Between the Lake of Gruyère and the Fribourg Prealps, Gruyère offers sumptuous flights in a picture-postcard setting. Le Gypaète, an FSVL-certified school, takes you flying there in complete safety — from the very first tandem paragliding flight to the pilot licence. Depending on the weather, the wind and your level, we pick the best site of the moment every day to fly above the lakes and summits.
Our flying sites in Gruyère and the Prealps
- Charmey – Vounetz: Gruyère's flagship site, reached by gondola. An open take-off and an easy landing — ideal for a first tandem flight as well as for progressing.
- Lac Noir (Schwarzsee): a great prealpine classic, magical flights above the lake.
- Grandvillard: at the foot of the Vanils, for beautiful mountain flights.
- Gurli and Jansegg: prealpine spots that widen our options depending on the air conditions of the day.
When to fly in Gruyère?
Gruyère can be flown for a large part of the year. In spring and summer, the thermals let you gain height and extend your flights; in autumn, the air turns calm and clear again for sumptuous gliding flights; in winter, we enjoy calm windows facing the snow-covered summits. The variety of take-offs and orientations almost always leaves us a flyable option, whatever the wind of the day.
Tandem flight or training: who is it for?
A tandem flight requires no experience: you fly with an instructor, you only need to be able to run a few steps at take-off. It is the perfect opportunity to discover Gruyère from the sky, or to give a flight as a gift. If you want to learn to fly on your own, the pilot licence course is open from age 14 and starts with an introductory course from CHF 250.
How does a flight work?
We meet at the meeting point, go up to the take-off (often by gondola at Charmey), then the instructor explains everything: getting into the harness, your position and the take-off. A few steps and you are flying! The flight generally lasts 10 to 20 minutes depending on the option, before a very gentle landing. Bring closed shoes and a jacket.
Frequently asked questions — paragliding in Gruyère
Where can I go paragliding in Gruyère?
The main sites are Charmey (Vounetz), Lac Noir and Grandvillard. We choose the take-off on the day according to the weather, to give you the best conditions.
Do I need experience to fly?
No. On a tandem flight, you fly with a qualified instructor: no prior knowledge is needed. To fly on your own, the licence course guides you step by step.
From what age can you fly?
Tandem flights are possible from a very young age (depending on weight and with the parents' consent). The pilot licence course is open from age 14.
Can you fly all year round?
Yes, by adapting to the weather. Each season has its charm — thermals in spring and summer, clear air in autumn, calm flights in winter.
How much does a flight or the training cost?
The details are on our prices page. The introductory course starts from CHF 250, and the full licence training is explained there with no hidden extras.
Our courses
Want to fly in Gruyère? Write to us — we will advise you on the best time and the right site.