LARAGNE
(CHABRE)
Probably one of the most well known sites in
the Alpes des Haute Provence. The Chabre is a ridge 1350m high and about 25k
long. Vehicular access is not a problem as a partly metalled road goes to the
two take off points from the bottom of the mountain. Care should however be
taken as the non-metalled parts can be rough. Launch points face both North and
South, the prevailing norm being South, so usually the Chabre is an excellent
place to fly thermals. Frequently, the cloudbase is 3000-4000m so its great for
X-C, which is flown most days by locally based flyers. Landing areas for
Paragliders and Hang gliders are available both on the South and North of the
mountain, but most people prefer landing at the campsite in the town of
Laragne. Conditions are seldom "turbulent" and the area has a reputation as a
reliable place for XC flying. Local services include shops, supermarkets,
garages, restaurants, bars, disco's, etc.
Adventure Extreme
are a BHPA Paragliding School operating locally and we can offer special rates
for pre-booked uplift in our LWB Landrover which is also fully equipped to
carry hang-gliders. We also provide accommodation and transport to not only our
own course members but other visiting pilots.
(Contact us for
details Tel 07092-283020 in UK or 0033-686352232 French
Mobile).
Site Pro's
Good
thermals, easy access, excellent XC potential and friendly atmosphere make it a
good place for both experienced and lower airtime pilots. The weather is
generally reliable and Laragne is not expensive when compared to other
areas.
Site Con's
Its hard to
fault the site and the area. It can sometimes be crowded at weekends in the
height of the season.
Aspres sur
Buëch
One of the Jewels of the
area. 1400m high this site faces South, and can take SE or SW also. Access is
by unmetalled track and it is rough, but worth the trip. Care is needed to keep
your sump intact. The top is more or less flat so top landings are OK for both
hang and paragliders. Produces good to strongish thermals though seldom
"turbulent", it's a good place for XCs as it starts to work early, from 10.30
onward normally. Also good for low airtime pilots as the bottom landing areas
are huge and the approach is easy. Local services are limited and most people
would use Laragne as a base, though there is a campsite in Aspres itself. There
is a sporadic navette though it is unreliable and you would probably need your
own transport to get to launch.
Site Pro's
Nice user
friendly site, good thermals, top landing and huge bottom landing fields. Good
for both experienced and lower airtime pilots.
Site Con's
No reliable
navette, can get strong during afternoon in July-August. The road up to the top
is a pain in the ar**.
St Vincent les Forts
This is not only the
local "thank God" site, (it is usually flyable, even during the Mistral) but
also an excellent site in its own right. With a metalled road going right up to
launch and a restaurant 50m away the place is well set up. Thermals are strong
but not generally violent and it is usually possible to fly up onto the
Dormillouse, which is the key to XC from St Vincent. From the Dormillouse, St
André les Alpes to the South and Briancon to the North give flights of
over 50k There is no navette, most people using their own cars to access take
off. Landing fields are a bit variable, early in the season the long wide beach
gives an easy touchdown and 2002 saw the introduction of a small landing field
surrounded by trees close to the beach (see lacal site rules for latest
details).
When the
water level is high (May - September) there is sometimes a problem with bottom
landings on the beach and you should ask the local pilots which field is in
use. Most people far prefer to top land.
Site Pro's
Easy
access, good thermals and reliability, even during the Mistral, makes this site
a must. Its spectacular setting adds to the "big site" feeling.
Site Con's
Landing
areas sometimes limited and small take-off area.
Tranion, St Geniez
Tranion,
near St Geniez, is one of the lesser used sites in the area. In many ways this
is a great pity as it is an excellent place for lower airtime pilots. The take
off is gentle and forgiving and in normal conditions the cliffs give
straightforward and often dynamic soaring in the mornings. Afternoon, brings a
steady increase in the strength of the thermic activity and it is very
reasonable to go XC from Tranion. The local sailplane clubs use the mountain as
a handy dropping off point because of its reliability. It takes South East
through to South West.
Site Pro's
Easy
vehicular access to take off. Not intimidating, as it is little larger than
many British sites so friendly for lower airtime pilots. Usually
deserted.
Site Con's
It's a bit out of the way and the landing
field can be awkward when it gets thermic.
St André les
Alpes
Another famous site,
well known for high altitude, long distance flying. Much beloved by serious XC
pilots, St André has unnerved more than one "big name" in recent years.
Conditions here can be strong, with a high cloudbase over the mountains. The
hill takes S, SW and SE winds and is dangerous in strong Northerly winds.
Generally speaking the XC flying here is committing and not really a good place
to go unless you are happy in rough air. The drive to take-off is metalled road
but narrow, very narrow so beware.
There is a navette
run by the local School, and the cost is 6 Euros. The town is a lively spot in
the evenings frequently with live bands playing in the main
square
Site
Pro's
Fabulous for long XCs,
spectacular mountain flying, high cloudbase, great evening flying on
restitution thermals and good entertainment.
Site
Con's
Strong, committing flying.
Sometimes lumpy.
More local sites going
online soon.
