Multiple colorful paragliders flying over mountain valley with red and yellow canopies visible.

Coupe icare - the 50th anniversary

Chartreuse Massif - French Alps

Beneath the limestone cliffs of the Chartreuse massif lies the small but unassuming village of St Hilaire. For one week of the year this small village roars into life, hosting thousands of free flight fanatics as the weird and wonderful of the airborne community showcase their talents, daring skills and down right whacky fancy dress. We spent the week there to see what all the fuss was about.

White paraglider wing soaring over green mountain valley landscape.
Paraglider soaring above misty mountain landscape with dramatic valley views.
Paraglider visible through clouds above mountain valley and farmland.
Large crowd watching aerial display with smoke trail against mountain backdrop.
Hiker with backpack walking toward sunset on snowy mountain trail.
Rocky mountain landscape with dramatic cliffs overlooking misty valley below.
Large crowd of spectators gathered outdoors watching an event in nature.
Pink paraglider wing floating through clouds above mountainous terrain.
Colorful paragliders preparing for takeoff in a green mountain valley.
Silhouettes of hikers ascending a rocky mountain slope at dusk.