Soaring above Provence: The magic of a hot air balloon ride

A hot air balloon ride is pure magic, anywhere in the world. Provence makes the experience even more poetic, as the flight offers an unparalleled vantage point over Provence. As you ascend, the rolling vineyards, lavender fields, and medieval villages transform into a breathtaking patchwork quilt of colors and textures. This bird’s-eye view provides a perspective that no other form of travel can match.

Hot air balloons operate on a simple principle: hot air rises. When the burner heats the air inside the envelope, the air becomes less dense than the cooler air outside, creating lift. The pilot can control the ascent and descent by adjusting the burner flame to heat the air or allow it to cool.

The tranquility of ballooning is a major part of its allure. Without the noise of engines, you drift silently above the landscape, only occasionally interrupted by the whoosh of the burner. This peacefulness allows for a deep connection with the environment, making the experience meditative and profoundly relaxing.

Provence itself is a place of exceptional beauty, with its sun-drenched landscapes, historic architecture, and vibrant flora. From above, the region’s charm is magnified. Imagine floating over the ochre cliffs of Roussillon, fields of lavender, the ancient Roman aqueduct of Pont du Gard, or the shimmering waters of the Mediterranean coast. Each sight is a reminder of the rich history and natural beauty that define Provence.

We flew with Vol Terre Montgolfiére, leaving from beautiful Roussillon in the Luberon Valley of Provence. It was sublime.