Air sports Poitou-Charentes

The Aéro-club Angérien, based at the Essouvert aerodrome, offers an adrenalin-filled flying experience with its superb grass runway and gleaming red-and-white Robin DR400 aircraft. With some thirty enthusiastic members, this friendly club will help you discover the splendid Charente countryside from the air. Whether you opt for a discovery flight or a full course with Aude, you'll be delighted! The Aéroclub offers a warm welcome, well-maintained facilities and a passion for aviation, for unforgettable moments in the Charente skies.

Take the plunge with ZérOGravity! At the gates of Futuroscope, experience the thrill of indoor freefall in this large wind tunnel. Carefully supervised by a qualified instructor, once you've been kitted out for the flight and listened to the all-important briefing, you enter the large glass tunnel. You discover new sensations. The intense experience lasts just a few minutes. All you want to do is do it again! After the effort, the comfort of the bar with its breathtaking view of the aerial ballet. An unforgettable moment to enjoy with family and friends!

To discover the region from above! It is possible to fly over Saumur and the castles of the Loire Valley in a hot air balloon. You will be amazed by the beauty of the landscapes. Fly over the Poitevin marshes, the Green Venice, the Haut-Poitou from Mirebeau, the countryside, the forests and the castles and also in the square between Royan, Saintes, La Rochelle, Fouras and the Oléron island. You will be impressed by the immensity of the Atlantic Ocean and the beauty of the coastline. And at the speed of the balloon!

Today, we've decided to take to the skies, and not just any old way! We're going skydiving! If you want to take the plunge, you can rely on this company, staffed by experienced professionals. Towers of La Rochelle, the Ile de Ré, Fort Boyard - these are just some of the magnificent landscapes you'll see as you climb to altitude. Once up there, it's time for freefall! Rest assured, you'll be attached to your instructor, who will have given you all the necessary information before you set off.

Have you always wanted to fly? The plane annoys you? It seems that parachute jumping is precisely what you need! On the other hand, the Earth's attraction being what it is, don't expect to see you grow wings, the landing is the inevitable end of this experience... But what an experience! Strong sensations, grandiose landscapes, a taste of coming back... However, certain conditions are necessary to be able to send you to the air: be at least 15 years old (or have written authorization from your parents for minors), have a medical certificate from your doctor and do not weigh more than 90kg (if this is the case, go on a small diet!) and plan your half-day. It should be noted that the centre is approved by the federation. Good fall!

It is a unique and loind experience of being natural for a human being: jump at 4000 m altitude! This is certainly why we feel a big rise in adrenaline. If fear and exitation are mixed, you will not run any risk. In the hands of the monitor, which is not at its first jump, you can enjoy this unique moment. The program 50 seconds of free fall and then a gentle descent by parachute. Once the feet on earth, we have only one idea in mind… jump again!

To discover the Poitevin plain from a new angle, head for Massognes. The Club des Pitroux offers tandem paragliding flights for all ages and levels. Experienced pilots will welcome you for an unforgettable experience and a taste of free flight. Children from 35 kg, adults or people with reduced mobility, everyone can try it out for around 30 minutes of sensations. Once you've been kitted out and briefed, it's off to get your feet in the air and your head in the clouds - all you have to do is enjoy!

Like champagne bubbles in crystal glass, colorful balloons slide into the Ciel sky. It is the rendezvous of dozens of balloons coming to compete for four days for the European Cup, which is only taking place in odd years. 2009 is the 16 th edition and the 20 th World Women's Cup.

Craving a great deal of air? Whether you are a confirmation or a beginner, the club gives you the opportunity to enjoy its track and the beautiful landscapes that will take place under your wings.

This year, of course, you're taking the plunge! Head towards the Medis aerodrome to discover the thrill of freefall with a team of skydiving professionals in a centre approved by the French Parachuting Federation. After the presentation of the jump stages, you will board the plane for 15 minutes of flight over the Gironde estuary and the Côte Sauvage before jumping to an altitude of more than 4,000 m. Strong sensations guaranteed!

This professional skydiving school, located at Rochefort airport, is the place to be if you're looking for a first flight! Before the big jump, you'll meet a relaxed and professional team. A 15-minute briefing ensures total confidence before boarding the plane for a flight to 4,000 m altitude. The panorama is magnificent: Bassin de Marennes Oléron, Fort Boyard... The jump lasts an average of 8 minutes - thrills guaranteed! Please note that a medical certificate is required.

If you'd like to take to the skies and discover the beauty of the Poitou in a different way, you can take to the skies aboard a microlight. A pilot for 40 years, on the Boeing 777 in particular, Olivier will be delighted to take you aboard one of the two microlights available. For a first flight, forget everything and let yourself be carried away. As an ultralight instructor and teacher, if you're looking for an introduction to flying, Olivier is also your man. The controls are yours, the sensations are yours, and it's time to enjoy the great outdoors and get away from it all!

Imagine the Marais Poitevin from the air - what a marvel! You fly over the wet and dry marshes between land and sea. We'll take you to the take-off site, introduce you to the assembly of the hot-air balloon (made in France); from there, you'll enjoy a breathtaking 1-hour aerial tour, during which we'll tell you all about piloting and weather conditions. Prices increase on weekends, but are reduced according to the number of budding aeronauts. Private gondolas available (max. 2 people).

Several take-offs in Vendée and Deux-Sèvres. Damien and Thomas Merceron, your aeronaut pilots and 2014 French champions, take you into the air at dawn or dusk. If the flight between the two departments lasts 1 hour (what an enchantment!), plan for half a day: in addition to the ^7th sky, you'll discover the main stages of balloon travel, from inflation to folding the envelope. Reservations are essential, and can be made at the tourist information office. Please note that times and appointments are subject to weather conditions.