le Chalvet (Saint Andre les Alpes)

Saint-André-les-Alpes is a long-established flying site that has hosted international paragliding and hang-gliding events for years. It is known for strong thermals and serious cross-country potential, with routes running north towards Dormillouse, Briançon and Allos, and south to the Col de Bleyne. The main south-west launch tends to blow out for paragliders once conditions turn properly thermic and the valley breeze establishes, so cross-country pilots aim to be on launch between 11:30 and 13:00, ready for the sun to start pulling thermals up the south-west face. Gentler options exist: the east and south-east launches suit morning flights, and evening soaring from the south-west launch until sunset can be very rewarding.

Launch & conditions

The main south-west/west launch is relatively steep and turns thermic from around midday. Wind on take-off can be strong, particularly later on once the valley wind is established. The south-east launches are easy and very large. When the thermal activity dies down again, very pleasant evening soaring is often available until dark.

Getting there & local rules

A good but narrow paved road climbs to the Chalvet take-off from the north-west side of town, though it is often snowed in from December to March. There is a lay-by close to the south take-off and space for several cars at the end of the road beneath the south-west launch. The lakeside landing area is reached by taking the Nice road out of Saint-André and turning left by the supermarket. Shuttle buses normally run from the landing field.

Local rules & hazards

This is not a federation site — it is administered locally, and visiting pilots, groups and schools are asked to make contact before flying. The lake landing can be turbulent in a strong north or north-west meteo wind (Mistral); in a light Mistral the south-west launch is usually no trouble, but as soon as conditions get windy expect rough air. A light northerly is flyable from the north launch, though of little real interest.

Check conditions before you fly

A forecast for the valley is not a forecast for the launch. Before heading to le Chalvet (Saint Andre les Alpes), 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 le Chalvet (Saint Andre les Alpes) with a 7-day forecast built from high-resolution weather models, see who else has been flying, and get there with offline maps.