Frequently Asqued Questions
What will be the route?
We favour flying over the most beautiful sites of the Loire Valley, Cher and Indre, and in particular the castles of Amboise, Chenonceau and Chaumont-sur-Loire. Without forgetting the natural landscapes, vineyards and forests of Touraine. It is not uncommon for our pilots to be on first-name terms with the canopy or to touch the surface of the ground! A leaf picked from the treetops is a precious souvenir for many of our passengers.
A hot-air balloon flies on the sandstone of the wind, the pilot controls the altitude to influence the trajectory; however, he doesn't do what he wants and each flight is different. As a result, the sites flown over are given as an indication and are not guaranteed. The wind will guide your trip.
When can we fly?
Balloon flights take place from April 1st to October 30th. Out of season, it is still possible to fly but only in private gondola.
What is the best time of day to fly?
At dawn or at the end of the day, when the air is cool and the winds are stable. Hot-air balloons do not fly during the central hours of the day because of thermal currents and turbulence caused by the sun and clouds.
To confirm the flight, passengers must contact us by phone the day before from 6:00 pm to 6:30 pm for the next morning flight or the same day from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm for the evening flight.
What are the take-off sites?
They are located near the castles of Amboise, Chenonceau and Chaumont-sur-Loire. We can also take off from your home or a place dear to you if the terrain is clear of any obstacles.
How high can we fly?
1000 metres and more - although this varies from area to area and depends on airspace restrictions. Every flight is unique!
How many people can fit in the basket?
Pour que nos vols restent conviviaux et vos sensations plus intenses, nous mettons à votre disposition des ballons à taille humaine De tailles différentes, nos montgolfières peuvent embarquer de 2 à 12 passagers.
How long is the flight ?
A flight generally lasts one hour, however this duration can vary (between 30 minutes and 1h30) because the pilot may have to shorten or extend his flight depending on the conditions and the environment he encounters (obstacles, forests, weather conditions). The total duration of the service is about 3 hours.
Is it cold during a flight? What should I wear?
No, the temperature in the balloon is approximately the same as the temperature on the ground. During winter flights, the burner plays a heating role. A suitable and seasonal outfit for a walk in the countryside is perfectly suitable (closed walking or sports shoes, clothing made of cotton or natural fibres, a hat if the air is cool or a cap to protect you from the radiation from the burner, a sweater for after the flight).
Do you feel dizzy in a hot-air balloon?
No. To feel the sensation of vertigo you have to have a direct connection to the ground. Without this link, vertigo doesn't exist!
Is it necessary to be in good physical condition to fly ?
You don't have to be a great sportsman to fly. You have to be able to stand up for an hour, and get in and out of the basket on your own. If you have any doubts about your physical condition, we invite you to consult your doctor. Pregnant women are not accepted in our balloons.
Who can get on board?
Ballooning is for young and old! Children are accepted from 6 years old. There is no age limit, you just have to be able to get in and out of the basket on your own.
What to wear during the flight?
We recommend that you wear a seasonal outfit, suitable for a walk in the countryside. Prefer cotton clothes to synthetic clothes and closed shoes without heels. You can also bring a hat or cap to protect yourself from the radiation from the burner and a sweater for after the flight.
Can you steer a hot air balloon?
No, a hot air balloon doesn't fly, it flies on the sandstone of the wind. However, the pilot can play with the currents by changing altitude. Lighter than air, the balloon rises when the pilot heats the air inside the envelope. He can thus find a wind that interests him by going up or down a few tens of meters. The horizontal trajectory is controlled by the winds. Depending on the altitude, the direction of the winds changes, thus influencing the trajectory of the balloon.
If the weather is good, are we sure to fly?
Only the wind is decisive in the pilot's decision to fly. If the wind is too strong, even in good weather, the flight cannot take place.
What are the limits for flying?
The wind must be less than 20 km/h on the ground and not "gusty". It must not rain and it is forbidden to fly in stormy weather.
Do I need a license to fly a hot air balloon ?
Yes, you must obtain a hot-air balloon pilot's license issued by the Direction Générale de l'Aviation Civile.
What happens if the robbery can't take place? Is my ticket refundable?
In the event that the flight is cancelled for weather or safety reasons, a new date will be set according to your availability and flight schedules. If a new flight attempt cannot be scheduled, you may request a refund of the tickets for a handling fee of €20 per ticket. The request for reimbursement must be made in writing. A gift ticket is not refundable but can be passed on to the person of your choice.
How do I book my flight?
To book your flight, simply choose the ticket that suits you on the page <Nos Vols>and follow the instructions. Upon receipt of your payment, we will send you your tickets.
Can I offer a balloon flight ?
Yes! Offering a balloon flight is a wonderful gift that will surely leave a lasting impression on its lucky recipient. It is an original gift for a relative, a friend, a birthday, Christmas, a retirement, a special event...
And if I have any other questions?
Do not hesitate to contact us by phone at + 33 (0)2 47 23 99 63 (price of a local call) or by email at contact@balloonrevolution.com
