Hot Air Balloon Ride Over the Loire Valley Castles from AMBOISE: The Iconic 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.
From the gondola, discover the landscapes designated as UNESCO World Heritage Sites and, depending on the wind, some of the most beautiful châteaux of the Loire Valley: Chenonceau, Amboise, Chaumont-sur-Loire, the Pagoda of Chanteloup, the Clos Lucé…A timeless escape in the heart of nature—perfect as a special gift or for an unforgettable experience as a couple, with family, or with friends.
Course of your hot-air balloon flight Châteaux de la Loire
Come visit our base in Amboise
Our team looks forward to seeing you in the hills above Amboise, at 154 Rue du Colombier. That’s where your experience begins: check-in, ticket verification, a brief chat with the balloon pilot, and an initial overview of the flight.
From the parking lot, you’ll be picked up in a 4x4 and taken to the best takeoff spot for the day, chosen based on wind direction to maximize your chances of flying over one or more castles.
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
After landing, our team invites you to continue the experience with a fun activity:folding the balloon envelope alongside the balloon pilot and crew member.
Next comes the traditional tasting: a glass of local wine ora refreshing drink to celebrate your hot-air balloon ride. Finally, the team will drive you back in a 4x4 to your starting point 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)
- Meeting place: 154 Rue du Colombier, 37400 Amboise (our team will meet you there)
- 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-toe shoes, pants, and a hat if needed. The temperature inside the gondola can be up to 10°C higher than the outside temperature.
- 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).










