-Buch.
- The flying season runs from April 1 to October 30, with optimal conditions from April through June.
- A tandem flight starts at €60 and lasts 10 to 20 minutes.
- Schools accept passengers as young as 4 years old, with a weight limit of 120 kg.
- Beginners can fly without prior training: the instructor does the flying, and you enjoy the view.
The Dune du Pilat, the only free-flight spot in the region
Takeoff is on the west side of the dune, with your feet in the sand, about 100 meters above the beach. The westerly breeze flows steadily up the slope and carries the glider smoothly, which explains the site’s reputation among instructors. According to the Coastal Conservation AgencyThis sand dune stretches 2.7 km, rises to between 100 and 115 meters, and advances 4 to 5 meters per year toward the forest. Once airborne, you’ll glide along the ridge just a few dozen meters above the ground, with the Banc d’Arguin on one side and the Landes pine forest on the other. The only sound accompanying your flight is the wind rustling through the lines!
Good to know: The sand on the dune is constantly shifting. As a result, the takeoff and landing areas change slightly from season to season, depending on the shape of the slope and the prevailing wind direction on any given day. Local instructors adjust their meeting point accordingly, often the day before.
The process of a tandem paragliding flight
A paragliding baptism over the Arcachon Basin begins with a hike up the slope, followed by a short briefing. The instructor then fits the harness, unfolds the wing, and initiates the takeoff run: just three or four steps are all it takes. You’ll finally be flying facing the ocean, comfortably seated, before a gentle landing on the sand.
Two schools share the site: Dune Parapente, run by Pierre-Evelyn Jacob, and Parapente Arcachon, the school run by Antoine, who has been an instructor on the dune for over 10 years. Here are some useful tips before you book:
- Dune Parapente offers a 10-minute introductory flight starting at 60€, and accepts bookings at 06 33 54 98 11.
- The extended flight lasts about 20 minutes and costs around 90€ with both suppliers.
- Expect to pay an additional €30 or so to take home the onboard video.
- Parapente Arcachon is certified by the French Paragliding School of the French Free Flight Federation and can be reached at 06 84 77 30 40.
- These schools welcome passengers aged 4 to 87, weighing up to 120 kg, using equipment that meets European standards.
The Best Time and Flying Conditions
The official paragliding season in the Arcachon Basin runs from April 1 to October 30. The best conditions are from April through June: mild temperatures, steady westerly winds, and still moderate crowds on the dune. In the middle of summer, flights tend to take place early in the morning or late in the afternoon, when the thermal breeze stabilizes. Winds that are too light, too strong, or blowing in the wrong direction will result in a postponement: the schools make the decision on the day of the flight. Therefore, book early in your stay to secure a backup date.
Our tips: Bring closed-toe shoes, a windbreaker, and water, because climbing up the sand dune takes real effort. Leave bags and fragile items in the car, and remove your glasses and hats before you start climbing. Finally, arrive 30 minutes early: the dune’s parking lot fills up quickly in July and August.
Plan your outing from Andernos-les-Bains
From Andernos-les-Bains, the Dune du Pilat can be reached by car via Biganos and Gujan-Mestras. Allow a full morning for the journey, including the climb and the flight itself. Families often take advantage of the day to visit Petit Nice beach or the Banc d’Arguin sandbar. Furthermore, bicycles available at the campsite allow you to easily access the cycle paths upon your return.
Would you like to experience this incredible sense of freedom? Book your stay at our campsite, Camping Fontaine Vieille, in Andernos-les-Bains—just a 5-minute walk from Mauret Beach—and plan your flight from this ideal launch site on the Arcachon Basin.
FAQ – Paragliding over the Arcachon Basin
Do you need prior experience to fly in a tandem paraglider?
You don’t need any prior experience to go on a tandem paragliding flight. The certified instructor pilots the glider from takeoff to landing. All you have to do is take 3 or 4 steps at the start, then enjoy the panoramic view of the ocean and the Banc d’Arguin.
What is the minimum age for a first-time paragliding flight?
Schools at the Dune du Pilat welcome passengers as young as 4 years old, with a parent’s consent. The upper limit is primarily based on weight: a maximum of 120 kg, including equipment. Passengers over 80 years old also fly every season, provided they can walk up the slope.
How much does a paragliding flight at the Dune du Pilat cost?
A 10-minute introductory flight starts at €60. The extended flight, lasting about 20 minutes, costs around €90. An onboard video adds about €30. The schools also offer gift certificates, valid throughout the flying season.
Can you fly on the Dune du Pilat in winter?
The official season ends on October 30 and resumes on April 1. Outside of this period, flights are only available on a limited basis, subject to ideal weather conditions and prior authorization. It’s therefore best to schedule your flight during spring break or the summer season.
What happens if the wind prevents the flight?
The schools will cancel or reschedule the flight slot at no charge and then offer you a new date. This decision is made on the same day, after assessing the conditions on site. That’s why booking early during your stay gives you time to reschedule the flight before you leave.