Loire Valley: Hot-Air Balloon Ride with Champagne & Pickup

Summary

Drift over Loire castles at sunrise or sunset with local guides

You’ll float over the Loire Valley at sunrise or sunset with a local pilot guiding your way. Watch châteaux appear through mist, spot wildlife below, and share a glass of Champagne after landing. With hotel pickup from Amboise included, it’s a gentle adventure that leaves you quietly awestruck long after your feet touch down.

What’s the experience like?

I almost missed the hotel pickup because I couldn’t find my other shoe — classic me. The driver just grinned when I rushed out, hair still damp, and said in French-accented English, “No rush, sunrise waits for no one.” We drove through Amboise while the sky was still that soft blue-grey, and I kept thinking maybe this hot-air balloon ride would be too touristy. But then we got to the field and saw the balloon half-inflated like a sleeping giant, and suddenly it felt like something else entirely.

The pilot, Jean-Luc (he had a moustache that looked straight out of a Tintin comic), explained how the winds decide our path — no steering wheel up there. My hands smelled faintly of grass from helping hold the basket steady. When we lifted off, there was this hush except for the burner’s whoosh and a couple of birds yelling at each other below. The Loire River curled silver in the early light, and I spotted Château de Chenonceau poking through morning mist. Someone pointed out deer in an orchard; honestly, I almost dropped my phone trying to get a photo.

We drifted over vineyards and tiny villages where people waved up at us — one old man even tipped his hat (I waved back but probably looked ridiculous). The air up there is colder than you’d think, sharp on your cheeks but kind of clean-smelling too. Landing was bumpier than I expected; Jean-Luc laughed and called it “a French landing.” Afterward we all stood around in wet grass sipping Champagne (or grape juice for some), glasses clinking quietly while everyone tried to find words for what just happened. I still think about that silence above the châteaux — it’s hard to explain unless you’ve been up there yourself.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Hot-air balloon ride over Loire Valley

• Travel from Amboise hotel
• Take 3-hour hot-air balloon ride
• Admire panoramic Loire Valley views
• Watch sunrise or sunset
• Toast with Champagne on landing

Top questions

How long does the hot-air balloon ride last?

The entire experience takes about 3 hours including setup and landing.

Is hotel pickup included for this Loire Valley balloon tour?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included within 15km (9.3 miles) of Amboise.

Can children join this hot-air balloon flight?

Yes, children aged 6 and up can join if accompanied by an adult.

Is Champagne included after landing?

Yes, you’ll be offered a glass of Champagne or sparkling grape juice after landing.

Where does the balloon depart from?

The flight departs from fields near Château d’Amboise, Chenonceau or Chaumont-sur-Loire depending on wind conditions.

Are there any health restrictions?

This tour isn’t recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal injuries.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off within 15km of Amboise, a guided hot-air balloon flight over the Loire Valley’s châteaux and vineyards, plus a celebratory glass of Champagne or sparkling grape juice once you land—then you’re driven back to your hotel as things settle in.