Montgolfière is the name of the first hot-air balloon, presented in 1783 by its inventors, the two Montgolfier brothers. Even today you can marvel at the brothers’ ideas and numerous interesting exhibits in the Canson & Montgolfier Paper Museum in Annonay.
Every year in June, by the way, the two brothers are commemorated in Annonay with an intoxicating festival with splendid costumes and countless colourful hot-air balloons. Anyone who can choose when to travel to the Ardèche should therefore visit the region in June.
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The dream of flying – in the French Ardèche it comes true
The rue Boissy-d’Anglas in Annonay is one of the first addresses when you decide on a hot-air balloon flight in the Ardèche. You go to the take-off point in an off-road vehicle, and this jeep ride is already a real experience. The balloon is transported at the same time on the trailer, before the trained organisers make it ready to fly. The flame, about six metres high, seems particularly impressive, but the tiny basket and the more than 180 kilograms of fabric also make the holidaymaker truly marvel. Then it is a matter of taking your place and steering leisurely towards the sky. For the first few minutes you will still hover briefly above the ground and have the chance to take in the breathtaking panorama of the Ardèche, before rising to a height of about 1,000 to 1,500 metres. Far from the stress of everyday life, you experience so high above the earth an astonishing calm that has no equal.
This spectacular experience, the impressive ride in a hot-air balloon over the largest town in the Ardèche, is offered all year round. In adverse weather conditions such a flight is of course not possible. Depending on the type of balloon and the flight duration, such a flight costs between 140 and 200 euros per person. Up to six people fit in the gondola and can look down from above on the dreamlike panorama of the Ardèche.
The Ardèche, the wild south of France
The landmark of the region, which lies about 200 kilometres from the coast, is the approximately 35-kilometre-long Ardèche Gorge, crossed by several dangerous rapids. The gorge is one of the most impressive canyons in all of France and attracts millions of tourists every year. It is mainly sports-loving tourists who are drawn to this region, known as the most beautiful kayak and canoe area in Europe. From above the gorge looks all the more impressive – a ride in one of the Montgolfières is a unique opportunity to discover it.