Bucketlist Travels logo

Travel bucket list idea:

Hot-air balloon flights over the Loire Valley

  • Amboise, Centre-Val de Loire, France

Last updated: 11 March, 2024

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.

Logistics

Price from: £180
Minimum age: 6
Age suitable: 10+
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.

Who to go with: organised tours

3

Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity

  • Tours

Admire panoramic views over the Loire Valley from the skies on this 3-hours sunrise or sunset hot-air balloon ride from Amboise. Drift gracefully over the forests, lakes, orchards, and vineyards of the Loire Valley with a pilot. Watch the sun slowly rise or set on the horizon and capture the spectacular views on camera, then toast your flight with a glass of Champagne or sparkling grape juice on landing. This tour includes round-trip travel from your Amboise hotel.

Price €255

Min age 6

Rating 4.58 / 5 [209 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

Viator Logo
Website >
  • Tours

Float effortlessly through the skies in France and admire sweeping views over the Loire Valley on this 3-hour hot-air balloon ride. After helping your pilot inflate the hot-air balloon, step into the basket and drift high over the Loire Valley. Admire sweeping views over the scenery below, then toast your flight with a glass of Champagne on landing. Tour includes round-trip travel from Francueil, near Chenonceau.

Price €262

Min age 6

Rating 4.30 / 5 [33 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

Viator Logo
Website >