Coupe Icare : the meeting place for flying wings
Posted by Céline BAUDIN on 08/29/2023 at 15:23
From Tuesday 19 to Sunday 24 September 2023, the world’s biggest event in free flight and light air sports returns for its 50th edition: this year’s Coupe Icare promises yet more astonishment, admiration, enjoyment and surprise.
A WORLD CELEBRATION OF THE AIR
For those unfamiliar with this not-to-be-missed event on the Plateau des Petites Roches, the COUPE ICARE IS A GREAT CELEBRATION of the skies and of those who love gliding through the air. Every year, it's an incredible spectacle of thrills, music and sharing.
Since 1974, the Chartreuse mountains and the Grésivaudan valley have played host to an ever-growing and enthusiastic public, ready to marvel and have a good time with all the participants in this unique event.
More than 15 disciplines are represented: paragliding, hang-gliding, microlighting, hot-air ballooning, airships, parachuting, wingsuiting, kite flying, aviation, falconry, etc. There are plenty of demonstrations to admire, including a performance by the French Air Force aerobatics team. The paramotors are putting on a show again this year, with a frantic race pitting the world's best pilots against each other. The Civil Defense guardian angels will also be on hand to demonstrate their essential know-how to all mountain lovers in the event of an accident.
This year, the Coupe Icare is back with 6 days to make your head spin: aerial demonstrations of all kinds, the International Aerial Film Festival, concerts, street art, exhibitions etc. And of course, there's the famous carnival, a poetic moment during which the flying wings are decked out with colours and creativity to enchant the skies and make the eyes of young and old sparkle. There's something for everyone, whether you're a head-in-the-clouds dreamer or a true lover of aerial sports.
With the kids
For children, of course, it’s an exceptional opportunity to discover the world seen from the sky on the big screen but also to learn about aeronautics thanks to the fun activities organised by Icare Mômes (kids’ corner). Workshops are on offer to help you understand and experiment with the weather, wind and nature. Observations, creations and introductions is a perfect cocktail for the very young, especially during the group hot-air balloon take-offs from Friday to Sunday, at sunrise and sunset.
Events within events
Icare Folies is the part of the programme that makes you dance, laugh and sing! Concerts and shows are planned throughout the Coupe to celebrate and share moments of joy. We're also celebrating Icares du Cinéma, the 1st International Aerial Film Festival. The selection will be put to the vote of a jury made up of sports and picture professionals, as well as a press jury and a children’s jury - so that perfect impartiality is guaranteed!
For 6 days, pilots will be invading the skies with wings of all kinds. Don't miss the show, which promises to be amazing once again this year. In the Lumbin landing area, a village welcomes you to come and watch the air show from below. Access is free and easy, with secure parking for electric bikes, dedicated and safe cycle lanes and shuttle buses from the car parks.
A rallying event
The Coupe Icare association is non-profit-oriented: the revenue generated is used to carry out projects or to top up the annual budget. It's a whole region that is committed to this event, which is unique in the world, creating a strong bond with the local population. A social and eco-responsible policy governs this major event, whether in terms of mobility, waste or respect for nature. In short, the Coupe Icare has it all!
Enjoy the flight!
