The Châteaux of the Loire in a hot-air balloon: a complete guide to ballooning with Air Touraine (2025)

May 07, 2025

Hot-air ballooning over the Châteaux de la Loire: the ultimate guide (2025)

1. Why choose hot-air ballooning?

A 360° experience in weightlessness

There's nothing like the silence of a balloon carried by the wind to admire the UNESCO World Heritage valley. At an altitude of 300 m, you can enjoy a 360° panorama without windows or vibrations, bathed in golden light in the early hours of the morning.

Slow tourism and gentle emotions

At a time when slow-travel is emerging as the key trend for 2025, hot-air ballooning meets the need for slowness, contemplation and authenticity. You can live in the moment while minimizing your impact on the land.

Heritage and living history

Chenonceau, Amboise, Chaumont-sur-Loire, Chambord... Each château tells a piece of French history. Seen from the air, Renaissance architecture is revealed in all its symmetry, surrounded by formal gardens and the royal meander of the Loire.

2. How does the flight with Air Touraine work?

Pick-up & transfer - meeting point in Amboise or at a site close to the châteaux, shuttle included.
Safety briefing - your pilot explains the instructions and the logic of the wind.
Balloon inflation - take part in inflation: 10,000 m3 of envelope come to life in 15 minutes.
Flight time approx. 1 h - 8 to 15 km depending on the wind, altitude variable from 100 to 1000 m.
Landing & toast from the balloonists - glass of Vouvray offered before returning by 4×4.

Door-to-door time: 3 h - 3 h 30.

3. Emblematic routes

The itinerary always depends on the wind; your pilot chooses the most favourable area to maximize the chances of overflight.

Chenonceau: the jewel on the Cher River

The famous gallery bridge is reflected in the water. At sunrise, the morning mist surrounds its arches and the gardens of Diane and Catherine.

Amboise & Clos Lucé

Admire the royal fortress, Leonardo da Vinci's Clos Lucé and the Chanteloup pagoda: a festival of slate and white tufa roofs.

Chaumont-sur-Loire & its gardens

Site of the International Garden Festival, Chaumont is home to ephemeral landscape creations visible from cruising altitude.

4. Practical advice before take-off

Attire: closed-toe sneakers, pants, windproof jacket (temperature ~10°C cooler at altitude).
Photos: smartphone in airplane mode, strap recommended; SLR allowed without tripod.
Best season: April to October for weather stability and color.
Health: not recommended for pregnant women or people with severe heart problems.

5. FAQ

How long does a hot-air balloon flight last?

Allow 1 hour for the flight and around 3 hours 30 minutes of total experience, from briefing to return.

Can we guarantee to fly over a specific castle?

No; the wind determines the trajectory. Nevertheless, the pilot chooses the take-off zone to optimize the chances of flying over Chenonceau or Amboise.

What happens in bad weather?

You are notified the day before. Air Touraine will reschedule the flight free of charge.

Can children fly?

Yes, from age 6 and 1.20 m upwards, so they can see over the basket.

Can I offer a gift voucher?

Yes, valid for 18 months and customizable in three clicks.