Dropzones in France
Discover the best skydiving locations in France. Connect with fellow jumpers and explore new heights.
About Skydiving in France
Skydiving in France: Your Guide to Jumping the European Skies
France, land of rich history, exquisite cuisine, and dramatic landscapes, offers a skydiving experience unlike any other in the world. With 83 established dropzones spread across its diverse territories, it stands as one of Europe's premier destinations for both novice tandem participants and highly experienced licensed jumpers seeking new horizons.
From the snow-capped peaks of the Alps to the sun-drenched coasts of the Mediterranean and the historic plains of Normandy, jumping in France provides breathtaking scenery combined with a deeply rooted aviation culture. However, international skydivers must approach the French skydiving environment with due diligence, as the nation operates under specific, and often stricter, regulatory standards than those found in the US, UK, or other parts of Europe.
The Diverse French Skydiving Landscape
With over eighty dedicated centers, the opportunities for jumping are as varied as the French landscape itself. Unlike regions where dropzones might cluster in flatter areas, French centers are strategically located to leverage the country's stunning natural geography.
Imagine exiting an aircraft high above the Côte d'Azur, freefalling with the sparkling Mediterranean Sea visible on the horizon, or making a high-altitude jump near the magnificent mountain ranges in the east. The sheer volume and geographical spread of French dropzones ensure that every jumper can find a location that perfectly matches their desired aesthetic, whether that’s coastal, alpine, or classic inland flat-ground jumping.
The French skydiving scene is deeply integrated into the country’s sporting framework, often operating within well-established aviation and aeroclub environments, providing reliable infrastructure and a high standard of operation.
Navigating French Regulations: Wingload and Equipment
For licensed skydivers traveling to France, the most critical aspect to understand is the Fédération Française de Parachutisme (FFP) regulatory framework, particularly regarding canopy size and equipment certification. France maintains some of the most stringent progression standards in the world, which are enforced as mandatory regulations, not merely suggestions or recommendations.
Strict Canopy Progression (Wingload Limits)
The FFP employs a detailed progression system, often referenced through a technical directive (like DT48), that dictates the minimum acceptable canopy size based on a jumper's exit weight and their total number of jumps. This system results in significantly lower permissible wing loading (WL) compared to the standards adopted by organizations like the USPA (United States Parachute Association).
What this means for international jumpers:
- Low Jump Numbers: Jumpers with fewer than a few hundred jumps will likely be required to jump a canopy significantly larger than what they might be accustomed to flying in their home country.
- Experienced Jumpers: Even those with a high jump count (e.g., 500+ jumps) may find their high-performance canopy restricted if their wing loading exceeds the maximum permitted ratio for their experience level under FFP rules.
- The Rationale: The focus is heavily placed on safety, control, and ensuring a low-impact landing environment, particularly in busy dropzones. Always calculate your total exit weight (jumper + gear) and contact the specific dropzone well in advance to confirm your intended canopy size meets the FFP requirements. Failure to do so may result in being grounded or required to rent a larger, mandated canopy.
Equipment Requirements and Certification
All parachute equipment used in France must comply with the technical standards set by the Direction Générale de l'Aviation Civile (DGAC), the French Civil Aviation Authority.
Key equipment considerations include:
- Reserve Parachute: The reserve canopy and harness/container system must hold a valid DGAC (or recognized EASA/ETSO) approval. Check your reserve’s technical log and ensure compliance.
- AAD (Automatic Activation Device): AAD usage is standard and often mandatory. While most modern, commercially available units (like Cypres or Vigil) are accepted globally, confirm that the model you are using is explicitly recognized or approved by the FFP/DGAC standards used by your host dropzone.
- Main Parachute Packing: Foreign jumpers often require their reserve to be inspected and sealed by a certified French packer (plieur) upon arrival, even if it is currently in date. This confirms compliance with local standards and ensures the pack job is valid for use in French airspace.
Licensing and Progression for Visitors
If you hold a recognized international license (such as USPA, BPA, or similar international federation equivalent), you will generally be able to jump in France, but you must adhere to the local FFP rules concerning equipment and jump currency.
- Proof of Competency: Always travel with your logbook (signed and current), your license card, and a medical certificate less than one year old. The FFP requires a medical examination for licensed parachuting. While foreign medical certificates are often accepted, some dropzones may require documentation specifically stating fitness for Parachutisme.
- Accelerated Freefall (AFF) / Tandem: For those starting their journey, the French system utilizes the Progression Accompagnée en Chute (PAC), which is the French equivalent of AFF. Tandem skydiving is widely available across the 83+ dropzones and offers the easiest way to experience the French skies.
The French Dropzone Culture
Jumping in France is not just about the skydive; it’s an opportunity to immerse yourself in a unique aviation and sporting culture.
- Aeroclub Environment: Many dropzones are integrated into large, historic aeroclubs, offering a wide range of aviation activities alongside skydiving. This often provides high-quality infrastructure and communal, family-friendly atmospheres.
- High Altitude: Due to favorable air traffic control agreements in many regions, high-altitude jumps (4,000m / ~13,000 ft and sometimes higher) are common, offering extended freefall times.
- Sociability: Embrace the local customs. The French dropzone community is welcoming, but conversations often naturally flow in French. Learning a few basic phrases will greatly enhance your experience both on and off the airfield.
Conclusion
France offers an exceptional, high-quality skydiving environment backed by strong governmental and federation support. The availability of 83 centers, coupled with unparalleled geographical diversity, makes it a must-visit destination. However, the key to a successful trip is recognizing and respecting the FFP’s firm regulatory posture, particularly regarding canopy sizing and exit weight limits. Preparation is paramount to ensure your equipment is compliant and your time is spent in the air, not filling out paperwork on the ground.
IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER
Always check the specific, current local regulations (FFP & DGAC) and currency requirements with the individual dropzone before planning your jump. Regulatory bodies frequently update wingload restrictions, medical certificate requirements, and acceptable equipment lists. This content serves as a general guide and does not replace official, on-site verification.