How high do we fly ?
The advantage of a hot-air balloon over other aircraft is its ability to fly over the tree tops for a bird's eye view of a bird's eye, skim over the hairs of a shaft of wheat (one meter off the ground) or float up to a 1000 ft (the height of the Eiffel Tower) for a clear look around.

How long are the flights ?
Balloon flights are between one hour to one hour and fifteen minutes. However, the total excursion time is three and a half hours including : the excitement of the preparation, the amazement of the inflation, the splendor of the flight, the traditional bottle upon landing ( the most important part of the flight), the putting of the balloon back in its sack ( the most difficult task of all) and the return by minibus to the take-off site.

What is the temperature in the basket during the flight ?
Because the balloon floats along in the air mass that surrounds it there is no wind around the basket or its occupants. For example, if one were to light a candle while flying the flame would remain completely vertical ( one could, theoretically, enjoy a lovely candle lit flight around a great bottle of French wine and cheese - however, we don't allow candles on board. The cheese and wine is another story ! ) Then there is also the heat coming from the burners.But it is best to take along a light jacket or sweater for after the landing.

What will we see?
Everything ! One of the nicest features of a balloon is it's open basket. Everyone aboard has an unobstructed view of the villages, chateaux and countryside as they pass beneath their feet. Please keep in mind that the pilot can not steer his balloon but can only change altitude.

How do you steer a balloon ?
A balloon has neither a engine nor a rudder. The pilot can only change his direction by changing his altitude to look for variations in the wind directions. In the northern hemisphere the rule is "high right, low left" in layman's terms the wind direction turns to the right with altitude. However, an experienced pilot, the proverbial "salty dog" in sailing, what we call an "old burner" can go where he would like by working the balloon between different altitudes or by seeking out the smallest changes in direction at the bottom of a valley, over a small forest or lake, etc.. The ability to do this depends of course on the skill of the pilot.

Will I be air sick ?
No, once airborne the basket remains very stable. There is no swaying or movement of the basket whatsoever. Sometimes during the preparation, while the balloon is tied down before take off and there is a bit of wind on the ground, the basket will sway back and forth. As soon as the balloon lifts off this movement stops. Also, as when flying in an airplane, one never feels any sensation of vertigo. This sensation only occurs if there is a physical link to the ground such as when standing on a ladder or looking off a cliff or the Eiffel Tower.

How many passengers are there per basket ?
Our baskets are for 4,6,8 or 10 passengers.

How do I get to Moret sur Loing
If you do not have a car, you can easily access the meeting place by train from the Gare de Lyon and be picked up from the local train station and returned after the trip. Please not in high season sunset is late and misses the last train so you will need a privatetransfer to return or stay in Moret overnight and train back in the morning which would cost less.

How do I get to the Loire take off point
If you do are coming from Paris you will need to stay overnight. If you stay close to the take off point we can arrange for you to be picked up and dropped off back to your hotel. If you take a train to Tours it will take about an hour and from there you will need a taxi or private transfer to your hotel.

All Locations & Fully Refundable:
Adult : 265€ Child 6-12 : 165€

Flights are undertaken within the limitations of VFR (Visual Flight Rules, as defined by the regulations of the civil aviation authority - DGAC) and fully recognised by the civil aviation authority for the commercial transport of passengers by decree of December 2nd 1997.