Perigord Dordogne Hot air balloons Hot air ballooning trips in Castelnaud la Chapelle

Traveller Reviews Google Perigord Dordogne Hot air balloons

4.9 sur 5 549 reviews

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  4 sur 5 Reviews posted by Tedd Saunders on 06/10/2024

  The experience of being in the air was exceptional. We were lucky and had a picture perfect day. The view of chateaus, the river, farms and the many historic houses makes it a fantastic place to go hot air ballooning. It is expensive but very memorable. That said here are a couple of things that could have made it even better. When we arrived at the meeting spot there were a bunch of people there. Some other guests and a bunch of the hot air balloon team. I asked where Thibault (the owner who I talked on the phone with) was so we could check in. He was standing with a group of his staff. I approached and asked where Thibault was - expecting to get a nice warm welcome. Instead he said, I am Thibault, you need to go over there to check in. I am in the hospitality business for 35 years. That’s not the welcome the owner of the company should give (not a good example for his employees either). We went to the area where he suggested and there was a lovely and sweet young woman there named Pia. She welcomed us with a big smile and took our payment. We then learned we would be in group not by ourselves. No big deal but it was never made clear to us. We went to the area with a group of 6 others were standing and Maria the pilot gave us safety instructions. She was very nice and spoke perfect French, English and Russian. She heard my wife speaking Russian on the phone as she approached the group and greeted her in Russian. We drove to a field around the corner. Seeing them methodically fill up the balloons was fantastic and the anticipation was exciting. One improvement would be to have the various people introduce themselves and where they are from, maybe a conversation starter like what are is a favorite activity you most enjoy…. That way you would feel slightly connected during the hour you are all standing next to each other on the balloon ride. It would enrich the experience - which benefits the guests and the way they feel about the company. We climbed aboard and gently took off. My wife is not good with heights but she felt safe and had a great time. Our son was excited but got a little board after the first 30 minutes. We drifted for a good long time as Maria expertly guided us gently up and down to catch various breezes that took the balloon precisely where she wanted to go. She gave just the right amount of commentary, pointing out various chateaus etc as we floated along. The stunning views and feeling of floating were exceptional. We landed in a large field, helped the team deflate the balloon slowly and roll up into its container and onto the truck. It was fun to help but definitely not mandatory. A cool part of the experience. Afterwards Pia invited us to have sparkling cider, apple juice and fresh walnuts. It was a nice touch. We got into the vans and were taken back 20 minutes to our car. We highly recommend the experience. We would give it a 4.5 but only 4 OR 5 are options on this site.

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  5 sur 5 Reviews posted by Chris H on 09/08/2024

  Amazing experience both low and high over the beautiful Dordogne valley. Was really interesting to be part of the whole ride, from unpacking and inflating the balloon, the ride itself and landing/packing up. Was about 3 hours in all and we opted for the picnic breakfast with the crew by the Dordogne river after the flight. Package included photos taken by the team of the flight. Marcus (pilot) and Gaylord (ground crew) were really welcoming and made the whole experience feel friendly, professional and safe at all times. Can't recommend enough.

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  5 sur 5 Reviews posted by Emma Pesce on 19/09/2024

  Such an amazing experience floating in the sky over the beautiful Dordogne valley. Montgolfière are very professional and friendly. We definitely recommend the team.