Fly above Clécy:
Normandy's most unique flying site
Clécy, often called the capital of Suisse Normande, is more than just a village it’s a natural gem nestled in the Orne Valley.
A landscape shaped by time and the elements, Clécy has become, over the decades, one of Normandy’s top paragliding destinations.
Whether you’re a pilot or simply a visitor, flying over Clécy offers a unique perspective on a rich, green, and history-filled region.
It’s this unusual geography that earned it the name Suisse Normande and that makes it a naturally suited site for paragliding, with South and West take-offs regularly fed by thermals.
It was right here, at the Saint-Omer take-off site in the heart of Suisse Normande, that the history of free flight in Normandy truly took off.
As early as the 1980s, the first hang gliding enthusiasts used the ridges overlooking the Orne Valley to launch and explore the skies.
With the evolution of equipment and the growing popularity of free flight, paragliding naturally established itself as a flagship activity at this exceptional site.
Even today, Clécy remains one of the best paragliding sites in Normandy both for training flights and long-distance cross-country.
Its unique terrain, favorable flying conditions and range of orientations make it a true playground for both beginners and experienced pilots.
The South and West facing take-offs are easily accessible on foot or via shuttle, with clear slopes that offer safe and smooth launches.
Below, the landing area is wide, visible and easy to reach, which enhances both safety and comfort for all pilots.
Whether you’re a passionate paraglider or simply curious to see Clécy from a new perspective, free flight offers a truly unique experience, suspended between sky and valley.
Flying over Clécy reveals the full richness of Suisse Normande: the famous viaduct, the Orne River, limestone cliffs, deep forests and endless green meadows.
The contrast between pale rock, dense woods and gentle valleys gives this landscape a visual depth and intensity that only paragliding can reveal.
In addition to paragliding, Clécy offers a wide range of outdoor activities that appeal to nature lovers and thrill seekers alike.
The rolling landscapes of Suisse Normande are ideal for hiking, with marked trails winding through cliffs, forests and along the riverbanks.
For the more adventurous, the Orne River invites you to try canoeing and kayaking, while the via ferrata and the many climbing routes in the area offer exciting ways to explore the terrain.
Each activity brings you closer to nature, in a preserved and spectacular setting.