Located in the region of New Aquitaine, the Dordogne is an attractive area with beautiful landscapes. Between limestone rocks and numerous rivers, you will have the impression of being immersed in a dreamy medieval era. But this is a reality, as these sites are home to a wealth of history linked to this period. With its numerous castles, medieval towns and the famous Lascaux cave, the Dordogne is a paradise for those who wish to combine history, culture and escape. That is why aerial activities are the perfect way to discover this sumptuous department. Taking off in a hot air balloon, you will be even more aware of the jewels in which it abounds. You will be seduced by this peaceful ride in the middle of nature. So, are you ready to live a unique moment in a hot air balloon? Let's go for it!

Where to take a hot air balloon ride in Dordogne?

• Castelnaud-la-Chapelle: Located 1 hour away from Brive-la-Gaillarde, this take-off point will allow you to make a flight in the discovery of the Périgord region. From the sky, you will discover the valleys of the castles, the most beautiful sites of the Périgord Noir such as Lascaux, the magical waterways or the French gardens. The hilly landscapes will offer you magnificent colors at sunrise and sunset. Contemplate the medieval architecture of the castle of Castelnaud, dating from the 12th century, or the castle of Fayrac, built around 1200. From here you will enjoy a breathtaking view of the Dordogne valley.

• Château de Commarque: simply the perfect place to start. You will have parking and a personal welcome from a member of the château's family. You will embark on a historical walk. As the wind blows, you will retrace the steps of time, passing through prehistory and the Middle Ages. From the sky, you will be able to see even more of these castles and the beauty of the Dordogne river that flows through the city. During the flight, how about enjoying your experience even more by tasting some local products?

• La Roque-Gageac: One hour from Bergerac, you will start in the confines of the department. Between rivers and cliffs, radiant sunshine and history, you won't know where to lay your eyes, as this trip will be exceptional! Visit and marvel at the famous castles of the Perigourdine valley. The Château de Commarque, the Château de Castelnaud or the Château de Beyrc will give you a taste of the heritage of the Périgord. You will fly to the Château de Beynac, located on the other side of the Dordogne river. You will fly over its 19th century French gardens, marked by a romantic era. In total privacy, you will go with the wind to contemplate the masterpieces of the French history.

• Sarlat-la-Canéda: 1 hour from Rocamadour, you can take a discovery walk in the heart of the Dordogne valley. Discover the castles of the valley of the six castles and their medieval footprint or admire the rocks and the preserved nature around the Dordogne river. This trip will leave you with unforgettable memories that will thrill you as you discover them - a privileged moment that you won't want it to end!

• Saint-Vincent-de-Cosse: Embark on an emblematic one-hour flight over the Dordogne valley. Discover the castles of Beyrac, Les Mirandes and Castelnaud, just 40 minutes from Périgueux and Brive la Gaillarde, the local heritage will leave you speechless!

• Hautefort: this town is a real treasure! One hour away from Rocamadour, you will fly over its magnificent castle, an 18th century manor house, its English-style park and its French-style gardens. It is a city that shines for its civil heritage thanks to all its monuments, each one more beautiful than the other. From the sky, you can also contemplate the abbey church of Tourtoirac, as well as the Dordogne river, which follows its course between rocks and steep cliffs. Simply magical!

• Domme: Located next to Lascaux and its famous prehistoric cave, you will take a balloon ride to discover the beautiful landscapes of this village and its surroundings. Only 50 minutes away from Rocamadour, you will have a panoramic view of the Causses National Park. Rocks, rivers and the Dordogne will leave you with stars in your eyes. Moreover, this take-off point is less than an hour away from the Padirac chasm, you know, the natural cavity of more than 100 meters deep!

What requirements are necessary to fly?

Everyone can participate in a balloon activity. It doesn't matter if you are with your children or with your grandparents, everyone can enjoy! The only thing you need is to be able to stand up. Moreover, there is no problem of vertigo once in the air, because nothing will hold the balloon to the ground. Our partners have different types of balloons for all occasions, from a basket with 2 or 3 passengers to 10 or 12!

Disabled people can also participate in this activity thanks to the gondolas equipped for this purpose!

When is the best season to take a hot air balloon trip in Dordogne?

Our partners welcome you all year round to offer you magical sensations in a hot air balloon. Depending on the time of year, morning departures will be from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. and in the evening from 2:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Whether in January, October or May, each flight will be unique and will offer you unique sensations and landscapes. Between the morning mist or the evening sunset, the leaves of all colors in autumn or the smell of hay in summer, you will inevitably be won over.

As the weather conditions are extremely important, your pilot reserves the right to postpone or cancel your activity if he has the slightest doubt about the safety of the flight. Otherwise, they will advise you to dress in comfortable clothes in which you will feel comfortable to make the most of the flight. Sports shoes will be a plus. The temperatures at this altitude being similar to those on the ground, you will not need to dress more.

To whom can I give this experience?

With this aerial leisure activity, you are sure to please your loved ones! All occasions are good to fly, but here are some of those suggested by our centers:

- For the little ones, they will suggest you special flight for children from 7 to 11 years old, so they can feel like grown-ups while discovering the beautiful landscapes of the region!

- For history lovers, choose the heritage option with a tour that will take you through the most emblematic sites of the Dordogne: castles, cliffs and exquisite villages, nothing will be left unseen!

- For those who want to enjoy a moment of intimacy with their partner, an exclusive flight will allow you to enjoy your time in total tranquility, enjoying a bottle of champagne and local products with your loved one!

- If you want to enjoy your flight to the fullest, choose an option where you fly alone with your pilot. He will show you the most beautiful spots of the Dordogne while you taste good local products.

How long does a flight take?

A flight can last between 1 and 3 hours. It will depend on the proposed formula. However, our collaborators will ask you to arrive at least 1 hour before the start of the flight to go to the takeoff point and participate in the inflation of the balloon. It is a magical moment, rich in conviviality, during which you will learn more about this activity that fascinates all our monitors! In total, a one-hour flight, will take a duration of 3 hours in situ.

In the middle of nature, this flight in which several fabulous emotions are mixed in the skies of the region will leave you shocked! You will be delighted with this unique experience.