Les 7 Meuses

Les 7 Meuses is a small, technical launch above the Meuse valley near Namur in Belgium, next to a large radio antenna — and it's not a site for pilots still building their wing-handling skills; the takeoff itself demands good control from the moment you inflate. In the air, the site sits under the TMA/CTR of Charleroi, Liège and Zaventem airports, which brings a flight-level limit during the week. There are two landing options. The first — two large fields in front of takeoff, between the campground and the speedway — is the safer, recommended choice whenever you have enough altitude to reach it; just avoid flying low over the campground and watch for tall lighting posts along the road. The second is a long but narrow strip between the river and a four-lane road right below launch; the approach there is genuinely technical, flown low over the river where the air usually sinks and the wind shifts often, so it's worth walking down to scout it before ever landing there for real.

Launch & conditions

Takeoff is small and requires good wing-handling skills from the moment you inflate. It sits right next to a large radio antenna, reached via the 'Panorama des 7-Meuses' sign in Godinne village, following the Meuse valley up from Namur.

Getting there & local rules

From Namur, follow the Meuse valley up to Godinne; in the village, follow signs for 'Panorama des 7-Meuses' to reach the launch near the radio antenna. Don't park in the bus company's lot near the fields below.

Local rules & hazards

Flying here happens under the TMA/CTR of Charleroi, Liège and Zaventem airports, which sets a flight-level limit during the week. There are two landings: the large fields in front of takeoff are the safer choice whenever you have the altitude to reach them — avoid flying low over the campground nearby, and watch for tall lighting posts along the road. The alternative, narrow riverside strip has a genuinely technical approach with sinking air and shifting wind, so scout it on foot before landing there for the first time.

Check conditions before you fly

A forecast for the valley is not a forecast for the launch. Before heading to Les 7 Meuses, read the wind and thermals for the site itself, confirm the day's rules with the local club, and remember the standing rule — when in doubt, don't launch. In the free OutDare app you can open Les 7 Meuses with a 7-day forecast built from high-resolution weather models, see who else has been flying, and get there with offline maps.