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Bucket list experience:

Last updated: 10 November, 2022
Expert travel writer: Anna Brooke

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.

Price from: £180
Minimum age: 6
Age suitable: 6+
When: All year around
Duration: 3 hours

Getting there & doing it

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.

When to do it

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

Hot Air Balloon Flight over the castle of Chenonceau / France

Hot Air Balloon Flight over the castle of Chenonceau / France

Loire Valley

There are many places where you may fly by a hot air balloon, but a flight in the Loire valley, France is one of the top 10 things to do in ...

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Hot-Air Balloon Ride over the Loire Valley, from Amboise or Chenonceau

Hot-Air Balloon Ride over the Loire Valley, from Amboise or Chenonceau

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Admire panoramic views over the Loire Valley from the skies on this 3-hours sunrise or sunset hot-air balloon ride from Amboise. Drift grace...

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Loire Valley Hot-Air Balloon Ride

Loire Valley Hot-Air Balloon Ride

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Float effortlessly through the skies in France and admire sweeping views over the Loire Valley on this 3-hour hot-air balloon ride. After he...

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Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first

Le Clos d’Amboise

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:

Les Hautes Roches

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.

Official star rating:

Les Hauts de Loire

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.

Official star rating:

Domaine de la Tortiniere

Veigne, Centre-Val de Loire, France[23.1 miles]

Relaxed, stylish family-run chateau hotel, well located in the heart of the Loire Valley.

Official star rating:

Destination guides including or relevant to this experience

Our writer’s recommendations of other bucket list experiences our writer says you must do in this destination, closest first

Other worthwhile experiences near this experience if you have time or interest..

View of some stalls with white canapes under trees on the festival grounds
Experience

Vitiloire

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

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