PILOT HEAVEN

Not only is Gréolières a great site for the experienced pilot, it is also totally accessible by the novice, with an easy take off and landing. But its greatest asset is the weather - with an amazing 342 flying days in 2003.

The view is also quite spectacular, down through the Gorge de Loup and beyond to the Mediterranean.

But that's just within sight of the hotel grounds (when on a busy day you can see a spread of brightly coloured wings set against the mountain and blue sky beyond) and between 15 minutes and just over an hour's drive there are a further 6 top class flying sites.

Ailéments, the school in Gréolières is run by Pierrot who speaks great English. And if you're not interested in learning to fly go for a tandem flight of a lifetime - they drive you up a dirt track to the take off site further up the Cheiron and you fly back to the village where your friends and family can take pictures of you landing. Here's their web site for more information: Ailéments Paragliding

Gourdon

The village of Gourdon is just 10 minutes drive down the valley and has stunning views across the coast, but you'll need to drive a further 20 minutes to the launch site, and the last few minutes are on a dirt track.

Col de Bleyne

But that's just within sight of the hotel grounds (when on a busy day you can see a spread of brightly coloured sails set against the mountain and blue sky beyond) and between 15 minutes and just over an hour's drive there are a further 6 top class sites.

Lachens

30 minutes drive from Gréolières.

St Andre les Alpes

An hour and a quarter by car, but well worth the extra effort. Has a reputation for experts only, but beginners are catered for.

Kennedy

30 minutes drive from Gréolières with the last few by dirt track.

Monaco

The Principality of Monaco is just an hour's drive from Le Foulon and is a well known paragliding site - most local schools can provide more information.