Japanese Seiko Fukuoka moved to Annecy for her passion for paragliding. In this interview she talks about the perfect outdoor day in the French Alps and gives tips for paragliding beginners.
Paragliding Queen Seiko Fukuoka: My Perfect Outdoor Day in Annecy
Credits cover image: Seiko Fukuoka
Japanese Seiko Fukuoka moved to Annecy for her passion for paragliding. In this interview she talks about the perfect outdoor day in the French Alps and gives tips for paragliding beginners.
Four times World Champion, two times European Champion. Seiko Fukuoka has shaped paragliding in recent years. In 2007, the Japanese moved to Annecy. No wonder: The French alpine town offers perfect conditions for paragliding and also has many other outdoor activities to offer.
OutDoor Society talked to Seiko about her perfect outdoor day in the Annecy region and about paragliding tips.
At Mount Fuji Seiko Fukuoka learned to paraglide.
Image credit: Yannick Perrin / Yannick Perrin
OutDoor Society: You have been living in Annecy since 2007. What does your perfect outdoor day look like there?
Seiko Fukuoka: First, in the morning I will take some coffee at tweedle tea at Menthon-Saint-Bernard . Then I will go to SUP board at Angon beach, and then I will go to fly paragliding at La Sambuy and land at Doussard. Afterwards, I will take lunch at restaurant Le Club at Angon.
In the afternoon I will be canyoning at Col de la Forclaz and bike around the lake. In the evening it’s time to go to La Cave at Annecy to have some wine, before finally having dinner at the Japanese restaurant Minami at Annecy!
Unstoppable: Seiko Fukuoka holds the women's world records for paragliding distance and maximum speed.
Image credit: Seiko Fukuoka / Seiko Fukuoka
Why is paragliding in Annecy so beautiful and what are the best places to do it?
Col de la Forclaz and Planfait near Annecy can be enjoyed by pilots of all levels. There is an amazing panorama with the Annecy Lake!
And how can paragliding beginners best prepare for their premiere?
If you want to fly with tandem you just need to have a pair of tennis shoes and some wear to avoid the cold. And if you want to learn paragliding, just bring the same plus 2 liters of water. That's it!
Where is your favourite place with the most beautiful view in the Annecy mountains?
Without doubt: La Sambuy!
