Ecrins Free Flight - — Attraction in Gap

Who would have thought I’d be jumping off the side of a mountain with nothing but a piece of material attached to me by strings? Certainly not me. When I signed up for this paragliding course in the southern French Alps, I knew absolutely nothing about the sport. Yet, after just one week under the guidance of Jeremy and Gil, I completed my very first solo flight.

The course begins with three days of ground training. We learned about the structure of the glider, the functions of risers, brake lines, and strings, as well as how to pack and unpack our equipment. Jeremy even set up a harness suspended from a basketball hoop to simulate flight, giving us a safe way to practice controlling the glider while “in the air.” From take-off to landing, every step was carefully explained and demonstrated.

The week builds up to the highlight—your first solo flight. For those less confident, there’s also the option to fly tandem with Jeremy or Gil. On the final day, students can enjoy two additional solo flights, consolidating their new skills.

The quality of training was outstanding. Jeremy and Gil are not only experts in paragliding but also exceptional teachers. They explained everything clearly, demonstrated techniques with precision, and constantly checked our understanding. Their approach was calm, patient, and encouraging, delivered with humour and warmth. They created an atmosphere where everyone—French and English students alike—felt supported and capable. Impressively, all instructions were given in both languages to ensure no one was left behind.

Beyond the lessons, the course had a wonderful sense of community. Each day we shared meals—sometimes at local restaurants, sometimes picnics, and even a BBQ—before regrouping for a debrief and preparing for the next day. These moments of socialising with both instructors and fellow students made the experience even more memorable.

Would I do it again? Without hesitation—YES. The conditions in the Alps are almost guaranteed to be perfect, but what truly made this course exceptional were Jeremy and Gil. Their professionalism, patience, and enthusiasm turned what once seemed unimaginable into an unforgettable adventure. A huge thank you to both Jeremy and Gil—you made...

🌟 Une expérience inoubliable ! 🌟

J’ai eu la chance de vivre ma première session de parapente et c’était tout simplement magique ! Dès l’accueil, l’équipe a été chaleureuse, professionnelle et rassurante. Mon moniteur a su me mettre en confiance tout en m’expliquant chaque étape avec clarté.

Le vol… wow. Un moment suspendu dans le temps, avec une vue à couper le souffle. On se sent libre, léger, porté par le vent. Les sensations sont incroyables, entre adrénaline et sérénité. J’ai même pu prendre les commandes quelques instants – un pur bonheur !

Je recommande à 1000% cette expérience à tous ceux qui veulent vivre quelque chose d’exceptionnel, en toute sécurité. C’est une bouffée d’air frais, au sens propre comme au figuré. Je n’ai qu’une envie : recommencer au...

Super experience with them today. At the original site there was too much wind, so they took the effort to drive 20 minutes to another site for an introduction flight. Very nice and...