Les Richards

Les Richards is a thermal and cross-country launch in the Hautes-Alpes near Gap, France, with a large grass takeoff at about 1,530 meters, visible from the valley on top of a small hill above the village of the same name. It's primarily known as an XC launch — pilots have reported long cross-country flights from here, including a reported 187-kilometer route through Chamrousse and Megève before landing near Chamonix, launched around 11:30 and flown into the evening on south wind. To get to launch from Gap, cross the Bayard pass, turn right toward Ocière-Merlette, cross the village of Pont du Fossé, turn left after 200 meters, and follow the signs for 'décollage' or 'Les Richards' — from the landing area, the road climbs through the small village (passing a farm), so remember to close the gate behind you as you go. Strong valley wind can make the landing here tricky, so treat that as a real variable to plan around rather than an afterthought — this is a site that rewards XC ambition but still deserves a cautious read of the day's wind.

Launch & conditions

Large grass takeoff at about 1,530 m, visible from the valley on a small hill above Les Richards village.

Getting there & local rules

From Gap, cross the Bayard pass, turn right toward Ocière-Merlette, cross Pont du Fossé village, turn left after 200 m, and follow the signs for 'décollage' or 'Les Richards'. The road climbs through the small village near launch — close the gate behind you.

Local rules & hazards

Strong valley wind can make the landing here tricky, so treat it as a real variable to plan around rather than an afterthought.

Check conditions before you fly

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