Camping

Camping La Bexanelle: Your Ideal Base for Learning Paragliding in France

 

Introduction to Camping La Bexanelle

If you’re looking for comfortable and well-equipped accommodation near some of the best paragliding sites in France, look no further than Camping La Bexanelle. Located in a scenic natural setting, this campsite offers modern amenities and a friendly atmosphere for visitors from around the world. As an international student at our paragliding school, you’ll appreciate the convenient access to launch sites, the relaxed environment for post-flight gatherings, and the opportunity to immerse yourself in the local culture.

Why Stay at Camping La Bexanelle During Your Paragliding Course

  1. Proximity to Paragliding Sites
    Camping La Bexanelle is strategically located close to our paragliding practice sites, minimizing travel time and allowing you to focus on your training. This proximity is especially helpful for early-morning flights or spontaneous sunset sessions.
  2. Comfortable Accommodation Options
    From traditional camping pitches to fully-equipped mobile homes, you can choose the type of accommodation that best suits your needs and budget. Whether you prefer the rustic charm of tent camping or the convenience of modern housing, you’ll find a variety of options at Camping La Bexanelle.
  3. Facilities and Services
    • Wi-Fi Access: Stay connected with friends and family or review your flight videos online.
    • On-Site Amenities: Showers, bathrooms, laundry facilities, and a communal area for cooking and dining.
    • Leisure Spaces: Relax after a day of paragliding in the campsite’s green areas or unwind with other students in the social lounge.
  4. Friendly, Multilingual Staff
    The team at Camping La Bexanelle is known for their warm hospitality. Many of them are multilingual, making communication easy for international visitors. If you have any questions about the region or need recommendations for restaurants, hikes, or local attractions, don’t hesitate to ask!

Explore the Surrounding Region

While paragliding may be the main reason you’re here, the region around Camping La Bexanelle has plenty more to offer:

  • Outdoor Adventures: Besides paragliding, you can enjoy hiking, mountain biking, and even water sports, depending on the season.
  • Cultural Sites: Discover quaint villages, local markets, and historical landmarks that give you a taste of authentic French culture.
  • Gastronomy: Indulge in local cheese, wine, and traditional French dishes at nearby eateries.

Tips for International Paragliding Students

  1. Book Early
    Paragliding is a popular activity, and the demand for top-notch camping options can be high. Reserve your spot at Camping La Bexanelle well in advance, especially during peak seasons.
  2. Packing Essentials
    • Weather-appropriate Clothing: Temperatures can vary in mountainous regions, so pack layers.
    • Gear Maintenance Tools: Bring items for quick repairs, like duct tape and a basic tool kit, to keep your paragliding equipment in top shape.
  3. Stay Connected with Instructors
    Use the campsite’s Wi-Fi or local SIM cards to stay in touch with your flight instructors. This way, you’ll never miss important schedule changes or weather updates.

How to Get to Camping La Bexanelle

  • By Car: Easily accessible via major highways. There’s ample parking space for those traveling by car.
  • By Public Transport: Check local bus and train schedules to plan your route. If you need assistance, the staff at Camping La Bexanelle can offer guidance on the best connections.

(Optional: Embed a Google Maps link or provide step-by-step directions in an internal link for your students.)

Book Your Stay and Take Flight!

Ready to begin your paragliding adventure in France? Camping La Bexanelle is the perfect place to call home while you master the skies with our paragliding school. Contact the campsite directly to secure your reservation, or reach out to our school for a combined training + accommodation package.

How to Reach Ariège’s Paragliding Sites from Abroad: A Complete Travel Guide

How to Reach Ariège’s Paragliding Sites from Abroad: A Complete Travel Guide

Getting to Ariège’s Paragliding Sites from Abroad

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Possible connections to Toulouse Airport

Ariège’s premier paragliding sites are ideally located just an hour south of Toulouse, making them highly accessible for international visitors. Whether you’re heading to the scenic Prat d’Albis near Foix or the renowned Port de Lers in Vicdessos, here’s how to reach these thrilling destinations.

