CERPS Gap-Tallard

This is one of France's major DZs, and a world-class operation by any definition.

Worth coming just for the visuals!

Just spent a few days at Gap-Tallard. While I only made 3 jumps, It was a memorable experience. The scenery is incredible, great aircraft, and the staff is exceptional. I would like to thank Antoine, Valerie, and Kevin for making me feel welcomed. Bring your own RW team as you may not find a lot of RW jumpers, usually team training, wingsuits, and students while I was there. Gap-Tallard is highly recommended.

Right I am going to aim to write this review from scratch because many on here do not give this dropzone enough credit.
To start I am British and flew from Stanstead to Marseille = £25 rtn
Car hire was cheap enough £170 (10 days)and you must go in to the hills, Gap and see the local scenery so a car is worth it.
From the airport of Marseille the drive is easy enough pretty much one road all the way to the dropzone (just head for Gap and dont be suprised by the toll road 11 euros ish). the drive is amazing so much to see as you leave the provience of Marseille, paragliders, gliders mountain castles wierd rock formations are but a few. I wish we had stopped and looked but we left on the last day a little to late in the day to catch our flight.
So the dropzone is located near the village of Tallard, which is wonderful little village with everything you need (5 x Bakeries in the square) we had fresh breakfast every morning either at the Dropzone or in the village. If you get a chalet through Kevin Hardwick they are wonderful and cater for up to 7 people with a full kitchen minus an oven. There is a massive supermarket 15mins drive away as you enter Gap city itself which is another wonderful place we eat there and it was nice to feel so welcome even though we were English haha.
The dropzone itself is large, busy and caters for all disiplines and levels. The staff are hard working and a credit to the Dropzone.Mark, Anton, Kevin, Jean paul and Bertone all deserve a special thanks for making our time with you enjoyable. The english/french barrier was never an issue as somebody was always willing to help. Manifest was very professional all done on a card and computer with monitors around the DZ. Anton would see you about to close your rig and he would put you on the next lift!
The dropzone shuts down for an hour or so at lunch time so dont be alarmed.We came to agree that it was a good thing as it keeps the local residence happy as the airport closes down anyway for lunch.
This gives pleanty of time for a chill out and some nice food from the dropzone cafe(you can pre-order your food in the morning so its ready for you at lunch).
Now the skydiving itself.
We were jumping a twin otter and a Pilatus Porter. The views when you are on the ground are stunning but as you take off they get so much better. Nothing like leaving the aircraft in a sit as you take in the snow capped french alps and Mont Blonc!
The landing area is large and the actual Airport is large too so plenty of outs.Jumping starts at around 0800 til last light most days.
Coaching is available for most disiplines,Loic Jean Albert(soul flyers) is there on hand to teach wingsuit he was also flying the twin otter too which was cool we thought???? other coaches like Pascal for Freefly and Kevin for Accuracy and English speaking AFF.

Well I can say that we had an amazing time and was made to feel very welcomed by everyone. I will be returning to Gap for definate in the near future.
I hope this review is useful to all you crazy kids,
Blue Skies & Soft Landings,

Steve Kingdom

I have just returned from my 5th visit to Gap from Uk and cannot recommend it strongly enough. The hard working staff cannot do enough for you. Safety and enjoyment are 1st and 2nd on the agenda. The weather is always great and the facilities are second to none. I have been to drop zones all over the world but this is the best.

The ultimate dropzone experience from every aspect. I've only been to 5 other dropzones so far and the environment there is by far superior. The ppl, the weather, the site, the facilities, the gear, ... everything is ideal!,... And Kevin the coolest ;)

--M.

Only visited for a week but was made to feel welcome straight away. Was fairly quiet so getting on a lift was easy. The porters were fast, and the mountain scenary was beautiful. Definately a place to visit.

That's the only DZ i know for the moment but I know it pretty well then I think my review is useful.
Even during the peak period you don't have line up because there are many pilatus 3-4 in the summer and 1 twin Otter.
Many schools to AFF, many Freefly animation week ends (no teaching fee). Nice ambiance and such a nice weather all year long.
A bunch of rigs from 260 to 170 ft sq with FXC and Cypres AADs.
What's more? so many things but you'll see that by yourself.
oh yes, I think that was not a hazard if this DZ has welcome the last skydiving world cup.