Thinking about making the investment into a hot air balloon ride in Loire Valley. Two questions: 1) Is it worth it? 2) I have a 2 and 5 year old. Are they old enough to go on the hot air balloon?
Posted by
Seattle, WA, USA
1068 posts
Worth it is relative, and bear in mind that these rides are PRICEY. I don't think they would be worth it if you have to pay full fare for your kids. They won't be able to see over the edge of the gondola, for one thing. And likely won't remember a thing - especially the younger one. Prices these days are something like 200Euros a person. Yikes!
Posted by
Pensacola
9110 posts
Balloons are a hoot. I've had a ticket for decades. Speaking only of the one I owned and the similar ones I've flown, a five-year old probably couldn't see out and a squirmy two-year old sitting on your arm could be catastrophic. The edge of the basket/gondola is right about at belt-level. I've no idea what's allowed. The Loire Valley is probably as good a place as any to give it a try. How people spend money is not for me to judge. I've no idea what the cost is. I'm betting, however, that it would choke two full days of our normal travel expenses - which ain't ever going to happen.
Posted by
Los Angeles
1825 posts
The 2 and 5 year olds would probably have more fun with a helium balloon, on a string, at home.
Posted by
New York, NY, USA
11294 posts
Do you know if your children have any fear of heights? If you don't, you may find out the hard way. Be sure, before you consider taking them up in a balloon.
Posted by
Los Angeles
1825 posts
I'm guessing this idea hasn't been floated past their mother. Then again I question if this is even a sincere question or if Rich is just full of hot air.
Posted by
OP
Salt Lake City, UT, USA
5 posts
Okay Okay Okay. I need to give a little more context to my question. Our 2 and 5 (actually 3 and 5 - dad is having a hard time keeping up with birthdays...) years olds are the youngest of five. We also have a 13, 11 and 8 year old that I think would absolutely treasure this experience. That said, I'm trying to avoid having the family split up for half the day, but that is an option. I know even entertaining the idea of the little guys in the balloon is a stretch and alot of $$$, but am interested to know if it's even an option rules wise. So let me re-structure the question: Where are the best destinations in the Loire for an adventurous family with young kids?
Posted by
Los Angeles
1825 posts
For an adventurous family with young kids...I'd skip the Loire and keep going South to the Dordogne. There are cool Medieval castles, caves, nature, canoeing, balloon rides, Renaissance villages....... You see family's with RV's all over the place and it is a vacation destination for many of the French in summer time.