My very first paragliding flight in Guadeloupe, departing from Le Moule

You don’t know me yet. My name is Alix, and this is my very first post on Sylvain and Melanie’s blog. This first collaboration came out of meeting Sylvain through editorial projects highlighting local activities as part of my day job. Very quickly, we really hit it off. Sylvain then suggested something: discovering activities in Guadeloupe that he doesn’t want to or can’t do, trying them out, and talking about them (to quote him, “I don’t feel like dying paragliding over the ocean,” haha). So that’s the context in which this assignment came to life: a first-time paragliding flight in Le Moule.

As with other discovery experiences already done, notably in ultralight aircraft or stand-up paddleboarding, this article was written in collaboration with Manawa, a leisure-activity booking platform, and Air Guadeloupe, who literally sent us up into the air. On that note, it’s not a platform I was used to using day to day, but Melanie and Sylvain have already been using it for several years to book activities during their weekends or vacations. Definitely feel free to browse around and dig in to see what they offer—it can always be useful for planning certain activities ahead of time.

So I got to do a 30-minute first-time paragliding flight, including a few minutes of steering. Thirty minutes in the air. Thirty minutes of happiness. Incredible views and sensations that are hard to describe. A mix of apprehension and excitement—just enough to make the experience truly unforgettable.

There were two of us flying at the same time. Taking off together, each ending up under our own canopy, watching the other paraglider glide right next to you… it’s pretty impressive and honestly magical. The views are insane—especially when you share them.

It has to be said: the flight took its time coming. We originally had an appointment in early November, but since paragliding depends entirely on weather conditions—especially the wind—the flight was canceled due to unpredictable weather. So we had to be patient.

Flavio, the founder and instructor at Air Guadeloupe, always sends a message the day before the flight to confirm or cancel based on the forecast. After two cancellations, it wasn’t until December 20 that all the conditions finally came together to go—and clearly, the wait was worth it. We couldn’t wait!

We leave from Le Gosier in the early afternoon to reach the cliffs of Le Moule, in the north of the town. After the winding roads of Grands-Fonds and the last 500 meters that are a bit rougher, we arrive at the takeoff site.

I see the slope, the big paraglider wing, the drop right in front of me. And then I fully realize what’s about to happen: I’m going to fly! Above all, stay calm!

We finally meet Flavio. Very relaxed, he tells us the conditions are ideal and that we’ll be able to do “the big ride,” a route that isn’t possible on every flight because it includes a more technical section—reassuring. And very exciting.

One of the big advantages of this spot is that takeoff is done seated. Seated takeoff, luxury flight—no running, no forcing it. Works perfectly for me. Flavio fits me with the harness and helmet. Everything is clear, reassuring, and well organized. And off we go.

The sensation is unique. The ground slowly falls away, then very quickly, and you’re floating. While we wait for the other paraglider to catch up, Flavio starts strong: a few maneuvers to get us warmed up. I’d already felt these kinds of sensations during a skydive in Saint-Francois, but the effect is always the same. It’s fast, it spins, I end up upside down… total euphoria (I burst into uncontrollable laughter). Seeing the other wing flying right next to us makes the moment even more impressive.

From up there, the landscapes are breathtaking. We follow the cliffs of Le Moule and part of the Customs Officers’ Trail, pushed by the wind coming off the sea. We can clearly make out La Desirade, and we catch a glimpse of Marie-Galante in the distance. In the water, we spot turtles. Flavio even tells me that from February to April, it’s not uncommon to see whales. That must feel absolutely wild.

He also explains how the flight works: the wind comes from the sea, rises along the cliffs, and creates updrafts. In paragliding, you play with these currents, which lets you stay in the air for a long time, close to the terrain. I had brought my phone with me. I managed to take it out… but let’s be honest: I was way too scared of dropping it. I took a few photos and videos and quickly handed my precious cargo to Flavio. So he was the one who handled the in-flight shots.

We continue our aerial stroll to Anse Marguerite. That’s where the more technical section is, because there are no longer cliffs along part of the route. Flavio handles it. On my side, I trust him completely.

Along the way, I learn that he is the 2024 paragliding world champion. Needless to say, my level of trust goes up another notch. He takes the opportunity to have me do a few more spins and flips, and he even has fun trying to pick a flower from the top of a tree. I trust him completely, so I enjoy it and I laugh… a lot! I want more and more—I’m like a kid on a carnival ride.

Flavio then hands me the controls and teaches me the basics of steering: making U-turns, speeding up, slowing down, braking, and even hovering in place. Flavio is very educational and a very good teacher. In fact, every year he takes on a few trainees that he trains in paragliding. I loved it, but let’s be honest—I kind of felt like I literally had my life and Flavio’s life in my hands (with all humility), and I wasn’t totally at ease. And besides, if you’re only going paragliding once, you might as well be driven and just enjoy the view.

The landing is calm and gentle, a bit like skydiving: you lift your knees and let the pilot handle it. Coming back to earth is almost frustrating—you want to stay up there a little longer. The 30 minutes fly by. It’s okay, I’ll go back.

A suspended moment… no pun intended. Extraordinary sensations, incredible landscapes, and a real feeling of freedom. Flavio is a wonderful instructor—very professional—who confirms or cancels flights the day before depending on the weather, without ever taking unnecessary risks. A reassuring, serious approach.

I recommend it 1000%. And for those who want to go further, he also offers courses to learn how to fly. An experience I won’t forget anytime soon. Thanks, Sylvain!

As usual, a few practical words to help you plan your trip.

I’m not going to repeat everything that’s written in our article about coming to Guadeloupe, but of course it goes without saying that you’ll need to get to the island first, haha—most likely by plane. Once you’re there, the easiest option is to choose a rental car to be independent locally; it will be much simpler.

To get to the location, you’ll receive confirmation with Manawa in the email you get. From the airport, you should plan on 30–45 minutes depending on traffic, roughly…Here is the route from the airport.

I’m not going to write a complete guide on where to sleep in the area, but here are 3 interesting places if you want to stay nearby.

• Shambala Lodge : This lovely, intimate accommodation will win you over with its peaceful atmosphere, pretty tropical garden, and charming bungalows—perfect for a vacation near the coast. It’s a great place to relax in the area, with a beautiful pool, an especially warm welcome, and a vibe that’s ideal for unwinding.
• The BlueBamboo : This charming accommodation draws you in with its zen vibe, carefully curated Balinese-inspired decor, and intimate setting in the heart of a beautiful garden. It’s a great place to recharge in Le Moule, with a pool, spa, well-liked breakfasts, and comfortable bungalows just minutes from the beaches.
• Les Z’Alizés : This charming accommodation offers a peaceful, green setting just steps from Porte d’Enfer Beach, with lovely well-equipped bungalows, a pleasant pool, and a relaxing atmosphere. It’s a great option for those looking for peace and quiet, a warm welcome, and good value in Le Moule.

Alright, I’ll stop here for this article, and I wish you a wonderful vacation in Le Moule!

See you soon for a new activity!

Written by Sylvain PONS

Since 2021, I've been living in the Guadeloupe archipelago with Mélanie and our two children. We are exploring these beautiful islands and discovering the treasures that we are happy to share with you!

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