Loire Valley, France

Balloons are a great opportunity to see France from a different perspective. Enjoy, above all, its nature, sunrises, sunsets, small villages, magnificent castles and measured rhythm of life. And also, of course, to feel a real balloonist and sky conqueror! Just like in the good old days. By the way, mongolfiers are also local invention.

What is the best way to choose?
First of all you must decide where you want to fly. Balloons fly over the whole of France. There is such entertainment in Alsace and Burgundy. In Paris, too, there is a similar attraction when you for about 12 euros are lifted on a string for 5 minutes over the city. But, the most interesting places in France, which is worth flying over, are the Loire Valley and Provence.

Loire – This is not too far from Paris, there are many castles, some of which you will see from above, and another important bonus – wonderful nature.

Flight prices and other useful information
Prices for a hot air balloon flight depend on two factors: how many people will be in the basket, and what day of the week you want to book the trip. Some companies have discounts on weekdays. If you choose an individual flight, for example, for two people, it is, of course, the most expensive service. It costs about 600-700 euros. Or you can sit in a group basket. Then a ticket will cost you about 200 euros. Moreover, the more tickets you order, the cheaper they will be. In the basket fits from 6 to 20 people, but on average 10 people ride.

Flights take place during the warm season, from about April to October. You can go on a trip twice a day. Either at 5-6 in the morning or at 7-8 in the evening. Do not be in a hurry to immediately discard the morning option. There are fewer people at this time, and when else will you see the dawn over France? Some travelers say that it’s even better to fly in the morning. Although you have to wake up early.

How does the flight itself go?
The day before your flight, you call the company and you are told whether to travel or not. The only possible reason for refusal may be bad weather conditions. But your ticket is valid for a year or even two. So you will try to find a suitable schedule for the coming days.

By the appointed time you arrive at the meeting place. Or you are picked up directly from the hotel, it depends on how you agree. You will be brought by car to the starting point. While you sleepily shuffle from foot to foot, professionals unwind the balloon.

You will be told about the safety precautions, will be asked to help you inflate the balloon and that is all – just jump in the basket, 5 seconds and fly.

Gaining altitude is very smooth. Even people who are afraid of heights behave calmly in the balloon. For example, we did not notice the difference between 200 meters and 400 meters. You ascend slowly, fly slowly and just enjoy the views around you.

The pilot at the same time tells you about the local sights, altitude, wind speed and direction. It’s almost like being on board an airliner, only the pilot is right there with you in the same basket. By the way, you have to learn to be a pilot, of course, and then you have to prove your skills. So professionals will help you, there is nothing to be afraid of.

But you cannot control the balloon’s direction. Here, where the wind will take you, and there you will float on the clouds. But it’s possible that this unpredictability is even more interesting.

After an hour of breathtaking views and a great experience, you come back down to earth. The balloon lands at exactly the point the driver chooses. You jump out of the basket, you are treated to coffee and chocolate, given certificates that will not let you forget the already unforgettable journey, and take you back to where you were picked up. And if you booked a morning trip, you still have the whole day ahead of you.