Fly a hot-air balloon near Tours: Your Introduction to Ballooning
Want to fly a hot-air balloon and take your first steps asa balloonist? This introductory course immerses you in the reality of a flight: briefing, preparation, inflation, managing weather conditions, and then a guided flight where you’ll take turns at the controls.
What You'll Learn (and Do)
Flying a hot-air balloon requires finesse, foresight… and a thorough understanding of weather conditions. During the introductory course, you’ll learn the basics and actively participate in every step of the process.
- Flight Preparation and Required Weather Conditions
- Expansion of the envelope and ground operations (role of the retriever)
- Control Instruments and Principles (Climb, Cruise, Engine Heat Management)
- Choosing a landing spot, landing, deflating, and folding
Taking the Controls: After a briefing lasting about 30 minutes, you’ll take turns at the controls during the flight, accompanied by your instructor.
Experiment Procedure (½ day)
- Welcome and Weather Update
- Briefing (approx. 30 min)
- Setup: installation, inflation, safety check
- Flight time ≈ 1 hour, with alternating command
- Landing, cleanup, debriefing
Estimated driving time: approximately 20 to 30 minutes per person (depending on conditions and how the session is organized).
Who is it for?
- Ages 16 and up (parental consent required for minors)
- Scheduled sessions, 2 to 3 students
- Unauthorized person on board
If you have any questions regarding fitness, comfort, or flight conditions, please contact us before making a reservation.
Meeting place
Meet atthe Neuvy-le-Roi heliport, about 25 minutes north of Tours.
Coaching: Air Touraine Academy
The introductory course is conducted by Air Touraine Academy, Air Touraine’s flight school. Based in the Loire Valley since 1978, the school is supervised by a certified instructor (French Ballooning Federation and DGAC) and follows the official curriculum.
Postponement, Cancellation, Extension
- Validity Extension Option (1 additional year)
- Postponement/cancellation options subject to terms and conditions (see Terms and Conditions)
Hot-air balloon rides are weather-dependent: if conditions do not allow for safe flight, the session will be rescheduled according to the established procedures.
FAQ – Flying a Hot-Air Balloon
How long does the hot-air balloon piloting introductory course last?
The experience lasts half a day, with about 30 minutes of briefing followed by a flight of about 1 hour under the supervision of an instructor.
Am I really flying a hot-air balloon?
Yes. After the briefing, you'll take turns at the controls during the flight, accompanied by your instructor.
Where does the introductory session take place?
The meeting point is at the Neuvy-le-Roi heliport, about 25 minutes north of Tours.
How many participants are there per session?
These are sessions with set dates, with 2 to 3 students per session.
What is the minimum age to participate?
Ages 16 and older (with parental consent for minors).
Can I bring a companion with me in the gondola?
No, a companion is not permitted on board for this service.
How long is the ticket valid?
The ticket is valid for 18 months, with the option to extend it (subject to conditions).
What happens if the weather isn't good?
Hot-air balloon flights are subject to weather conditions. If weather conditions do not permit safe flight, the flight will be rescheduled according to the established procedures.
Our approvals
Air Touraine holds aviation certifications and operates a recognized flight school.
- Flight school: FR.DTO.0284
- Other certifications: 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.
