Château de la Loire hot-air balloon flight: the emblematic experience
Let the wind carry you on a hot-air balloon flight over the Châteaux de la Loire. Departing fromAmboise, enjoy a 3-hour adventure, including a 1-hour hot-air balloon flight, at sunrise or sunset, when the air is at its calmest and the light is at its most magical.
Depuis la nacelle, découvrez les paysages classés au patrimoine mondial de l’UNESCO et, selon les vents, certains des plus beaux Châteaux de la Loire : Chenonceau, Amboise, Chaumont-sur-Loire, la Pagode de Chanteloup, le Clos Lucé… Une parenthèse hors du temps, en pleine nature, idéale pour un cadeau d’exception ou un moment inoubliable en couple, en famille ou entre amis.
Course of your hot-air balloon flight Châteaux de la Loire
Rendez-vous à notre base située à Amboise
Notre équipe vous donne rendez-vous sur les hauteurs d'Amboise, au 154 Rue du Colombier. C’est là que commence votre expérience : accueil, contrôle des billets, échanges avec l’aérostier et première présentation du déroulé du vol.
Depuis le parking, vous êtes pris en charge en 4x4 pour rejoindre le lieu de décollage le plus adapté du jour, choisi en fonction de la direction du vent afin d’optimiser vos chances de survoler un ou plusieurs châteaux.
Preparing and inflating the balloon
At the take-off site, you'll watch the envelope being inflated, a moment that's both technical and spectacular: the balloon gradually unfolds, straightens out, and then the gondola is ready to welcome passengers.
Your pilot reminds you of the safety instructions (landing position, gestures to avoid, attitude on board) before inviting you to board the gondola.
Take-off: 1 hour flight at the mercy of the wind
Once the balloon is in the air, you experience a smooth, almost silent flight of around 1 hour, punctuated only by the start-up of the burner. Unlike a plane or helicopter, a hot-air balloon moves with the wind: you don't "steer" the balloon, you work with the wind.
Depending on wind direction and strength, your pilot chooses the take-off zone (Amboise, Chenonceaux or Chaumont) to maximize your chances of flying over :
- the Château de Chenonceau and its gallery on the Cher, or
- the Château royal d'Amboise and Clos Lucé, or
- the Château de Chaumont-sur-Loire and its gardens, or
- the Pagode de Chanteloup, and
- Loire villages, vineyards and meanders of the Loire.
Altitudes vary as the flight progresses: sometimes very low to admire the details of the landscape, sometimes higher to enjoy 360° panoramas of the Loire Valley.
Landing, balloon folding and end-of-flight toast
Après l’atterrissage, notre équipe vous propose de poursuivre l'expérience par moment convivial : le pliage de l’enveloppe, aux côtés de l’aérostier et de l’équipier.
Then comes the traditional tasting: a glass of local wine or a refreshing drink to celebrate your hot-air balloon flight. Finally, the team takes you back in a 4x4 to your departure point, the Minis Châteaux parking lot in Amboise.
Practical information for your hot-air balloon flight Château de la Loire
- Flight time: approx. 1 hour in a hot-air balloon
- Total service time: approx. 3 hours (transfer, inflation, flight, packing, return)
- Period: flights fromApril to October (other periods: please contact us on 02 47 24 81 44)
- Lieu de rendez-vous : 154 Rue du Colombier, 37400 Amboise (prise en charge par notre équipe)
- Number of passengers on board: up to 16, depending on gondola and day configuration
- Weather: the flight depends on the weather conditions. In the event of unfavorable conditions (wind, rain, fog), your flight may be postponed. You will be notified by SMS and/or e-mail.
- Physical conditions: good general condition required, ability to straddle the basket and bend legs on landing for a few seconds. Do not fly if you are pregnant or have a serious medical problem (ask your doctor for advice if necessary).
- Children: 6 years and over and at least 1.30 m tall, so they can see over the edge of the basket.
- Recommended attire: comfortable clothing, closed shoes, headgear if necessary. The temperature inside the gondola can be up to 10°C higher than outside.
- Tickets: individual tickets (adult, child, duo offer) and private gondolas (2 to 16 people) available. Validity: 18 months from date of purchase.
- Cancellation options: you can take out a cancellation / postponement option when you place your order (see "Cancellation options" on the page).
Book your hot-air balloon flight Château de la Loire
There are two ways to book your hot-air balloon flight over the Châteaux de la Loire:
- Gift ticket valid for 18 months: order online and receive your gift box by post or an e-ticket by e-mail. You (or the recipient) will choose the date later via our online schedule.
- Choose a date as soon as you place your order: select an available date directly from the schedule. In the event of a weather postponement, you can easily reschedule your flight via the "I have my tickets, I'm booking" section, or by contacting us by e-mail.
Our team will be happy to answer any questions you may have:
- Telephone: 02 47 24 81 44
- E-mail : info@airtouraine.fr
Treat yourself to the magic of a hot-air balloon flight over the Châteaux de la Loire, and contemplate Chenonceau, Amboise, Chaumont, the Loire Valley and its vineyards as you've never seen them before: from the sky.
Why discover the Châteaux of the Loire Valley in a hot-air balloon?
- A gentle, immersive experience: no shocks, no dizziness, just wind-speed movement for a feeling of gliding through the air.
- A unique view of the château(s): Chenonceau, Amboise, Chaumont, Clos Lucé, Pagode de Chanteloup... seen from above, to the rhythm of the morning or evening light.
- A moment of total disconnection: no engine around you, just the breath of the burner and the calm of the Loire Valley.
- An adventure to share: gondolas for up to 16 passengers, ideal for families, friends or groups.
- A gift for a lifetime: ticket valid for 18 months, perfect for a birthday, wedding, proposal or corporate gift.
Who is this hot-air balloon flight over the Châteaux de la Loire for?
This Château de la Loire hot-air balloon flight is ideal for :
- a romantic weekend in the Loire Valley,
- a birthday or Christmas gift,
- a marriage proposal or a special occasion,
- a family outing (parents, children, grandparents),
- an EVJF/EVG or a special moment with friends,
- a corporate event or a high-end customer gift.
You can choose an individual ticket, a duo offer or a private gondola to enjoy the experience only with your loved ones.
Air Touraine Montgolfière: safety, approvals and experience
Air Touraine is a family-run company based in the Loire Valley for over 45 years, specializing in tourist flights by hot-air balloon, helicopter and airship. Our flights are supervised by professional balloonists and an experienced ground team.
We haveofficial aeronautical approvals, including :
- Hot-air balloon carrier: FR-O063
- Flying school (helicopter / hot-air balloon) : FR.DTO.0284
- Airworthiness Manager: FR.CAMO.0116
Air Touraine is also committed to a CSR approach via the Green Flag project, to reconcile the pleasure of flying with respect for the territories we fly over (environment, local residents, biodiversity).











