Gourdon

L'embarnier - a SE-facing rugged ridge, actually two takeoffs, a small one right next to the parking with a big rock in its midst, another one, large and easy, reachable by a short walk up the ridge.

Gourdon is 20km from the sea as the crow flies (and about 37km by road). The ridge reaches 1250m at its highest point, and has two take-offs, the upper of which is slightly bigger, both facing south-east. Because of the sea breeze, there is often dynamic lift to augment the thermic lift, and cross-countries are possible all year round. Convergence often sets up right over the site. The SE orientation means that you can launch early, and local pilots often leave Gourdon and reach Col de Bleyne just as that site is beginning to work.

You can drive all the way to take-off (carefully!) on a rough track, and top land, making it a very convenient site. It is also very popular, which makes it relatively easy to hitch back up to the top, but also means it can be very crowded at weekends.

Takeoff altitude: 1163m