Montaud

Montaud launches directly from the roadside above its namesake village, northwest of Grenoble — no walk-in required, just park and go. The slope is good for beginners: not too wide, but genuinely safe in the right conditions as long as there's a steady breeze rather than dead calm. Airspace above the site is tightly capped, with the ceiling running from about 1,900 m near Bec d'Orient to the west down to roughly 2,800 m directly above launch. Although the takeoff itself faces northwest, the site actually flies best in a north or even northeast wind; treat a northwest wind with caution and avoid west entirely, since wind wrapping along the cliffs there can turn dangerous. The road in via the Mortier tunnel from Autrans is frequently closed, so approach instead from Voreppe through Veurey, crossing the Isère river before following signs toward Montaud. Landing is in a tree-bordered field that can turn turbulent on approach, so come in with margin, and keep to the public parking and marked path out of respect for the fields and residents nearby.

Launch & conditions

Takeoff is right on the road, no walk-in needed — good for beginners in the right conditions, though the slope needs a steady breeze rather than dead calm to be truly safe.

Getting there & local rules

From Voreppe, head through Veurey and cross the Isère river, then follow signs toward Montaud; the alternate route via the Mortier tunnel from Autrans is often closed.

Local rules & hazards

Airspace is capped from about 1,900 m near Bec d'Orient (west of launch) down to about 2,800 m directly above takeoff. The takeoff faces northwest, but the site flies best in north or northeast wind — be cautious in a northwest wind and avoid west entirely, since wind wrapping along the cliffs there can turn dangerous.

Check conditions before you fly

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