Cycling from Bordeaux Vineyards to the Atlantic Coast / Dune du Pilat

Paragliding over the Dune du Pyla, an excellent spot for soaring.
The term "soaring" describes the possibility of gaining altitude with a paraglider on a slope upwind. In comparison to thermal flying you don't need (direct) sunlight - if a valley wind blows vertically against a steep coast on an impact slope or sea wind, an upwind is formed. The strength and size of the upwind depend on the wind strength and shape of the terrain.

In the background the Banc d'Arguin is a national nature reserve, it is a sandbank visible at low tide with an area of 2.200 ha . The area has been protected since 1972 as a nesting, wintering and migratory resting place for numerous bird species, in particular the Sandwich Tern.