Lyon, a metropolis located between the mountains and the sea, and characterized by its mix of modernity and history, is a perfect destination to escape. Do you want to live an extraordinary experience that will leave you with lifelong memories of this beautiful city in the Rhone department? Do you like to observe nature and your surroundings? A hot air balloon flight is ideal for that. This high-altitude activity will be even more magical in an incredible setting around the capital of the Gauls. Come and escape for an exceptional moment aboard a gondola.

The current regulations on aerial flights in the Lyon area do not allow tourist flights. That's why we offer you the closest alternatives that will surely seduce you.

Where to ride a hot air balloon near Lyon?

• Montrond-les-Bains: Located on the border of the departments of Loire and Rhône, you will depart from this wonderful thermal station to explore the surroundings. One hour from Lyon, you can admire the medieval fortress of Montrond-les-Bains, built on a rocky spur.

• Frontennes: A little more than 30 minutes from Lyon, you will discover breathtaking landscapes during this hot-air balloon flight over the Beaujolais. You will be able to admire the massif of the Monts du Lyonnais and immense wine-growing domains. You will be immersed in the cultural and natural heritage of the region.

• Bagnols: This is a cultural balloon ride par excellence. You will explore the Beaujolais domains, the magnificent rivers of the Rhone and the high mountain landscapes in the distance. A moment of intense relaxation and peacefulness. This flight is for all those who want to spend a moment of disconnection, all just 40 minutes from the city of lights.

• Marlieux: this hot air ballooning spot is perfect to discover a wide variety of landscapes less than 50 minutes from Lyon. You will be able to see the highest peak in Europe, Mont Blanc, to the east, and the Mâcon region to the north. In addition, in the surroundings of this commune, you will also find several ponds, including the Étang des Vavres, or the Étang la Denière, etc. Simply magical!

• Brindas: 30 minutes west of Lyon, you will fly over the local territory while distinguishing the Auvergne landscape on the horizon. The magnificent panorama of the Livradois-Forez Regional National Park is a sight to behold. Te green of trees will transport you to the heart of nature.

What requirements are necessary to fly?

Ballooning clubs in the Lyon region do not have any particular age regulations. Anyone can get on board as long as they can stand upright. The youngest must be at least eight years old in Marlieux and seven in the other take-off zones. In Bagnols, age doesn’t matter if the child is at least 1.10 m tall. They must be accompanied by an adult. Balloon flights can accommodate between 4 and 10 people, depending on the size of the basket.

Who can I give a flight as a gift?

There are many good reasons to give a hot air balloon flight as a gift. A moment of relaxation in the heights, not an activity with extreme feelings, which will delight young and old. Whether it’s for a birthday, a marriage proposal, Valentine's Day or even a retirement, our staff will be able to adapt to your wishes. For example, you can even privatize the balloon to spend a VIP moment with your partner. Charcuterie, champagne or Beaujolais wines, a souvenir video... everything is possible!

When is the best season to go on a trip?

All seasons are good to go on a balloon Ride. It's more about the weather conditions. It is necessary to have fresh wind on the ground to be able to take off properly. That's why our staff will offer you a flight at sunrise or sunset. This will make the moment even more magical thanks to the colors that cover the exceptional landscape surrounding Lyon. They will offer you the excursion all year round, to guarantee you each time a unique moment and a unique feeling.

It is therefore recommended to dress according to the outside temperatures. And don't forget that the balloon will provide you with a pleasant source of warmth in winter. Some gloves and a good coat will be perfect to enjoy the moment.

Whether you are a local or on vacation, young or old, this experience will surely seduce you thanks to the feelings it will give you. Whether it is for the beauty of the Lyon landscapes or for the feeling of freedom that the altitude will give you, you will come back to earth with a rewarding feeling that you won’t forget!