Loire Valley, a fairy-tale region in France, is a fantastic place for hot air balloon rides! Drift over grand castles like Chenonceau, lush vineyards, and the Loire River at sunrise. With trusted companies like Montgolfières du Val de Loire and France Montgolfières, you’ll float with friendly pilots for a safe, magical ride. This guide, tells you why Loire Valley is special, what to bring, how to fly, and travel tips. Let’s soar with #OutdoorKeeda!
Why Ride a Hot Air Balloon in Loire Valley?
Loire Valley’s castles and green landscapes make it a top ballooning spot. Here’s why it’s so great:
- Beautiful Views: See Château de Chenonceau, Amboise, and rolling vineyards from 300–1,000 meters up.
- Super Peaceful: Float for 60–90 minutes, feeling calm and happy in the sky!
- Very Safe: Pilots with French Civil Aviation licenses use top-quality balloons for safe rides.
- Fun Photos: Get pics or videos (₹2000/€25) to share your adventure!
Perfect for beginners, but not for kids under 6, pregnant women, or people with heart problems.
What’s a Hot Air Balloon Ride in Loire Valley Like?
You ride in a basket with a pilot who controls the balloon. Take off from fields near Amboise, Chenonceaux, or Blois and land in nearby open areas. Flights run from April to October, best in May–September (15–25°C), at sunrise. A standard 60-minute ride costs ₹15000–₹22000 (€200–300), including hotel pickup, snacks, and a champagne toast. Deluxe rides (90 min, smaller groups) cost ₹30000 (€400). You must be 6+, weigh under 120 kg (265 lbs), and sign a form. Flights cancel in bad weather, with refunds or rescheduling.
What to Bring
Pack these for a fun ride:
- Clothes: Wear long pants, a t-shirt, and a jacket (mornings are chilly). Flat shoes, no sandals. Sunglasses are fine.
- Health Stuff: Tell your pilot about health issues; don’t fly if unwell. Pilots provide safety gear.
- Extras: Bring a camera/phone with a strap, water, and sunscreen. No big bags; lockers are available.
- Booking: Pay ₹15000–₹22000. Book on montgolfieres-du-valdeloire.fr or france-montgolfieres.com for deals (₹14000 early bird). Call +33 2 54 33 55 00 for spots. No refunds for no-shows! Spectators watch takeoffs free near launch sites.
Check france-montgolfieres.com for weather, as wind or rain stops flights.
Fun Balloon Options
Choose a ride that’s perfect for you:
- Classic Ride (60 min): Fly at sunrise over castles, up to 16 people, ₹15000. Great for first-timers.
- Deluxe Ride (90 min): Smaller basket (6–8 people), more views, ₹30000. Ideal for photos.
- Private Ride: Book for 2–4 people, ₹60000–₹90000 (€800–1200). Perfect for special moments.
- Vineyard Ride: Fly over wine regions near Saumur, ₹20000. Includes wine tasting after landing.
Book early, especially for July–August. Meet 30 min early at pickup (e.g., Amboise or Chenonceaux).
How to Float Like a Pro
Here’s how to enjoy your ride:
- Get Ready: A van picks you up at 5–6 AM. Enjoy coffee and croissants at the launch site. Get a quick safety talk.
- Take Off: Climb into the basket (holds 6–16 people). The balloon lifts off gently—no big shake!
- Float Happy: Look at castles like Chaumont and vineyards. Pilots share stories about Loire’s history.
- Land Soft: Land in a field with ground crew help. Climb out carefully.
- Be Safe: Stay in the basket, listen to your pilot, and report health issues.
After landing, sip champagne and get a flight certificate!
How to Get to Loire Valley
Loire Valley is 200 km southwest of Paris, near Tours and Blois:
- By Plane: Fly to Paris (CDG or ORY, ₹12000 from London). Take a train to Tours (2 hours, ₹3000) or a taxi to Amboise (₹8000).
- By Train: TGV from Paris to Tours or Saint-Pierre-des-Corps (1 hour, ₹2000). Then a local bus to Amboise (30 min, ₹300).
- By Car: Drive from Paris (2.5 hours). Park free at hotels or ₹100/day in Tours.
- Best Time: May–September for warm, clear skies (15–25°C). July–August is busy but great for festivals.
Where to Stay and Eat
Stay in Amboise, Blois, or Tours for easy balloon access:
- Cheap: Auberge de Jeunesse Tours (₹1500–₹2500/night).
- Medium: Hotel Le Clos d’Amboise (₹5000–₹8000/night).
- Fancy: Château de Pray, Amboise (₹15000–₹25000/night).
- Hostels: Hostel du Loire, Blois (₹1000–₹2000/night).
Book early via Hotels.com or Agoda. Eat at La Maison des Halles in Tours for quiche (₹100–₹300) or Le Casse-Caillou in Amboise for duck (₹300–₹600). Try local Vouvray wine!
More Fun in Loire Valley
- Castle Tours: Visit Château de Chenonceau (₹1200, 2 hours) or Chambord (₹1000).
- Cycling: Bike along the Loire à Vélo route (₹500/day).
- Wine Tasting: Tour Vouvray or Chinon vineyards (₹1500, 30 min drive).
- Kayaking: Paddle the Loire River with Canoë Company (₹2000, 2 hours).
Tips for a Great Ride
- Book Early: Reserve for your first day in case weather cancels; stay 3+ days.
- Dress Warm: Mornings are cool; wear layers.
- Stand Smart: Ask for a basket edge spot for better views.
- Save Money: Book online for discounts; bring snacks to save cash.
A Balloon Story
Floating over Loire Valley was like a movie! At dawn, the pilot’s friendly chat made the early start fun. As the balloon rose, Chenonceau’s reflection in the river glowed—wow! The AI-edited video of castles and vineyards is a gem. This ride was pure magic! Share your story with #OutdoorKeeda!
Ready to Float?
Hot air ballooning in Loire Valley is a dreamy adventure with stunning views of castles and vineyards. It’s safe, peaceful, and perfect for beginners. Come to Loire Valley and drift in the sky!
Loire Magic: Float where castles meet the clouds!
Ride a hot air balloon in Loire Valley, and feel the wonder!
Join the adventure! with Outdoorkeeda
