This was amazing! To take off in the centre of Chinon, to fly above the castle and the town...

This was amazing! To take off in the centre of Chinon, to fly above the castle and the town, then follow along the river Vienne. Green and yellow fields, beautiful surroundings, vineyards, nice company, professional pilot, friendly team – this is more than I could imagine. Finally, my dream came true!

The flight was followed by a ceremony full of fun and historical information. We got Flight certificates and title names. So now I am Duchess from Touraine. I am famous and rich…

Thank you very much for all the great experience I got. I wish everyone to try a hot air balloon flight in Loire Valley!


                                                                                                      Janet Whiteman, USA


We flew over the city of Cardinal Richelieu

We flew over the city of Cardinal Richelieu, saw the beautiful architecture of the “ideal city” from the sky. It’s pity the castle of Richelieu did not remain. Pilot told us the stones of the castle were taken away by local people in order to build their own houses. But the city itself is so beautiful, so different. And surely to see it from a hot air balloon is something extraordinary.

We saw two other pretty chateaus (castles) on our way by hot air balloon. My husband made many photos. He never goes out without a camera. I prefer better to see everything by myself, not through the small window of the camera. Anyway, now we have both: our nice memories and the pictures.

                                                                                                        Jian Wang, China



I did never think I will fly 

I did never think I will fly in a balloon. But I flew. This was by accident. They suggested me to try a hot air balloon ride in a tourist office of Azay-le-Rideau. And I agreed.

Now I don’t understand why I didn’t try balloon flight earlier. It’s nothing to compare with any plane, glider, paraglider or something else. I have visited many countries and experienced many adventures. But balloon flight experience was totally different and new. No noise, no engines, no turbulence… Just quietly and romance…

I though I already know by heart the small city I spent several days. But no, it’s quite different from above. I hardly could recognize the castle and the streets I was walking yesterday, the restaurant and even my hotel…

It’s a new view, a new feeling, new experience…

                                                                                                          Paul Sekai, South Africa