Local Flying :: Moustiers
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Evening Soaring at Moustiers
Photo © Charlie Hedges |
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:: Introduction
The beautiful sites of Moustiers were host to the World Paragliding Championships in 1991, testament to their potential for XC. Flying above the edge of the lac du Ste Croix gives spectacular views into the jaws of the famous Gorges du Verdon and across the lavender-filled plateaux, of Mont-Ventoux, Montagne de Lure, the Luberon and the snowy peaks of the Ecrins and Mercantour. Moustiers is equally famed for the pleasant evening soaring on the westerly-facing cliffs of Mont Denier and Courchon, which work until dark in the summer.
:: Access
Mont Denier and Courchon
Take the D952 out of Moustiers towards Riez. The road climbs up a series of bends, after which there is a turning on the right-hand side that is signed “Site de Vol Libre”. Follow this partially-tarmaced track until you reach the Gîte de Venascle. The school are based here, and they run a Navette service in the summer up to the summit of Mont Denier.
Aiguines
Access to Aiguines is either on the D71, which runs along the south side of the gorge from the east; or from Moustiers along the D957 and D19. Parking is at the Col d’Iloire.
Ste Croix de Verdon
The village of St Croix is on the south-western shore of the lake. It can be reached from Moustiers via the D111.
:: Maps
- IGN Serie Vert 1:100 000 map 61, “Nice Barcelonnette”
- Michelin Carte Routière et Touristique, 1 :200 000 map 245, ” Provence Cote d’Azur “.
- IGN ” Top 25 ” (1 :25 000) map 3441OT or 3442OT.
:: Take-offs and Landings
Take-offs
| Name / Orientation |
GPS co-ordinates |
Altitude (m AMSL) |
Notes |
| Mont Denier NW to S |
43°51′14″N - 06°16′02″E |
1450m |
Dangerous in an easterly, south easterly or north wind. Landing is at the Gîte de Venascle (550m T to B), or Saint Clair (T to B of 1000m). |
| Courchon NW to S |
43°50′34″N - 06°13′49″E |
900m |
Dangerous in an easterly, south easterly or north wind. Landing is at the Gîte de Venascle (take-off height), or Saint Clair (T to B of 450m). |
| Aiguines W |
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1000m |
Dangerous in a southerly. 500m T to B. Landing on Aiguines beach, next to Var du Verdon. |
| Sainte Croix du Verdon E |
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722m |
200m T to B. Land on the beach of the Lac de Ste Croix (but check the level of the lake first!) |
Landings
| Name |
GPS co-ordinates |
Altitude (m AMSL) |
Notes |
| Mont Denier |
43°50′44″N - 06°15′06″E |
1450m |
Turbulent in a north wind. |
| Courchon (Saint Clair) |
43°49′55″N - 06°13′23″E |
450m |
The landing field is at the edge of the D952, and is bordered by a telephone line and a wheat field. |
| Aiguines |
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500m |
Aiguines beach, next to Var du Verdon |
| Ste Croix du Verdon |
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500m |
Land on the beach of the Lac de Ste Croix. |
:: Useful Numbers
:: Other Activities
- Canoes, kayaks and peddaloes are available for hire at the lake.
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Climbing, rafting, canyoning etc in the gorges du Verdon. There are many signed footpaths for walks of varying length. The walk along the Couloir Samson from the Point Sublime on the north side of the gorge (at its eastern end), is only a couple of hours long and takes you through rock tunnels (bring a torch!). For a longer adventure, there is a 2-day Sentier Martel canyoning route all the way from Rougon to Maireste. A guide book is available from the Castellane or Moustiers tourist offices for this. Be aware that the EDF controls the water level of the river artificially: Telephone 04 92 83 62 68 for recorded information.
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The town of Moustiers-Ste-Marie is well worth a visit, in particular the medieval Notre Dame de Beauvoir chapel which is built into a cliff above it. A gold star hangs suspended on an iron chain between the two cliffs that tower over the village, that is said to have been put there by a 13th century knight who was grateful to have returned from the crusades unscathed. The village is known for its Faïence pottery, Provencal art, and in the summer of 2003 saw the installation of 26 sculptures on the streets.
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