BEST PARAGLIDING SITES IN BELGIUM

Terril de fontaine l'évêque

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Rochefort (rond du roi)

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Pente école de Han-Sur-Lesse

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Décollage Coo-Ouest

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Atterrissage : 7 Meuses - Camping

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Décollage Coo-Sud

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Atterrissage Coo-Sud

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Décollage des 7 Meuses

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Andenne

This site in Namur, Belgium, offers an elevation of approximately 200 meters with a horizontal distance of 130 meters. It is frequently used by paragliders and has a rating indicating it is quite popular. However, it is important to note that this is not an official takeoff site. Despite this, soaring and good cross-country (XC) flights are possible here. Before planning your flight, it is crucial to contact local pilots for the latest information and guidance. The site has a notable record flight of 97.1 km, but it is known to be challenging and is recommended only for experienced pilots. For more details, you can visit [ParaglidingEarth](https://www.paraglidingearth.com).

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Bredene

Bredene, Belgium offers a coastal and dune soaring experience with various launch possibilities, suitable for medium to strong wind conditions. The site is located in a protected natural dune area and is open year-round, except during July and August when launching is strictly prohibited due to high beach traffic. The elevation difference is 15 meters, and the site is primarily used for both hang gliding and paragliding. Due to the nature of the winds and the terrain, this site is recommended only for very experienced paragliders. High winds can pose significant challenges, so caution is advised. Access to the site is via the coastal road opposite Bredene. Note that during peak months or days with heavy beachgoer presence, paragliding is not allowed. For more information, you can visit: - [Parapente Belge](http://www.parapentebelge.be/parapentebelge/sites.belges/bredenef.htm) - [FBVL](http://www.fbvl.be/FR/siteview.php?id=28) Contact: Jean Solon, Stationstraat 103, 2860 St-Katelijne-Waver Phone: +32(0)15-32 18 20 (Secretariat) For accommodation, Bredene offers 30 campsites. More details on tourism and lodging can be found at [Bredene Tourism](http://www.bredene.be/toerisme/du/algemeen.htm). Directions: Take the A4/E40 through Aachen, Liège, Brussels, and Ghent until exit No. 6 (Jabbeke Tankstelle). Follow the dual carriageway towards Bredene/De Haan, turn left at the roundabout towards De Haan, then right at Bredene Dorp, past the water tower, and take the second right towards Zeewind. Continue straight to the roundabout and then left into the entrance of Zeewind 1 (not Zeewind 2). Watch a video of the site [here](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X7_or6_k9lc).

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Atterrissage Coo-Ouest

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Atterrissage : 7 Meuses - Chemin de halage

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Oostduinkerke

Bredene, Belgium offers a unique paragliding experience with dune soaring. The take-off is from the dune itself, providing a scenic and serene flight over the coastal landscape. The site record for distance is 10.6 km. For a visual glimpse of what to expect, you can watch these videos: [Video 1](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RsUC2cD42Aw) [Video 2](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9_2Y5lfln08) For more detailed information, please refer to ParaglidingEarth.

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Corbion Poupehan

The take-off area features a steep slope with numerous dead branches that can potentially cut your lines or cause knots. Additionally, there are large trees in front of the take-off point that you need to clear during your launch. It is advisable to have some wind to assist with take-off, as launching without wind can make it challenging to get over the trees. For a visual reference, you can watch this video: [YouTube Video](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oOCdsbyBf8M).

