Looking to turn your camping holiday on the shores of the Arcachon Basin into an unforgettable adventure? Parachute jumping over this Gironde wonderland combines thrills with exceptional panoramas. Take to the skies from our Fontaine Vieille campsite. Ready to jump?
What you need to know before taking the plunge
| Key details | |
|---|---|
| Location | Villemarie aerodrome (La Teste-de-Buch), Gironde. |
| Experience | Tandem jump to 4,000m: 50s of freefall, then 5-8 min under canopy. |
| Panoramas | Dune du Pilat, Banc d’Arguin, Cap Ferret, oyster beds. |
| Conditions | Weight: min. 40 kg / max. 80 kg (women) – 95 kg (men). |
| Period | April to October (July/August very popular). |
| Service provider | Vertical T’Air Parachutisme (initiation and PAC courses). |
| Prices | Between €290 and €325 (excluding video/photo options). |
Skydiving over the Arcachon Basin: where to start?
The Villemarie aerodrome in La Teste-de-Buch is the ideal starting point for this unforgettable adventure. As soon as you take off, the landscape unfolds with striking intensity: the Dune du Pilat unfolds between forest and ocean, while you fly over the Banc d’Arguin and Ile aux Oiseaux. A parachute jump over the Arcachon Basin also offers a unique view of the oyster beds, revealing this panorama as never before.
Address: Aérodrome d’Arcachon Villemarie – Arcachon airfield, 33260 La Teste-de-Buch, France, 32 km from our campsite.
The course of the experiment
Discover every stage of this unique aerial adventure, from the welcome on the ground to the final landing.
Reception at the office of the chosen school
A team of professionals takes care of the formalities. The instructor gives a 15-minute briefing on flight positions. You learn how to exit the plane and how to arch your back. The equipment consists ofa safety harness connected to the instructor’s tandem parachute.
The free-fall and flight phase
Climb aboard for a 15-minute ascent. At an altitude of 4,000 meters, the aircraft’s side door finally opens. The adrenalin is pumping as you stand on the edge of the threshold. Firmly attached to your partner, you tip over into the void.
The fall lasts around 50 seconds at breakneck speed. The sensation of absolute freedom will stay with you forever.
At around 1,500 metres, the instructor deploys the main canopy. Calm suddenly replaces the din of the relative wind in your ears. You can now chat with your instructor during the descent. The canopy ride lasts between 5 and 8 minutes on average. During this time, you can admire Cap Ferret and the passes of the Atlantic Ocean. Parachute jumping in the Arcachon basin ends with a soft landing.
Conditions and weight limits
The centers impose strict weight rules to ensure the safety of all.
- for children: a minimum of 40 kg is often set.
- for adults: the upper limit varies according to the passenger’s gender. Men can weigh up to 95 kg dressed for the activity. Women must not exceed 80 kg in most structures.
A parachute jump in the Arcachon Basin therefore requires a normal physical condition without excess.
Choosing your flying season
The ideal season is from April to October in Gironde. Winds are more stable and visibility is often perfect. July and August are very popular with holidaymakers. Book well in advance to guarantee your flight slot. You can also opt to skydive over the Arcachon Basin at sunset! The colors of the Atlantic Ocean turn the experience into a magical moment.
Vertical T’Air Parachuting: your partner for a successful skydiving experience in the Arcachon basin
This service provider is one of the leaders based at the Villemarie aerodrome. The team has over 10 years’ experience in skydiving. Their state-certified instructors will guide you with passion and kindness.
Learning to jump alone
This center offers more advanced training for the more adventurous. The PAC course enables you to become autonomous in just a few days. You’ll make accompanied jumps before taking to the skies on your own. An introductory PAC jump is also available to test the discipline.
Video and souvenir options
Leaving with a record of your exploit is a paying option. The instructor films the entire flight with a wrist camera. For superior results, choose the VIP photo and video package. A second skydiver jumps with you to capture every expression. This makes skydiving in the Arcachon basin a treasure to be shared.
Address: Aérodrome de Villemarie, 33260 La Teste-de-Buch
Prices (indicative): from €290 to €325.
Other services: picnic tables, signposted parking and a food truck.
Make the most of your stay with us and take the plunge! Parachute jumping in the Arcachon basin awaits you for unforgettable memories. Ready to try free-fall over the Dune du Pilat? Contact us to organize your next sporting vacation in Gironde. See you soon in the air!