Coupe Icare 2026: What Pilots Need to Know

The 53rd edition of the Coupe Icare is set to run from September 15–20, 2026, in Saint-Hilaire-du-Touvet, France — the iconic hillside village that has been the spiritual home of free flight for more than five decades.

More than just a paragliding competition, the Coupe Icare is a celebration of flying culture, creativity, and community. Alongside the sporting events, the festival features theatrical shows, film screenings, art installations, and exhibitions that honour the spirit of human flight. Each year, thousands of pilots and spectators gather to share in the joy of free flight.

Whether you are competing in the task races, simply flying the thermals, or watching from the meadows below, the atmosphere in Saint-Hilaire during Icare week is unlike anywhere else in the flying world.

For pilots planning to attend, preparation is key. The flying window is wide, but the schedule fills up quickly — shuttle buses, accommodation, and competition registration all require advance booking. The region around the Chartreuse massif offers some of the finest soaring and cross-country flying in Europe, and with the right conditions, memorable flights are virtually guaranteed.

Getting all your kit to and from the launch site efficiently makes a real difference to the experience. A well-organized Harness Simulator setup at home ensures your equipment is dialed in before you arrive, so you can spend less time adjusting and more time flying.

Harness Simulator — be ready before you get airborne.