Malay le Grand

Malay-le-Grand is a small unofficial French site north-facing (more NNW than NNE) — a modest 50 m ridge with very narrow useful wind windows to keep soaring efficient. Bottom landing is only workable if the field isn't cultivated (watch the phone line), or a longer 6:1 glide out to a spot next to the football pitch. Top-landing works well. Do not launch XC flights without checking the numerous civil and military airspace zones nearby. Reserved for a handful of wings.

Launch & conditions

Nice grassy takeoff. N (NNW) orientation, ~50 m relief. Unofficial site, small — a few wings only. Top-landing works well (level 1).

Getting there & local rules

Via the N60 towards Saint-Savine/Troyes. Malay-le-Grand is about 2 km from the Sens exit. Then head towards Noé and stop at the football pitch — leave the car below on the left and walk up the forest track. You can also drive up the main track and park ~1 km along on the left, but the spot is often taken by hunters' cars. Landing: very small, on the left near the track. Absolutely avoid landing in the field.

Local rules & hazards

Do NOT launch XC without checking the numerous civil and military airspace zones nearby. Very narrow useful wind window. Top-landing preferred; bottom-landing only workable if the field is not cultivated (watch the phone line) or the longer ~6:1 glide to the pitch. Never land in the cultivated field.

Check conditions before you fly

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