Penne d\'agenais

Penne d'Agenais launches from just outside a hilltop village in southwestern France, with parking at the village entrance and a short 100-meter walk up to takeoff — driving all the way up usually isn't allowed, though being dropped off there generally isn't a problem. The launch itself has been cleared and maintained over time, with a windsock in place and a broad dirt patch that works for pilots willing to carry their glider up on foot; there's also an alternative spot next to the nearby hump if the main one isn't working. To find it, just follow the signs for 'Penne d'A' up to the top of the road and park at the village entrance. Landing is to the northwest, in a small field beside the road just past the railway line — there's usually a windsock there too, but watch closely for power lines on the approach.

Launch & conditions

The launch has been cleared and maintained over time, with a windsock in place and a broad dirt patch that works for pilots willing to carry their glider up on foot. An alternative takeoff sits next to the nearby hump.

Getting there & local rules

Park at the village entrance and follow the signs for 'Penne d'A' up to the top of the road; driving all the way to the top usually isn't allowed, though being dropped off there generally isn't a problem.

Local rules & hazards

The landing field sits beside the road just past the railway line, with a windsock usually in place — watch closely for power lines on the approach.

Check conditions before you fly

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