Lude castle and the Loir valley by hot-air balloon
An hour above the Lude and the meanders of the Loir, carried by the wind, at first light.
An hour aloft over the Loir valley, the Loire's quieter neighbour. The balloon lifts off at first light, when the air is at its most stable, and follows the wind: the chateau du Lude and its terraced gardens, the meanders of the river, the farms and the poplar groves. There is no route, only a general direction; the pilot works the layers of air to steer the drift. That is the difference with a helicopter: you do not choose the track, you choose the moment.
Frequently asked questions
Is the flight guaranteed to go ahead?
No, and that is specific to ballooning: a balloon only lifts off in light wind and stable air. The decision rests with the pilot, usually the evening before or on the morning itself. The flight is then postponed to another date, never flown in poor conditions.
Where do you land?
Wherever the wind takes you: in a field, with the farmer's agreement, a few kilometres from the take-off point. A vehicle follows the balloon on the ground throughout and brings you back.
Is the price per person?
Yes, as for a shared panoramic flight. The basket is occupied by several passengers; taking it privately is arranged on request.
What time is take-off?
At daybreak or late afternoon. Those are the two moments when the air is calm enough to fly; the exact time is confirmed by the operator the day before.