Barneville sur seine

Barneville-sur-Seine is a NNO thermo-dynamic ridge in the loops of the Seine downstream of Rouen, about 150 km from Paris — a 120 m relief cliff site facing the river opposite Duclair. It is an unofficial site reserved for experienced pilots. Two launches step off the plateau: a shallow, well-maintained 30° meadow — but ringed by tall trees with only a small 35° gap at the bottom as the obvious exit — and a 330° launch with no slope at all, a flat meadow that ends abruptly at a nettle-covered cliff. Because of the neighbouring ridges, all NW winds funnel up that cliff.

Launch & conditions

Two takeoffs. 30°: nice long shallow well-maintained meadow — but ringed by tall trees, with only a small 35° gap at the bottom as an obvious exit. 330°: no slope, flat great-meadow grass that ends abruptly at a nettle-covered cliff — all NW winds are channelled up here because of the neighbouring slopes.

Getting there & local rules

From Paris, A13 towards Rouen (~125 km), then D313, D313E, D91 to Barneville-sur-Seine. Site is on the left bank of the Seine, facing Duclair. GPS gets you to the takeoff without trouble. Landings: the marked LZ at 49°23'29''N 0°51'7''E is badly overgrown and tiny, with barbed wire spread generously along the river path by neighbouring landowners. An 'atterrissage delta' at 49.392013, 0.860188 exists on local maps — scout it before you commit. If the water is low, the Seine banks are wide but rocky. The path to landing leaves the main road about 150 m east of takeoff — long, steep, but passable for cars if the upper gate is open.

Local rules & hazards

Unofficial site — reserved for experienced pilots. Top-landing is preferred. Low tide widens the Seine banks (rocky). Barbed wire lines the river path — plan the landing carefully.

Check conditions before you fly

A forecast for the valley is not a forecast for the launch. Before heading to Barneville sur seine, 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 Barneville sur seine with a 7-day forecast built from high-resolution weather models, see who else has been flying, and get there with offline maps.