8 Balloons Tours in France, Compared

1.Hot-Air Balloon Ride over the Loire Valley, from Amboise or Chenonceau

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 260 reviews · 3 to 4 hours (approx.) · from $308.51Our pick

Hot-air balloon over the Loire Valley from Amboise or Chenonceau with hotel pickup, champagne toast, and sunrise or sunset views.

“Do not hesitate! This was such a wonderful experience. I had initial trepidation but in the very experienced hands of Kevin and his team, I did not need to. To be travelling in the open air, so quiet & peaceful, gazing at beautiful scenery, it’s something I won’t forget and I’m so glad I did it! Thank you for a wonderful experience!”

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2.Hot Air Balloon Flight over the castle of Chenonceau / France

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 144 reviews · 3 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $277.05Top rated

Hot air balloon over Chateau de Chenonceau in the Loire, with Loire castle views, then wine and cheese tasting plus a flight certificate.

“We had a great experience! The company running this is a great group of people. They drove us to a different spot to takeoff based on the wind to make sure we would fly over the Chateau de Chenonceau. The men of each group all helped with the set up and take down of the balloon which was a cool process to see. The hot air balloon take off and landing were incredibly smooth, we were very impressed by the pilot. After the flight we shared a charcuterie meal in the field with the group which was lovely. Definitely a must do.”

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3.Provence Hot-Air Balloon Ride from Forcalquier

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 75 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $313.77

Float above Provence at sunrise from Forcalquier, with possible lavender views, small-group calm, and a toast des Aéronautes after landing.

“Excellent crew with immense skill in flying and entertainment. Made us feel comfortable from the start. Called us themselves a day before to confirm and shared details at every stage. The experience includes witnessing the inflation and deflation of the balloon (deflation process let’s the visitors become a part of the process which is an excellent touch and use of crowd effort). They end by a round of toast with high quality regional wine. Highly recommend! I would say the English guide is not as extensive as French but once you are up there, you just need to live the experience and don’t miss the guided tour.”

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4.Fontainebleau Forest Half Day Hot-Air Balloon Ride with Chateau de Fontainebleau

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 53 reviews · 3 to 4 hours (approx.) · from $313.77

Hot-air balloon over Fontainebleau, then a Château de Fontainebleau visit. Small group, English mobile tickets, champagne toast.

“Felt like a bird soaring. The most awesome experience, felt safe, and would definately do it again. We were celebrating our 32 wedding anniversary with this trip, and it was without the icing on the cake. The French countryside was so beautiful. Go ahead and do this trip, you won't regret it!”

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5.Amboise Hot-Air Balloon Sunset Ride over the Loire Valley

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 47 reviews · 3 hours · from $300

Loire Valley sunrise or sunset balloon ride with hotel pickup, 4x4 transfers, champagne toast, and Caves Plou tastings.

“The feeling of weightlessness kept us going up, up and away! The vineyards, waterways and fields opened up around and beneath us. People came out excitedly to wave.”

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6.Burgundy Hot-Air Balloon Ride from Beaune

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 35 reviews · 3 to 4 hours (approx.) · from $315.74

Float above Burgundy from Beaune, sip wine at Château de Pommard, toast with Champagne, and learn the region on a small 12-person ride.

“This tour was canceled because of the weather, but there was no attempt to reschedule and the tour company will not respond to any of my emails.”

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7.Loire Valley Hot-Air Balloon Ride

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 34 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $315.79

Fly over Loire vineyards in a 1-hour balloon from near Chenonceau, with Champagne on landing, transfers, and small group comfort.

“The tour was canceled the same day 6 hours more or less previous the experience. And the process for ask the refund wasn’t easy I still waiting an answer and obviously my refund.”

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8.Hot air ballooning: Chambord, Blois, Chenonceau, Cheverny or Chaumont

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 29 reviews · 3 hours 45 minutes (approx.) · from $275.12Best value

Hot air ballooning over Loire Valley with castle-side takeoffs, a one-hour flight above the treetops, and a celebratory landing.

“Exciting but with an expert ground crew and pilot made it easy even for the reluctant participant. At the mercy of the wind!”

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