Piloter une montgolfière près de Tours : votre initiation au pilotage
Envie de piloter une montgolfière et de vivre vos premiers pas d’aérostier ? Cette initiation vous plonge dans la réalité d’un vol : briefing, préparation, gonflement, gestion des conditions météo, puis vol encadré avec prise de commandes à tour de rôle.
Ce que vous allez apprendre (et faire)
Une montgolfière se pilote avec finesse, anticipation… et une lecture météo rigoureuse. Pendant l’initiation, vous découvrez les bases et participez activement à toutes les étapes.
- Préparation du vol et conditions météorologiques nécessaires
- Gonflement de l’enveloppe et organisation au sol (rôle du retrouveur)
- Instruments et principes de pilotage (montée, maintien, gestion de la chauffe)
- Choix de la zone de posée, atterrissage, dégonflage et pliage
Prise de commandes : après environ 30 minutes de briefing, vous prenez les commandes à tour de rôle pendant le vol, accompagné par votre instructeur.
Déroulé de l’expérience (½ journée)
- Accueil et point météo
- Briefing (≈ 30 min)
- Mise en œuvre : installation, gonflement, check sécurité
- Vol ≈ 1 heure et prise de commandes en alternance
- Atterrissage, rangement, débriefing
Temps de pilotage indicatif : environ 20 à 30 minutes par personne (selon conditions et organisation de la session).
Pour qui ?
- À partir de 16 ans (autorisation parentale pour les mineurs)
- Sessions à dates fixes, 2 à 3 élèves
- Accompagnant à bord non autorisé
Pour toute question liée à l’aptitude, au confort ou aux conditions de vol, contactez-nous avant réservation.
Lieu de rendez-vous
Rendez-vous à l’héliport de Neuvy-le-Roi, à environ 25 minutes au nord de Tours.
Encadrement : Air Touraine Academy
L’initiation est réalisée par Air Touraine Academy, l’école de pilotage d’Air Touraine. Implantée en Val de Loire depuis 1978, l’école est encadrée par un instructeur agréé (Fédération Française d’Aérostation et DGAC) et suit le programme officiel.
Report, annulation, prolongation
- Option de prolongation de validité (1 an supplémentaire)
- Options de report / annulation selon conditions (voir CGV)
La montgolfière est une activité dépendante de la météo : si les conditions ne permettent pas de voler en sécurité, la session est reportée selon les modalités prévues.
FAQ – Piloter une montgolfière
Combien de temps dure l’initiation pilotage montgolfière ?
La prestation dure une demi-journée, avec environ 30 minutes de briefing puis un vol d’environ 1 heure encadré par un instructeur.
Est-ce que je pilote vraiment une montgolfière ?
Oui. Après briefing, vous prenez les commandes à tour de rôle pendant le vol, accompagné par votre instructeur.
Où a lieu l’initiation ?
Le rendez-vous est donné à l’héliport de Neuvy-le-Roi, à environ 25 minutes au nord de Tours.
Combien de participants par session ?
Il s’agit de sessions à dates fixes, avec 2 à 3 élèves par session.
À partir de quel âge peut-on participer ?
À partir de 16 ans (avec autorisation parentale pour les mineurs).
Puis-je venir avec un accompagnant dans la nacelle ?
Non, l’accompagnant à bord n’est pas autorisé sur cette prestation.
Quelle est la validité du billet ?
Le billet est valable 18 mois, avec une option de prolongation possible (selon conditions).
Que se passe-t-il si la météo n’est pas favorable ?
Les vols en montgolfière dépendent des conditions météo. Si la météo ne permet pas de voler en sécurité, la session est reportée selon les modalités prévues.
Our approvals
Air Touraine dispose d’agréments aéronautiques et d’une structure école reconnue.
- École de pilotage : FR.DTO.0284
- Autres agréments : AOC, CAMO…
+ Air Touraine Academy flying school
Air touraine, a civil aviation certified airline, has been based in the Loire Valley since 1978.
Air professionals, our Air Touraine Academy school offers training leading to certification, enabling you to fly privately on your own!
Our hot-air balloon piloting school is run by an instructor approved by the Fédération Française d'Aérostation and the Direction Générale de l'Aviation Civile. You will be trained according to the official program in a region rich in heritage: the Loire Valley.
Obtaining a hot-air pilot's license is based on theoretical knowledge and technical tests.
For more information about the school, please contact us.
+ The invention of the hot-air balloon
The Montgolfier brothers, French industrialists, invented the hot-air balloon.
The first flight took place in Versailles in 1783, and the French were finally able to make their dreams come true: to fly!
At the time, the aerostat had an ovoid shape.
Today's hot-air balloons are made up of three main components: theenvelope, the burner connected to the fuel tanks (propane in liquid phase) and the nacelle.
+ Practical information: initiation to hot-air balloon piloting
We look forward to seeing you at the Neuvy le Roi heliport, 25 minutes north of Tours.
To reserve your session, please contact us at 0247248144.
The flight departs from Neuvy le Roi heliport, 25 minutes north of Tours
-Passenger not allowed on board
Children aged 16 and over (initiation, with parental consent)
*20 to 30 minutes per person
Terms of payment :
Full payment is required with the order (by credit card or vacation vouchers).
You have the option of paying by credit card in 2x free of charge via our secure platform.
Extended validity option:
If you wish to extend the validity of your ticket, choose the extended validity option and benefit from an extra year to complete your service.
Postponement and cancellation option:
You can take out a cancellation option when you place your order or book a date, allowing you to postpone your flight or be reimbursed in the event of a definitive cancellation on your part (see terms and conditions of sale).
Booking your flight: two possible options
- Ticket valid for 18 months (gift box by post or ticket sent by e-mail)
- Choose a flight date when you order online, according to the suggested schedule. Do not hesitate to contact us if no available date corresponds to your wish 02 47 24 81 44
You'll be launched into the air, aboard your gondola carried by the wind - thrills guaranteed!
+ Our CSR commitments: Green Flag project

