The 5 Balloon Flights in France That Earn Their Price

1.Hot Air Balloon Flight over the castle of Chenonceau / France

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 144 reviews · 3 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $277Our pick

Meet in Saint-Georges-sur-Cher for a 3.5-hour balloon adventure over Chenonceau and the Loire countryside. Flights run morning and evening from March to October, weather permitting. Your pilot explains the process in English, and the outing ends with local wine, cheese, sweets, a certificate, and a ride back to the meeting point.

“The experience in itself was amazing, and I felt very safe through the whole process. :) The takeoff and the landing were smooth. They made sure that everyone was having fun and was involved. Great experience!”

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2.Fontainebleau Forest Half Day Hot-Air Balloon Ride with Chateau de Fontainebleau

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 53 reviews · 3 to 4 hours (approx.) · from $313

Meet at Carrefour de Maintenon in Fontainebleau for a small-group balloon flight over the royal forest and nearby countryside. The crew handles inflation, your pilot may include commentary, and the flight ends with a champagne toast. Choose morning or afternoon, but confirm the exact time 24 to 48 hours ahead.

“Amazing experience. The staff were great and made the whole experience enjoyable. I would definitely recommend this”

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3.Amboise Hot-Air Balloon Sunset Ride over the Loire Valley

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 47 reviews · 3 hours · from $300

Join Amboise Montgolfière Balloon Revolution for a three-hour sunrise or sunset flight over the Loire, Indre, or Cher valleys. Pilot Kevin and his team handle the flight, transfers, and landing toast, while you watch the balloon inflate, spot vineyards and châteaux, and finish with Champagne or grape juice plus a Caves Plou & Fils tasting.

“We had an amazing flight. Kevin, our balloon pilot, was very competent. We felt safe in his abilities. The views were spectacular and serene; the whole experience was unforgettable. Kevin drove each participant home afterwards. Put this on your list, you won't regret it.”

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4.Burgundy Hot-Air Balloon Ride from Beaune

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 35 reviews · 3 to 4 hours (approx.) · from $315

Meet your pilot at Château de Pommard for a 3 to 4 hour hot-air balloon outing over Burgundy’s vineyards. Flights run just after sunrise or about two hours before sunset, with English support, a maximum of 12 people, and Champagne after landing. Weather can change the schedule.

“We went as a family (adults, grandma and a 11 year old and 9 year old) and had a great trip. The crew was very good in explaining all the steps and Rodrigo was a great pilot. Only thing was you need to help unfold and also to fold up and it takes some time. We did the evening tour and didn’t get home until 11pm which was a little later than expected. However a great ride and would highly recommend it”

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5.Hot air ballooning: Chambord, Blois, Chenonceau, Cheverny or Chaumont

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 29 reviews · 3 hours 45 minutes (approx.) · from $275Best value

Meet Au Gré des Vents in Contres-en-Sologne for a safety briefing and balloon flight near a Loire Valley château. The launch site depends on wind, and may be Chenonceau, Cheverny, Chambord, Blois, or Chaumont. Kevin and Antonio are among the named team members connected with the operation.

“This was a perfect experience. Good communication with Kevin ahead of time. Punctual and off we flew in the balloon catching sunrise floating over the misty green fields. Highly recommended!”

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