Planoise NE

Planoise NE, above Besançon, is a very clean and easy site for both paragliding and hang gliding in NE wind — one of the region's dominant directions. In N wind, however, be wary of rotors from the ridge to the left of takeoff; in E wind, rotors can develop from the reliefs east of the site (notably Montfaucon). In either of those cases, reach the Craies LZ by 'jumping' the ridge on the right of takeoff before losing too much altitude — the landing is just behind.

Launch & conditions

Sound and easy launch in NE wind (a regional dominant). Watch for rotor from the ridge left of takeoff in N wind, and from the eastern relief (Montfaucon) in E wind.

Getting there & local rules

From central Besançon (Chamars), take the direction of Lyon. About 100 m before the end-of-town sign for Besançon, take the bridge to Velotte. Turn left about 100 m past the bridge and follow the right bank of the Doubs. Pass under the N273 bridge and immediately take the next right. Follow signs to the Fort de Planoise. At the fort, follow the arrow 'Emmaüs' to the right — the takeoff is directly opposite.

Local rules & hazards

In N wind beware of rotor from the ridge to the left of takeoff. In E wind beware of rotor from the reliefs east of the site (notably Montfaucon). In either case, jump the ridge on the right of takeoff before losing too much altitude to reach the Craies LZ just behind.

Check conditions before you fly

A forecast for the valley is not a forecast for the launch. Before heading to Planoise NE, 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 Planoise NE with a 7-day forecast built from high-resolution weather models, see who else has been flying, and get there with offline maps.