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Bredene Vossesalg

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Ouren

Ouren, Belgium Elevation: 453 meters This site is regularly used for local soaring, and cross-country flights are possible. The site record stands at 97.8 km. [Image of Ouren](https://www.bvvf.be/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Ouren-2-768x385.jpg) [Another view of Ouren](https://www.bvvf.be/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Ouren-768x635.jpg) Regulations: The Ouren site has minimal restrictions, primarily concerning airspace. Motorized flight (paramotors, ultralight aircraft) is strictly prohibited. The site faces east, meaning thermal activity starts early but can be disorganized. It is not suitable for beginners or training flights. Thanks to the commune of Ouren for their support and hospitality. For refreshments, visit the WANGEN fishing shop in the village. It has a sunny terrace with a view of the site and sells drinks, chips, etc. Opening hours: Tuesday - Friday: 8 am - 6 pm Saturday: 8 am - 5 pm Sunday and holidays: 8 am - 12 pm Closed on Monday. Please respect the peace and quiet of the small village and drive carefully. Airspace: Ouren is located within Luxembourg's TMA 1B, starting at 3500 feet (approximately 1060 meters). This leaves about 500 meters of altitude for flying. The TMA boundary is just 1 km behind the site, so you enter it with the first thermal. Three options for cross-country flights: 1. Fly low for nearly 10 km. 2. With a south wind, head northwest to minimize time under the TMA (about 2 km). 3. For a more technical route, head north for 2-3 km to exit the enclave, then follow the wind drift. Use a waypoint like the village of Lascheid (N50.188059, E6.117024). With an east wind, avoid military zones like Marche, Florennes, and Charleroi. With a southeast wind, you will be under Liège's TMA. Takeoff: Altitude: 460 meters AMSL Location: Ouren, on the road above the village towards Weiswampach (Luxembourg) Access & Parking: Park to the left of the takeoff area behind the forest. There is space for two cars near the antenna. Do not park on the path or fields. Respect the environment and drive calmly. Landing: Between the Our and the road heading south, the largest field is used for landing. The landing area has significant wind gradient changes. Visiting the landing site before flying is imperative. Altitude: 320 meters Glide ratio: 6 Access & Parking: Along the road. Important: Do not pack your wing in the middle of the field. Move to the edge near the road before packing.

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Coo West

Located in Belgium, this paragliding site offers an elevation of 477 meters and a height difference of 250 meters, making it an easy yet exhilarating spot for enthusiasts. It's frequently used and suitable for cross-country flights, with a site record of 121.2 km. The takeoff area is notably large, one of the biggest in Belgium, providing ample space for preparation and launch. The site features two main takeoff directions: West and South. The West takeoff has no major obstacles except for a series of trees 20 meters below. The South takeoff also has a similar tree line and should be avoided with any eastward wind due to potential turbulence. For landing, there are three official zones: West, South (new since November 2017), and a very large area at the summit. The West landing zone has an agreement with a helicopter tour company, so it's best to land at the far end when the helicopter is active. The South landing zone has specific rules, including a red flag system indicating when it is off-limits, typically during hay season. The site is managed by the Sensation’Ailes Parapente Club de Coo, which ensures environmental respect and cleanliness. Visitors are asked to follow several rules, such as not leaving trash, not damaging fences, and using designated parking areas. The airspace around the site includes several regulated zones, such as TRA 28 B and TRA 28 A, which are temporary military areas. Pilots must check if these zones are active before flying. Additionally, the area includes LFA 03 and HTA 03 zones, where low-flying military aircraft and drones may be present. For more detailed information, you can visit the official page: [FBVL Coo Ouest](https://www.fbvl.be/flying_sites/coo-ouest/). Watch some flights from this site: - [Flight Video 1](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_SqZxwS7Xk4) - [Flight Video 2](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ww3ynbOpHj8) - [Flight Video 3](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bn0BjJfwl78)

