Pompignan

Pompignan is a scenic site north of Montpellier in southern France, launching from 356 m with fine views and best flown at the tail end of a Mistral spell or on summer mornings. Two small takeoffs share the hill — one for paragliders, one for hang gliders. Airspace to the north and west of takeoff is capped at 2,000 ft ASFC (1,000 m QNH) on weekdays, rising to 3,500 m QNH on weekends, but drops to just 1,000 ft ASFC (600 m QNH) south of takeoff — worth knowing before planning a line. West-to-northwest wind can build suddenly and strong, so many pilots monitor the local 'Séranne' radio transmitter on 143.987.5 MHz for live updates. Getting there is about 30 km from Montpellier, heading toward Quissac, Saint-Mathieu-de-Tréviers and Claret; from Claret, follow the direction of 'Les Embruscalles' and continue toward Pompignan — before the road drops down into the village, an unpaved track on the left leads the final stretch in. Landing is a gently inclined field near where the road bends, though the parking area itself, about 50 m to the right of takeoff, also works as an easy alternative.

Launch & conditions

Two small takeoffs share the hill — one for paragliders, one for hang gliders — best flown at the tail end of a Mistral or on summer mornings.

Getting there & local rules

About 30 km from Montpellier via Quissac, Saint-Mathieu-de-Tréviers and Claret; from Claret, follow the direction of 'Les Embruscalles' toward Pompignan, then take the unpaved track on the left before the road drops into the village.

Local rules & hazards

Airspace to the north and west of takeoff is capped at 2,000 ft ASFC (1,000 m QNH) on weekdays, rising to 3,500 m QNH on weekends — but south of takeoff the ceiling drops to just 1,000 ft ASFC (600 m QNH). West-to-northwest wind can build suddenly and strong, so it's worth monitoring the local 'Séranne' radio transmitter on 143.987.5 MHz for real-time conditions.

Check conditions before you fly

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