Thonon – orcier

Thonon–Orcier is a thermal, soaring and cross-country site above Lake Geneva in France's Haute-Savoie, with two takeoff options depending on wind: Les Couteaux, facing north to northeast, and Très le Mont, which works with north, northwest and west wind. Local pilots know this site for a reliable 'thermal express' around 3 p.m. — a strong, fast-climbing thermal window that's worth planning your day around rather than missing. The terrain here is lush and green, which tells you something about the rainfall, and the local 'bise' — a cold wind blowing off the lake from the north or northeast — is a factor pilots keep an eye on; the best flying conditions generally come with wind out of the north or west instead. To get there, head for the Annemasse area northeast of Lake Geneva and follow the roads through to Orcier village in Haute-Savoie, where the site sits at about 1,367 meters.

Launch & conditions

Two takeoff options depending on wind: Les Couteaux (N/NE) and Très le Mont (N/NW/W), at about 1,367 m. Known locally for a reliable 'thermal express' around 3 p.m.

Getting there & local rules

Reached via the Annemasse area northeast of Lake Geneva, then the local roads through to Orcier village in Haute-Savoie.

Local rules & hazards

This is lush, green terrain that sees regular rain. The local 'bise' — a cold wind off the lake from the north or northeast — is worth watching, and the best flying conditions generally come with wind from the north or west.

Check conditions before you fly

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