 

Toulouse-Blagnac Airport: Your Gateway to Ariège

Toulouse-Blagnac Airport is a key transportation hub that connects the region to a wide variety of international destinations. It offers direct links to major cities such as London, Manchester, and Edinburgh in the UK, Amsterdam in the Netherlands, and Madrid or Barcelona in Spain. These connections enhance tourism, foster economic growth, and facilitate cultural exchange.

As the nearest international airport to Ariège, Toulouse-Blagnac provides a convenient starting point for your journey. Upon arrival, travelers can choose from several transport options to reach their final destination.

By Car: The Most Convnient Option

Driving is the simplest way to reach the paragliding sites. Renting a car at Toulouse-Blagnac Airport allows you to explore Ariège at your own pace. From the airport, follow these routes:

  • To Prat d’Albis (Foix):

    Drive south towards Foix, the capital of Ariège, and follow signs to Prat d’Albis. The journey takes about an hour, offering stunning views of the French countryside.

 

  • To Port de Lers (Vicdessos):

    Head towards Vicdessos for the Port de Lers site. This route also takes roughly an hour and is one of the region’s most popular paragliding destinations.

Renting a car gives you the flexibility to carry paragliding equipment and enjoy scenic stops along the way.

By Public Transport: Train from Toulouse Matabiau

For those who prefer public transport, taking the train is a relaxing alternative. Follow these steps to reach your destination:

 

From the Airport to Toulouse Matabiau:

  • Shuttle Bus: Take the airport shuttle (Le Capitole or similar) to Toulouse Matabiau train station. The trip takes around 30 minutes, depending on traffic.
  • Taxi or Rideshare: Alternatively, use a taxi or rideshare service for a faster, though more costly, option.

From Toulouse Matabiau to Ariège:

  • To Foix:

    Board a direct train to Foix, which takes about one hour. The journey is comfortable and offers beautiful views.

  • To Tarascon-sur-Ariège:

    If heading to Port de Lers, take a train to Tarascon-sur-Ariège. From there, a short taxi to Vicdessos.

Taking the train offers a peaceful and stress-free alternative to driving. This option allows you to sit back, relax, and enjoy the scenery along the way. To ensure a seamless journey, it’s important to check the latest train schedules and book your tickets ahead of time.

Tickets can be purchased in two convenient ways:

  • At the station: Visit the ticket counter at your departure station for in-person assistance.
  • Online: Use the SNCF Connect website for a quick and hassle-free booking experience.
Subscribe to a pilot license

Subscribe to a pilot license

Subscribe to a pilot license and insurance

To participate in the course, you will need to subscribe to an FFVL pilot license.

1: Log in to https://federation.ffvl.fr/ and click on “Prendre sa licence / Get your license” on the right-hand side.

prendre sa licence FFVL option parapente

2: After entering your personal information, select the Kymaya paragliding school by typing: 28916.​

 

3: Go to the next page and select paragliding as your main activity. Then fill in your other free flight activities if necessary.

prendre sa licence FFVL avec choix de lécole de parapente

4: “Cotisation fédérale” Federal membership and RCA: Aerial Civil Liability are mandatory.

  • If you only want to be licensed for the duration of the course, choose the 9-day course license, which is suitable for an elementary course.
  • However, for Progression packs or Club Pilot course, opt for the supervised activity license: Parapente, Delta, Speed Riding.

If you plan to start with the intention of becoming an autonomous pilot and therefore practice regularly, choose the “Primo Licencié” option (available only if this is your first license, except for the 9-day license).

If you have already subscribed to an FFVL license in the previous year or earlier, you must log in with your license number and subscribe to a new license for the current year if you haven’t already done so.

5: Continue filling out the form until you reach the optional insurance page.

Personal accident insurance (Indemnités accident) is optional but highly recommended.