We are planning a two day trip to the Loire Valley (staying in Amboise) and plan to visit Chambord, Chenonceau and Cheverny while there. It will also be my husband's birthday and I saw that the RS France guide said that a hot air balloon trip was worthwhile. I looked into it as a surprise, but am wondering if anyone' been and whether it is worth the expense (really expensive: 165 euro per person was the cheapest I found) and time (3-4 hours). Has anyone done this? If so, what was your experience and would you recommend it? Also, has anyone had a really great restaurant experience in the area? Thanks for your help!
Posted by
Ontario, Canada
5436 posts
Can't answer your balloon question, although we saw many of them during our stay last fall.
Dining is very good in and around Amboise. There is a Michelin star restaurant at Chateau de Pray just a couple of kms outside the town (reservation required). In town we had very nice (and much less expensive) dinners at Chez Bruno's and Le Patio.
Posted by
BC Canada
129 posts
Watched them floating over the hills and chateaus while sitting by the river in Amboise. I regret not taking part in it and suggest it would be money well spent, creating a birthday memory for the ages!
Posted by
Chattanooga, TN USA
589 posts
Laura,
Yes we did this in May, 2017 with Aerocom Montgolfieres http://www.aerocom.fr/.
Like you I really debated over doing it because of the price. It was the highlight of our trip! I chose this company for their money back policy if the weather is bad. The day before our scheduled flight they contacted us that the weather looked iffy for our departure and offered us space on an evening flight that day. The scenery at dusk was spectacular and watching the sun go down was magical! Because of fog we ended up on the only flight that was able to go that week. I would go again in a heartbeat.
Posted by
189 posts
We took our grandson to France in 2015. He and a friend took a balloon ride along the Dordogne. They really enjoyed it. Floated right over the gite we were renting. Almost skimming over the river. Highly recommended.
Posted by
OP
18 posts
Thank you all for your responses! I think We’ll look into going (especially with the company which will return your money if the weather doesn’t cooperate). Again, thanks!