Moustiers Ste.Marie – Mt.Denier

Moustiers-Sainte-Marie / Mont Denier is a very sweet Verdon site — you can stay on the crest thermalling locally, push out to the flatlands for XC, or take on the tough Saint-André direction over the back (retrieval by road is painful, though). Family-friendly base: Sainte-Croix lake beach and the Verdon gorges (climbing, rafting, hiking) keep everyone happy while you fly. Two takeoffs — the main huge easy one, plus 'Courchon' at N43.84278 E6.23028, 905 m — a flat, stony launch that's harder in light wind.

Launch & conditions

Main takeoff is huge and easy. Alternative takeoff 'Courchon' at N43.84278 E6.23028, 905 m — flat and stony, not as easy in light winds.

Getting there & local rules

D952 out of Moustiers towards Riez. The road climbs through bends; after them there's a signposted right turn. Shuttle from the Venasque LZ typically 10:45 and 16:45 (6 EUR/person as of 2013). You can drive almost to takeoff and park at the fence — beyond that it's hardcore 4x4 only. Landings: main LZ (large, can be bumpy on summer afternoons; snack bar on site). Alternative LZ below Courchon visible from the Courchon takeoff.

Local rules & hazards

Breeze comes from the lake (west) and can be strong in summer. Summer 13:00–17:00 can get very strong and bumpy — beware of dust devils at the LZ. Local wind info is also broadcast on the FFVL frequency.

Check conditions before you fly

A forecast for the valley is not a forecast for the launch. Before heading to Moustiers Ste.Marie – Mt.Denier, read the wind and thermals for the site itself, confirm the day's rules with the local club, and remember the standing rule — when in doubt, don't launch. In the free OutDare app you can open Moustiers Ste.Marie – Mt.Denier with a 7-day forecast built from high-resolution weather models, see who else has been flying, and get there with offline maps.