Courtet

Courtet launches at around 1,380 m in the Trièves, south of Grenoble, and has a strong local reputation for cross-country flying — strong on the right day, in a wind direction most nearby sites can't use well. The site was actually closed for a period in 2006 after overcrowding and bad behavior from visiting pilots; it reopened, but the local club still treats respect for the rules and the landowners as non-negotiable, which is worth knowing before you go. Getting to launch means driving from Mens toward Tréminis, parking near the tree line, then a short trek on foot to the takeoff itself — no 4x4 needed, but the access road has a strict 15 km/h limit. In the Grenoble flying scene, Courtet is considered one of the best options when the wind is blowing hard from the north, alongside nearby Montlambert. A south wind is a different story: it's genuinely dangerous here, with rough turbulence reported on the left side of takeoff.

Launch & conditions

Takeoff sits at around 1,380 m. From the landing area, drive toward Tréminis, park near the tree line, then walk the rest of the way in — no 4x4 required, but the road has a strict 15 km/h limit.

Getting there & local rules

From Grenoble, head south through Vizille and La Mure, then take the D526 toward Mens. The site was closed for a period in 2006 after overcrowding and poor behavior by visitors; it reopened, and the local club expects visiting pilots to respect the rules, the farmers' land and the landing area.

Local rules & hazards

Courtet is considered one of the best sites in the Grenoble area in a strong north wind, alongside nearby Montlambert. A south wind is a different matter — it's dangerous here, with rough turbulence reported on the left side of takeoff. Landing outside the designated area carries a small fee that goes to the local farmers.

Check conditions before you fly

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