Bucket list experience:
Amboise, Centre-Val de Loire, France
From the air, the Loire Valley is a picture-postcard tapestry of waterways, vineyards, farms and forest, interspersed with those majestic chateaux.
Hot-air balloons, that drift silently above the treetops and turrets, offer a civilised, serene way to soak up the sublime landscapes and appreciate the size and scale of the chateaux – away from the crowds below.
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Destination Guide >Flights can be arranged from many points, including Amboise, sometimes Chenonceaux or Chaumont-sur-Loire, Château de Chenonceau, Blois, Château de Chaumont, Château de Azey-le-Rideau and Villandry. Trips last about 75 minutes (3 hours including set-up). Book ahead.
Dress as if you’re going for a country walk – your balloon may land in a field – and bring a hat as the burners are surprisingly hot.
Most balloon flights operate daily from April to October, weather permitting. Private flights are available all year. Take-off is early morning or late afternoon.
Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity
Loire Valley
€219 | Rating 5 / 5 [60 ratings]
Tour supplied by:
Tours
€249 | Rating 4.54 / 5 [113 ratings]
Tour supplied by:
Tours
€262 | Rating 4.48 / 5 [29 ratings]
Tour supplied by:
Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first
Amboise, Centre-Val de Loire, France[2.3 miles]
An attractive family-friendly hotel, with great staff and a perfect small-town location for exploring the Loire.
Official star rating:
Rochecorbon, Centre-Val de Loire, France[16.5 miles]
A cosy hotel just outside of Tours, with luxurious ‘troglodyte’ rooms carved into the neighbouring cliff.
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Veuzain-sur-Loire, Centre-Val de Loire, France[17.4 miles]
Uber-romantic hotel in a former hunting lodge, with a spa, outdoor pool & Michelin-starred restaurant.
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Veigne, Centre-Val de Loire, France[23.1 miles]
Relaxed, stylish family-run chateau hotel, well located in the heart of the Loire Valley.
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Destination guides including or relevant to this experience
Loire Valley, France
Extraordinary historic chateaux, authentic village life, and superb wine blend in this beautiful UNESCO-listed valley.
Our writer’s recommendations of other bucket list experiences our writer says you must do in this destination, closest first
Amboise, Centre-Val de Loire, France[2.1 miles]
Leonardo da Vinci’s final residence reveals fascinating insights into the enigmatic painter, engineer and inventor.
Best for ages: 13+ | £3
Amboise, Centre-Val de Loire, France[17.2 miles]
Weird and wonderful experimental garden festival where conceptual gardens touch urbanism and ecology.
Best for ages: 13+ | £15 | 5 months
Other worthwhile experiences near this experience if you have time or interest..
Tours, Centre-Val de Loire, France[22.5 miles]
This annual wine fair in Tours, held at the start of June, celebrates local wines with wine workshops, music, fireworks and countless opportunities to taste and buy direct from producers.
Best for ages: 18+ | Free | One weekend