Our CSR commitments: GREEN FLAG project
Winds of change meet commitment to sustainability and corporate social responsibility (CSR).
Our sector cannot turn its back on its responsibility for the aviation of tomorrow, and that's why, as a pioneer in green aviation, we're committed to pushing back the boundaries of the airline industry by integrating CSR into every aspect of our business, whether in our helicopters, hot-air balloons or airships.
Our approach to CSR is based on three fundamental pillars:

The Environmental Component :
We are aware of the environmental impact of our flight operations. That's why we invest in cutting-edge technologies to reduce our carbon emissions, minimize our ecological footprint and preserve the fragile ecosystems we fly over. From reducing fuel consumption to adopting sustainable biofuels and protecting the biodiversity of our heliport, every flight is a step towards a cleaner, more environmentally-friendly aviation future.

The Societal Component :
We firmly believe that our success as an airline goes hand in hand with the well-being of the communities we serve. That's why we're committed to supporting local initiatives, promoting diversity and inclusion among our staff, and ensuring some of the highest standards of safety and well-being in the industry. From creating local jobs to promoting sustainable tourism, we work to be a driver of prosperity and social development wherever we operate.

The Economic Component :
Economic sustainability is at the heart of our business model. We are constantly looking for ways to increase operational efficiency, reduce costs and invest in fair and ethical business practices. By working with local partners and fostering inclusive economic growth, we help strengthen regional economies and promote a sustainable financial future for all.
+ Our approvals
Our Aeronautical Approvals
At Air Touraine, we're proud to hold the aeronautical industry's most prestigious certifications, testifying to our expertise, safety and professionalism. These certifications, obtained through strict controls and rigorous audits, attest to our compliance with the industry's most demanding standards.

Here is a list of our approvals:
Helicopter air carrier: FR.AOC.0079
Hot-air balloon carrier: FR-O063
Operator specialized in high-risk aerial work: FR.DEC.0110
Flying school (helicopter / hot-air balloon) : FR.DTO.0284
Airworthiness Manager: FR.CAMO.0116
Each code represents a specific recognition of our commitment to safety, the quality of our services and our ability to meet the requirements of the aeronautical sector. Thanks to these approvals, Air Touraine can guarantee its customers certified expertise and an optimum level of service.
By choosing Air Touraine, you're choosing trust and excellence, backed by high-level certifications that place safety and quality at the heart of our concerns.
Our Tourism Approvals
Travel Agency Certifications: A Guarantee of Trust and Excellence
At Air Touraine, our commitment to quality, safety and transparency is reflected in the certifications we have earned in the travel industry. These labels attest to our seriousness and expertise, while guaranteeing our customers services that comply with the strictest standards.
Certifications that make all the difference
Our certifications are the fruit of rigorous work and a constant commitment to excellence. They illustrate our ability to offer tailor-made trips, with customer satisfaction and safety at the heart of our concerns. Thanks to these labels, we can assure you of transparent management, impeccable service quality and total compliance with the regulations in force in the tourism industry.

We are registered with the Registre des Operateurs de Voyage et de Séjours: IM03700003, enabling us to offer you holidays.
Financial Guarantee: ATRADIUS, 159 rue Anatole France-CS50118-92596 LEVALLOIS PERRET
Professional liability insurance: ALLIANZ IARD, 1 Cours Michelet-92076 PARIS LA DEFENSE.
Contract no. 086846 956
When you choose Air Touraine, you're opting for a certified travel agency that puts quality, safety and innovation at the heart of its services. Let us convince you of our proven expertise, and enjoy exceptional travel experiences with complete peace of mind.