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Les 7 Meuses

Located in the Province of Namur, Belgium, the "Point de vue des 7-Meuses" offers a paragliding site with an altitude of 250 meters above sea level. This site is regularly used and is suitable for soaring, with possibilities for cross-country (XC) flights. The site record is 119.9 km. The site is reserved for members of the FBVL or an equivalent foreign federation, who hold a free flight pilot's license and have civil liability insurance for free flight. Tandem flights are prohibited unless a written exemption is obtained from the FBVL. Landing in the take-off zone is only allowed when it is sufficiently clear. The take-off zone is primarily dedicated to take-offs, and any pilot wishing to land must immediately abort their approach if another pilot is preparing to take off. The take-off area is located in front of the trees. Pilots must strictly adhere to priority rules and adjust their distance relative to the slope, antenna, and other pilots based on flight conditions. Do not hover in place and allow others to circle in the thermal. The site is located below the Florennes military TMA, which is active on weekdays and can become active at any time during weekends and holidays. Consult NOTAMs on the FBVL or Belgocontrol websites. When the TMA is active, climbing more than 500 meters above the take-off is prohibited. When the base is on standby, access to the TMA is allowed only while monitoring Florennes Tower on 125.880 MHz. To the north, the Charleroi TMA is always active. It starts at 2500 ft/750 m AMSL west of the Meuse and at 3500 ft/1050 m AMSL east of the Meuse. At 17.5 km NNW of the take-off, the TMA descends to 2200 ft/660 m AMSL. Avoid these TMAs by heading east to the E411 and N4 interchange, staying south of the forest north of Maillen. This is only possible on weekends and holidays or when the Beauvechain TMA 4 is not active. The landing area is located along the towpath between the Meuse and the four-lane road, to the right of the take-off. This landing zone is very small and can be subject to significant turbulence. Visiting the landing area before flying is imperative. The approach is made over the Meuse, but be cautious of descending winds and swirling winds at the landing site. For camping, there is a large meadow in front of the take-off, between the campsite and the main road. Overflying the campsite at low altitude is prohibited. Be mindful of the lighting poles along the road. The site can be turbulent with a westerly trend. Be cautious of wind strengthening and avoid drifting behind the relief. Landing along the Meuse can be delicate, especially during floods when the towpath landing area is strongly discouraged due to the dangerous current and water flow. For more information, visit: - [FBVL Flying Sites](https://www.fbvl.be/flying_sites/7-meuses/) - [Landing Zone Image](https://www.bvvf.be/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/7M-2-768x650.jpg)

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Terril du Roton

The paragliding site at Roton offers a unique soaring experience. Although no flight logs are available, the site is known to be used by pilots, and top landing is possible. For more information, visit: [Roton Paragliding Site](https://www.fbvl.be/flying_sites/roton/) Regulations: - Only autonomous pilots are allowed. - Reserved for members of the FBVL or a recognized foreign federation. - Mandatory aerial liability insurance. Ideal Flying Conditions: - Orientation: Southeast (SE) - Wind speed: 13 to 20 km/h - The wooded area to the left works well with East-Southeast (ESE) and Southeast (SE) winds. Avoid: - North wind tendencies, even light, when there's an East wind. - West wind tendencies, even light, when there's a South wind. Airspace: - Located within the Charleroi CTR, so thermalling and gaining altitude are prohibited. This site is for soaring only. Takeoff: - A large tarp allows for multiple wings to be laid out. - Be cautious of slippery carpet; it's best to set up on the edge with the wing on the carpet. - Directions: From Farciennes, take the national road towards Namur, then turn right onto the Basse-Sambre road (Hiseau-Presle) and follow the path along the national road towards Farciennes. At the end of this path, turn right, pass under a bridge, and go up the cobblestone path. At the phone booth, turn right and park. Parking address: Rue du Monciat 269-251, 6240 Farciennes. Cross the fence and climb to the top of the slag heap. Landing: - The landing field is a large meadow. - Be aware that it is sloped, which can extend the landing distance. - The field is bordered by barbed wire. - Suitable for ground handling exercises. - Presence of a windsock. - Access: An entrance is located along the road leading to the takeoff parking. - Restrictions: Prohibited during hay season. Exit through the gate and close it properly. Do not land on neighboring meadows or cross them to reach the takeoff. Dangers: - The site is turbulent in East winds due to the ridge on the other side of the valley, to the left of the takeoff. - Limited flying space increases the risk of collision; limit to 3 wings in the air. - Beware of the venturi effect in the valley to the left of the takeoff. - Avoid flying too close to the trees between takeoff and landing to ensure you can reach the landing field. - Avoid flying over houses. Contact: - Franco Marioli: 049494110 - Guy Stoupy: vortex.238@hotmail.com, 0476986132 Always leave the landing field by going back up to the parking area, never through the bottom to avoid disturbing residents.

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Knokke Het Zoute

This location offers coastal soaring with low dunes, making it suitable for beginners or those looking for a relaxed flight. The take-off point is situated on a small dune, providing a gentle start. However, it appears that no flight logs are available for this site, which might indicate limited use or popularity among paragliders. For a visual reference, you can watch a video of the site here: [YouTube Video](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qAgMiJsPc8M). For more detailed information, you may need to consult additional resources.

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