La Serre

La Serre is another high Pyrenean launch in the Aure valley, at 2,000 m, facing south to south-east. It works best on end-of-morning thermals as the mountain lights up. As with all the sites in this valley, south wind is very dangerous here — do not fly it. Access is via the Espiaube road and then a road on the right just before the Col du Portet ski station.

Launch & conditions

South to south-east takeoff at 2,000 m. Favourable on end-of-morning thermals.

Getting there & local rules

Espiaube road, then a road on the right just before the Col du Portet station. Federal landing at Vignec: take the Thermes road and turn right after the bridge — land only on the marked FFVL ground; the neighbours will not accept landings anywhere else.

Local rules & hazards

South wind is very dangerous here — do not fly it. Strong afternoon breeze in summer at landing, plus the phone line along the edge of the road at Vignec.

Check conditions before you fly

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