Bondoufle

Bondoufle isn't a flying site in the usual sense — it's two small, cone-shaped mounds on open ground southeast of Paris, with only about 20 meters of height difference, built for ground-handling and kiting practice rather than real flights. The open terrain works in wind from almost any direction between east and northwest, and it's popular for kiting sessions in everything from light to fairly strong wind, though the cone shape of the mounds does create venturi effects worth watching. To get there from Paris, take the A6 toward Lyon, then the N104 ring road, following signs for exit 37B 'Bondoufle' (just past exit 37A), continue to the first roundabout, turn toward Courcouronnes centre, and park near the cemetery. A short walk through the small woods past the cemetery entrance leads to the two mounds. Pilots are only tolerated here, not formally welcomed, so it's essential to fly with real care around the many walkers who use the area.

Launch & conditions

Two small, cone-shaped mounds with about 20 meters of height difference — good for ground-handling and kiting practice in light to fairly strong wind from almost any direction, but the cone shape creates venturi effects worth watching for.

Getting there & local rules

From Paris, take the A6 toward Lyon, then the N104 ring road toward exit 37B 'Bondoufle' (just past exit 37A). Continue to the first roundabout, turn toward Courcouronnes centre, and park near the cemetery — don't leave anything visible in the car, as break-ins have been reported. A short walk through the small woods past the cemetery entrance leads to the two mounds.

Local rules & hazards

Pilots are only tolerated at this site, not formally sanctioned, so take real care to avoid endangering the many walkers who use the area.

Check conditions before you fly

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