Best Conditions
Description
La Roche-Devant is located in front of the Creux du Vent, a rock cirque and the largest gorge in the Jura, approximately 4 km long, 1200 m wide, and about 500 m deep. The rock walls drop 160 m vertically. The area has been protected since 1972.
Wildlife such as ibex and chamois inhabit the rock walls, and lynxes are also said to be in the area.
The flying site can be used from spring until the first snowfall, as the access road is not cleared in winter. Parking is available at the Auberge de la Roche-Devant, known for its fondue and Filets Mignons aux Champignons.
Flying
In spring and summer, flying can be quite challenging due to strong thermal activity developing from the cliffs below the take-off site. Pilots often return home without flying if conditions are too intense. Winter flying is also possible in the area.
Landing is near St Aubin, where parking, a picnic area, and a fire pit are available.
Difficulty
In summer, thermals develop quickly and can be very strong, making the area suitable only for experienced pilots. Strong bise winds can be dangerous.
During weekdays, the LS-D4 military zone below the take-off site must be observed. Contact Payerne at Tel. 026 662 21 11 for information.
After take-off, the flight can either descend steeply or ascend rapidly. No experiments—this area should not be underestimated in summer!
Soaring Conditions
The prominent ridge in front of the take-off site provides enough lift to stay airborne for hours, either locally or along the Jura.
Pilot Meeting Point: Auberge de la Roche-Devant
Tel: 032 835 12 72
Accommodation: Auberge de la Roche-Devant
Tel: 032 835 12 72
Access:
Highway E25, exit Grandson, direction Concise, Gorgier, les Ouches, La Grand Vy. Parking is available at the Auberge.
To the landing site:
Highway Neuchâtel-Yverdon, from Neuchâtel: exit 'St.-Aubin' n°4, from Yverdon: exit 'Vaumarcus' n°4, continue towards 'Provence', follow signs for “Le Devens”.
Clubs:
Vol Libre Suchet [Vol Libre Suchet](http://www.vol-libre-suchet.ch/)
Club Albatros Neuchatel [Club Albatros Neuchatel](http://www.clubalbatros.ch/web/)
Take-off:
Take-off window: Southeast
Difficulty: Medium
Altitude: 1380 m
Cable car: No
Coordinates: 6.74833914, 46.92874437
Hiking time: 3 min
Access from May 1st, possibly earlier if there is little snow (winter closure). The take-off is 300m southeast of the inn, where you should buy a drink to use the parking lot. Respect the livestock and close the gates! Be cautious of strong thermals developing from the cliffs below the take-off site in summer afternoons. Military zone LS-D4: flying during the week must be registered with Payerne (Tel. 026 662 21 11). Do not fly in strong bise winds.
Flights:
[Watch a flight on Vimeo](http://vimeo.com/26238592)
[Watch a flight on YouTube](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zkmplccYtPw)
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