Sainte colombe – Eaux – Puiseaux

Sainte-Colombe / Eaux-Puiseaux is an FFVL site in the Aube (Champagne region), suitable for all levels — a modest 80 m ridge oriented west, with two takeoffs. The right-hand one is straight W, the left-hand one slightly SW; dynamic soaring holds up well, and yields are best on the full-west side. In summer evenings you can also fly here in restitution — the main challenge then is sometimes having to hook back in over the trees behind. It's a workable XC starting point, particularly by heading out onto the plain to find contrast thermals. It remains very possible to leave in WNW or even NW.

Launch & conditions

Two west-facing takeoffs at ~80 m: one straight W (right), one slightly SW (left). Dynamic soaring is more efficient on the full-W side. Summer evenings in restitution are possible — the main difficulty is sometimes having to hook back on over the trees behind.

Getting there & local rules

From A5, exit 19 Villeneuve-l'Archevêque; N60 east 8 km towards Troyes, then D374 south. Through Auxon and onwards on the D374 towards Eaux-Puiseaux. About 1.5 km before Eaux-Puiseaux, take a dirt road (very driveable) for about 1 km — it climbs the flank after about 400 m. You pass the SW takeoff, and 200 m further there's room to turn around.

Local rules & hazards

All-levels FFVL site — respect the flying rules and land inside marked landings.

Check conditions before you fly

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