Taking Flight in Provence Gliding over St Remy

It is not often that Ginger gets to write about G&N adventures, but this experience warrants a post. As many of you know, Ginger is an airplane geek, and any experience related to flying gets serious precedence over most things. Man since the beginning of time, has wanted to escape …Continue reading here to find out about flying a glider in the Alpilles near St Remy de Provence.

The location of the Aéroclub de St Rémy des Alpilles benefits from favourable north to south winds and natural geological features which includes the prominent ridgeline of the Alpilles. When the wind conditions are right, the gliders lift off the ground as if by magic and can stay aloft for extended periods. Before the imposition of regulations preventing setting records for flight longevity, the longest flight for a two-person glider, at this aerodrome, was over 57 hours!

The airport is a club where members learn to glide or improve their skills. However, the public is welcome to fly with an instructor. Booking in advance is highly recommended, reserve a time slot either morning or afternoon, and you will be assigned to a glider and a pilot (detail below). The typical “baptême” (initial flight) lasts about 20-30 minutes. Sit back and enjoy the silence while soaring over the Alpilles. Read more about why the Alpilles are perfect for gliders.

Carolyne Kauser-Abbott

With her camera and laptop close at hand, Carolyne has traded in her business suits for the world of freelance writing and blogging. Her first airplane ride at six months of age was her introduction to the exciting world of travel.

While in Provence, Carolyne can be found hiking with friends, riding the hills around the Alpilles or tackling Mont Ventoux. Her attachment to the region resonates in Perfectly Provence this digital magazine that she launched in 2014. This website is an opportunity to explore the best of the Mediterranean lifestyle (food & wine, places to stay, expat stories, books on the region, travel tips, real estate tips and more), through our contributors' articles.

Carolyne writes a food and travel blog Ginger and Nutmeg. Carolyne’s freelance articles can be found in Global Living Magazine, Avenue Magazine and City Palate (Published Travel Articles).