Every year, the international hot air balloon gathering colours the sky of Velay, departing from the emblematic monuments of Haute-Loire. Hot air balloon enthusiasts and lovers of breathtaking landscapes have a date at the large hot air balloon gathering that has become a must in the region. Multiple balloons and crews come from all over the world!
A UNIQUE AERIAL BALLET
It's a great love story between Velay and its hot air balloons. The adventure began in November 1983, on the occasion of the bicentenary of the first human flight in a balloon. Since then, every year, the event has been a dream come true!
The international gathering, organized by the association “Montgolfière en Velay”, is an annual event that is now unmissable and which brings together around forty crews from all over the world who discover our wonderful wild landscapes. The Velay sky is then for a few days, stained with these giant multi-colored balloons, moving nonchalantly with the wind in a majestic broom, to the delight of young and old alike.
First flights and training flights are also offered subject to good weather conditions: discovery of the Fortress of Polignac or Saint-Vidal, the castle of Lavoûte-sur-Loire or the Lac du Bouchet, the riches of the Loire Valley, the Allier, or the castle of Arlempdes…
A bit of history
hot air balloons
The month of November 1783 was marked by the first flight of humanity. Pilâtre de Rozier and the Marquis d'Arlandes (Arlempdes) accomplished the first flight and thus became the first two aeronauts in history. Since 1, the bicentenary of the first historic flight, this anniversary has been celebrated in Puy-en-Velay during this important international gathering.
This meeting is traditionally the last of the year. The crews meet in Haute-Loire to close their aerostatic season.
Practical details
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