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Loire Valley Hot Air Balloon - Paris Based - Day Trip possibility?

Posted by (Colorado) on

Hi All

We* will be arriving in Paris at the end of June via TGV from Barcelona and we'd like to see the chateaux of the Loire Valley from a Hot Air Balloon. I understand the launches are very early (6-8am) is or quite late (8-10pm), which complicates, I assume a day trip from Paris.

The first question is whether the route for the TGV route (from Barcelona to Paris) is such that we could stop off and stay overnight in the Loire Valley area, to facilitate the balloon ride, or if requires some public transport gymnastics?

The second question is whether the day trip from Paris is something someone has done and could share your experiences?

We intend to see some other "castles" elsewhere, so not so interested in the "on the ground" tour of the various chateaux. The highlight would be the balloon ride with amazing scenery.

Thanks in advance!

*We = 2 adults and 2 teens (13 and 17)

Posted by
566 posts

We took a hot air balloon ride in the evening but we were staying in Amboise. Keep in mind they are very weather dependent—rain, fog, temperature can all cause cancellations. Some companies only give rain checks, no refunds, so check the fine print carefully.

Posted by
137 posts

We didn't do any balloon trips, but there are also hot air balloon trips near Fontainebleau, much closer to Paris.

Posted by
761 posts

The balloon trips are at either sunrise or sunset, so I'm not sure about doing it as a day trip from Paris.

We've never taken one, but various of our clients have attempted. You can be unlucky and arrive for the trip and find the weather has soured. That would be annoying if you'd just done a 2 hour train trip

Posted by
341 posts

thanks for your feedback to date! Along the lines of what I expected. I did check the TGV route and it looks like we'd have to branch off, so really, the "best" approach is if we want to stay overnight in Amboise and have two attempts for flight before calling it. In that case, best to inquire with the balloon companies about how last minute reservations are handled.

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